Buck Ridge Soap Company Encyclopedia of Ingredients

 

Buck Ridge Soap Company makes our soaps with top quality ingredients, we use organic when we can, and we only use the best base oils and phthalate free essential oils and fragrance oils in our products. If we wouldn’t put it on OUR skin, it certainly won’t go on yours!

Soap is made in batches and takes about six weeks to cure and reach the proper pH level to be sold. If something is marked sold out it will be back as soon as it finishes curing!

All other products are made at the time of order for the freshest product that hasn't been sitting on a shelf collecting dust for weeks or months. 

Because of this, occasionally it may take a few extra business days to complete an order if we are experiencing higher than normal order volume. 

Everything you might want to know about our ingredients

Why must soap be made with lye? 

There is no soap on earth that does not contain lye (sodium hydroxide) but having said that, there is no lye in our soap.

Wait. What?

That is because the lye is chemically changed during the saponification process so there is no lye left in our finished soap it basically 'cooks off'. The chemical reaction of lye and oil changes the lye into soap and glycerin. All soap is made with lye otherwise it is detergent and that is chocked full of chemicals and unnatural products. Hit our About Us page for more details on that if you are interested. 

Lye traditionally was made from wood ash or potash so it does have a ‘natural’ base though these days it is made using a membrane cell (to filter) during a chloaralki process which is an industrial process for the electrolysis of sodium chloride. Industrial scale production began in 1892 so the world has been using this process to make lye for more than 120 years.

Palm Oil, isn't that bad for orangutans or something?

Some unethically harvested palm oil certainly is bad for the environment and for animals such as orangutans and others that live among palm forests, however, our palm oil is not only organic but it is certified responsibly and sustainably sourced. Our palm oil comes from a certified RSPO supplier so no habitat is being destroyed and no animals at risk due to the collection or processing of our palm oil. We are adamant about that when sourcing for our products. Yes, it is more expensive but it is important to us and our customers.

Goat Milk is just...goat milk, right?

Technically yes, goat milk is goat milk but we get ours from a small family farm and not a factory farm. While we don't make a lot of varieties of goat milk soap as most of ours are vegan, the ones we do make are made with only locally sourced goat milk from goats that are quite literally treated as pets. We feel it makes a huge difference in the milk quality as it comes from happy, well treated animals (plus it just makes us feel better to use milk from goats 'we've met'.)

Locally sourced honey and beeswax

Most of our soaps are vegan but we do do use honey or beeswax in some of our soaps and beeswax especially in our lotion bars and beard balms. All of our bee products come from locally sourced small farms here in Arkansas. These insects are healthy and an important part of our agricultural ecosystem. Bees and their products that they naturally manufacture provide us humans with not only honey but pollenate our food crops as well. These particular providers are small family owned bee farms. 

Shea Butter, is there a difference between types?

Shea butter comes in varieties of raw, refined and ultra refined. We choose to use ultra refined because it is of a more consistent quality and color with no scent to compete with our fragrance or essential oils. Shea butter contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins that make it an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties the refining process is a natural refinement process and does not remove these benefits. Using shea butter on your body and face can condition, tone, and soothe your skin. Even our beard balms incorporate shea butter in their blends as well as in many of our soaps. It is a highly moisturizing natural product and can help your skin heal faster due to a high vitamin K concentration, making a shea butter containing lotion bar, balm or soap great for when you get a bit too much sun too so we also use it in our sun and insect repellent balms. 

Shea butter has high levels of natural oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids. These acids are an effective ingredient to combat oxidative stress, which is the effect the environmental toxins have on your skin cells. This helps your skin to have a healthy turnover of new cells, and also supports the structure and tightness of your skin.

Shea butter is an incredibly low risk topical ingredient. Allergic reactions to shea butter are rare. Even people who are allergic to tree nuts, the family that shea nuts belong to, have a generally low risk of reaction to shea butter.

Coco Butter 

We use a deodorized cocoa butter so that the chocolate scent doesn't interfere with our fragrance and essential oils in our products. Cocoa Butter when used topically, melts at body temperature and works to naturally soothe dry, sensitive skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of scars and unwanted marks. It is believed to have photo-protective properties that protect against harmful UV radiation. We use it in combination with shea butter and coconut oil in many of our products. 

Our Base Oils

Buck Ridge Soap Company uses a variety of base oils in our products including the previously mentioned sustainable palm oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, Abyssinian oil, Argan oil, jojoba oil, hemp oil, safflower oil and soybean oil. Each of these oils may appear in a product depending on the type of lather or moisturizing we are trying to achieve with the product. Castor oil for example is not used in all of our soaps but you will find it in some of our shampoo bars and in all of our beard oils because of it being a great oil for healthy hair growth. 

Our olive, sunflower, safflower, grape seed and coconut oils are all commercially available food grade oils. So you likely would recognize the brands we use as something you used to cook your dinner in last night! How’s that for a safe base?

Natural Herbs and Powders

Many of our soaps contain natural herbs, spices and powders which provide many different benefits, some provide natural colors at the same time as offering their innate natural benefits like turmeric powder which not only is used as a natural colorant in some of our soaps but also offers healthy anti-inflammatory qualities when used on the skin.

Turmeric powder contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. These characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow.

Activated Charcoal is used to treat oily or acne-prone skin, activated charcoal may also be used to help treat cellulite and body odor.

Peppermint Leaf helps tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity. Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin. 

Oatmeal can soak up the excess oil on your skin and help treat acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat dry skin and remove deadskin cells. Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers. They remove the dirt and oil that clog the pores and exfoliate the skin. We also use it as an exfoliant.

Lavender Powder and Buds help to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and oily skin. It is also a great way to soothe irritated skin. The buds are also great for exfoliation.

Bentonite Clay works great to help with ‘slip’ for shaving and Bentonite clay helps to remove toxins from your pores, allows skin to heal and reduces inflammation. Bentonite clay helps in the lightening of acne marks on the face and helps to fade scars and stretch marks. You'll often find it in our bars that are labeled as shaving soaps. 

Kaolin Clay is another great product to create ‘slip’ for shaving, Kaolin clay is also a natural gentle exfoliator. As a gentle cleanser, kaolin removes the impurities and dirt from the skin without drying it or causing any redness or irritation.

Calendula Petals have anti-inflammatory properties and are often used in medicinal preparations to cure rashes, sunburns, minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other mild skin irritations. It is why we use them in our aloe soap. 

There are many more ingredients such as French clay, rosemary powder, parsley powder, pumice, ground cinnamon, lemon peel, strawberry seeds and more that we may incorporate into various soaps and all for various reasons. 

Natural Colors

Buck Ridge Soap Company is committed to providing as natural a product as possible and this includes coloring our soaps. Unfortunately, some natural occurring colors in nature have become contaminated by pollution and since the 1970s the iron oxides and micas that would occur in nature naturally are now lab made to remove pollutants and toxins.

In the United States, only synthetic iron oxides and lab refined micas are approved for cosmetic use. There is just no getting around it as you wouldn’t want to use colorants that can be contaminated with arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium which is what has contaminated naturally mined iron oxides and micas.

That said, when we can, we often use other ways to color our soaps such as parsley powder, madder root, activated charcoal, spirulina (seaweed) powder, turmeric powder, curry powder, kaolin clay, green tea, natural pigments, annatto seed, beet root, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, chocolate in the form of cocoa powder, ground coffee or even brewed coffee, kelp, various natural clays, rose hips, vanilla, saffron, sage, sandalwood powder, spinach and wheat grass.

You may find one or a mix of several of the above natural colors in our soaps.

You may also find FDA approved ‘lab’ colors in some of our soaps, these are used in very small amounts (4 tiny drops to 2.5 pounds of soap for example) and are extremely safe and non-toxic. These colors are not used often in our soaps and we don’t stock them in large amounts. We also use FDA approved cosmetic grade mica in some soaps that have more decorative swirls or stripes in them such as our Lemon and Green Tea Fusion soap that has a veritable rainbow of color stripes and swirls. 

Essential Oils

At Buck Ridge Soap Company we only use natural essential oils that are phthalate free. Essential oils are extracted from natural herbs, plants, fruits and vegetables. This is not a complete list of every essential oil we might use, it is a list of the ones we use the most.

Lavender Essential Oil is sedative, antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anesthetic, anti-carcinogenic, immune boosting and antiviral. It’s perhaps the most versatile, gentle and effective essential oil and why it is extremely popular in bath and body and aromatherapy products.

Tea tree oil is antiviral, anti-inflammatory and exhibits anti-cancer activity. It helps heal mild to moderate dandruff and works like benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. It takes longer, but causes fewer side effects, while being less drying than benzoyl peroxide. It’s a great spot treatment and can even help treat rosacea. It is however a very astringent essential oil and some people may be sensitive to it. We recommend to always test on a small spot on the inside of your arm when trying tea tree oil for the first time as it can burn some more sensitive skin types.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil is useful for sinus issues, while not everyone enjoys the scent of eucalyptus it is a key ingredient in our Sinus Helper and Camper’s Friend soaps due to its unique benefits. Eucalyptus essential oil is great for chest colds, sinus issues and also for insect repellent and is great for killing fungus and bacteria.

Rosemary Essential Oil is a natural stimulant. When inhaled, the aroma of rosemary has been shown to increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate and boost your immune system. It has also been shown to increase brain wave activity and aid the part of your nervous system that controls organ function. But while it stimulates many bodily systems, it also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s commonly found in skincare, especially natural products, because it not only has topical benefits but also will extend the shelf life of a product exponentially. Rosemary is also a good natural preservative and you might find it in Rosemary Extract form (has little scent) in many of our products. 

Lemon Essential Oil is a powerful antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic agent, which makes it a great ingredient. It also contains a high concentration of D-limonene, a compound that assists in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, promoting circulation and toning the skin. In fact, recent research showed that D-limonene exhibits powerful skin-repairing and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon Essential Oil can make the skin photosensitive so be sure to always use sunscreen but particularly when you use a product with Lemon Essential Oil in it. Often this essential oil loses its scent easily in soaps so we tend to add Lemongrass Essential Oil to boost the lemon scent.

Lemongrass Essential Oil is antibacterial and anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and can be a potent insect repellent. Its anti-fungal properties are especially helpful in combating the nasty yeast associated with dandruff. One study noted that participants who used a dandruff tonic with a ten-percent concentration of lemongrass oil saw a significant reduction in dandruff in as little as a week.

Cinnamon Essential Oil was once the most precious and exotic essential oils of them all, cinnamon oil is a great therapeutic oil. In aromatherapy, cinnamon essential oil can be used to help clear up chest colds. Applied topically, it can soothe muscle aches and pains, thanks to its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It’s also an antiseptic and makes a powerful natural preservative. It is antibacterial and antimicrobial, as well as being anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. It can however be irritating to some skin types so be sure to test if you are unsure or have sensitive skin.

Sage Essential Oil is antibacterial, astringent, antiseptic and can help improve circulation. It has been lauded for its ability to regulate hormones and its scent is thought to have antidepressant effects.

Orange Essential Oil is a classic zesty aroma that can help reduce anxiety levels. One study showed it slowed down participants’ pulse rates and breathing rates, while they also reported feeling more cheerful and vigorous. Products with Orange EO will often turn orange, so if your beard oil or wash looks very orange compared to other scents, it is absolutely fine, that is the natural color.

Peppermint Essential Oil is a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antioxidant. It is an effective treatment for headaches: Participants in one study reported a significant reduction in the pain of their tension headaches within fifteen minutes, and the pain continued to drop for the following hour. It can help soothe nausea, improve concentration and memory, and is an analgesic, which means it numbs and kills pain on the skin.

Basil Essential Oil is calming in nature and a natural relaxant oil. Whether inhaled, or applied topically, this essential oil may help ease discomforts from migraines, nervous tension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mental strain, and other mental conditions. This essential oil has a refreshing effect on a person.

Patchouli Essential Oil helps with depression. boosts immune system. works as a natural deodorant. stops fungal growth. reduces inflammation. enhances mood. strengthens hair and fights infections. It has long been used in Asian cultures and it is said to work well with skin problems like eczema, acne, chapped skin and dermatitis. It has often been associated with the 60s and the hippie movement, but it is a great product for your skin care routine!

Geranium Essential Oil is said to help balance hormones, relive depression and improve the health and radiancy of skin. It is also said to help with inflammation and stress relief. Generally, we use it in a blend of other essential oils in our soaps, beard oils and balms.

Cedarwood Essential Oil is an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antispasmodic oil which is also a natural insecticide which is great in our natural insect repellent soap and spray.

Bergamot Essential Oil is great for oily skin types because it helps to unclog pores and helps to balance oily skin. It works well with other essential oils and its scent has been said to help with reliving depression. It is also great for eliminating skin odor from sweat.

Frankincense Essential Oil is said to have the ability to revive and rejuvenate the skin making frankincense wonderful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars, preventing acne, and healing minor wounds.

Myrrh Essential Oil is said to reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, alleviate pain, and promote wound healing. In skincare products, myrrh essential oil is also purported to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Palmarosa Essential Oil is well-known for its hydrating properties, and can assist in preventing inflammation and balances the sebum or oil production of your skin, aids in the healing of cuts and bruises, and helps remedy acne breakouts

Lime Essential Oil has a high limonene content and is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals that damage cells, including those of the skin. This helps reduce signs of aging such as fine lines, sun spots, and wrinkles. Its astringent properties help keep the skin firm, reducing sagging.

We hope that this information helps you to understand more what is in your Buck Ridge Soap products and the research and information that went into creating these products.

FDA Required Disclaimer

This notice is required by the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, lactating or have other health conditions before applying these products. Keep out of eyes & mucous membranes. All of our products should be used with the same care and caution as any other bath or household product that you use. Buck Ridge Soap Company assumes no liability for claims arising from the misuse of our products.

Please note: We are not liable for allergic reactions, we list all of the ingredients for our soaps on our website and on each bar. If you are allergic to an ingredient do not purchase. If you didn't know you had an allergy to a specific ingredient we are sorry, we recommend taking Benedryl by the package directions and going to your doctor. 

In the event of an allergic reaction please let us know even if you don't intend to try to get a refund, we might be able to offer a partial refund at least and would like to know what the problem was so we can look into what we could do about changing ingredients.