Spotlight on Orange Spice Natural Soap:
I will be doing a "Spotlight Soap" -hopefully weekly, to help my readers become more familiar with the different varieties of natural soap that I make, while educating them with regard to the specific "skin benefits" of the soap's primary ingredients.
So, without further ado, this week's "Spotlight Soap": Orange Spice Natural Soap
[caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Orange Spice Natural Soap by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]Description: An oatmeal and clove-flecked orange soap, (colored with Moroccan Red Clay) fragranced with sweet orange and May Chang (a.k.a. litsea cubeba) essential oils sits atop a cream soap fragranced with an exotic blend of cinnamon & sweet fennel essential oils. Rich with cocoa, shea and mango butters, it's a perfect blend of exfoliation and moisturization!
Saponified Olive Oil -saponified means that this oil has been transformed into soap, and olive oil is prized for it's moisturizing and nourishing properties. Pomace Olive Oil in particular (the kind I use) is high in "unsaponifiables": fatty acids which are not turned into soap, but rather remain in the final bar to moisturize skin.
Saponified Coconut Oil -makes for a wonderful bubbly lather. Used in proper proportions, coconut oil is moisturizing and contributes to bar hardness (making soap that lasts longer).
Saponified Palm Oil -great for creating mild soap that cleans gently. This oil also contributes to the hardness of the bar.
Shea Butter (unrefined) - Who hasn't heard of how moisturizing shea butter is? It is also non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), rich in vitamin E (said to help with eczema and dermatitis) and has a high percentage of "healing fractions" to help nourish and heal the skin.
Mango Butter (unrefined) - Also high in healing unsaponifiables, mango butter is said to help with the dryness that is associated with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis & wrinkles.
Cocoa Butter (unrefined) - rich in antioxidants, cocoa butter also helps the skin retain moisture. Helps to smooth rough, dry skin.
Oatmeal (finely ground) -acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, oatmeal is also said to be soothing, anti-inflammatory, and useful in reducing dryness.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil - said to be anti-depressant, anti-septic, aphrodisiac, calming, and helpful in treating acne and dermatitis....plus is smells yummy!
Sweet Fennel Oil -wondefully aromatic oil that is also thought to bring courage and strength....hmmmm. We like it mostly for it's smell!
Cinnamon Essential Oil -Again, we love it's warm & spicy scent, but this oil is also said to be very restorative and helpful in promoting feelings of well-being. (Note: Cinnamon EO can be too much for those with sensitive skins -if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to try our Lavender-Lavender Natural Soap, or one of our Fragrance Free Natural Soaps!)
Honey - A wonderful ingredient that acts as a natural humectant -holding moisture next to the skin. Also acts as a natural preservative to keep soap fresh!
Moroccan Red Clay - Originally chosen for it's lovely color, this natural clay also draws impurities from the skin, promotes circulation, and is used in many exclusive spas throughout the world!
Not bad for a bar of soap, eh? I'm offering Orange Spice Soap at a special sale price this week -while supplies last: $5.25! Get 'em before they're gone!
