FAQs
Why should I use Sunlit Soaps?
1. Our products are thoughtfully formulated, not just handcrafted.
What sets Sunlit Soaps apart is that our soaps are:
- Intentionally formulated for skin feel and performance, not just appearance or trend.
- Balanced for a creamy, gentle cleanse that works across different skin types—including mature skin
- Created with a clear understanding of ingredients, not just recipes.
2. We have a strong commitment to choosing ingredients with intention.
We select what works best.
- We use both essential oils and high-quality fragrance oils—on purpose—based on the goals we are trying to achieve.
- We prioritize safety, performance, and experience equally. Every ingredient has a role, not just a label appeal.
3. We strive to make your daily ritual a luxury experience.
- Our product line is beautiful and still very usable.
- Our high-quality ingredients make it easy to better care for your skin without adding anything extra to your routine or busy life.
- Our prices allow you to have a luxury experience without breaking the bank.
4. Our soaps are designed for real life…not just good looks.
- Our bars are long-lasting and functional.
- Our formulas consider hard vs soft water performance.
- We focus on how the soap actually performs in the shower, not just on a shelf
5. We are transparent about its process and ingredients.
- Our ingredient list is easy to read and understand.
- We explain our creation process in our FAQs.
- We offer personal customer service. If you have any questions or need more information, simply email or call us.
6. We create small batch products with intention.
- In today’s marketplace, handmade soaps are common. However, at Sunlit Soaps we are handcrafted with purpose. Great thought goes into our products to achieve the best possible outcome for our customers.
- At Sunlit Soaps we enjoy the creative and selection processes that lead to high quality products. We also have fun with the ingredients so our products create a joyful moment in everyday life.
- Variation in our products from batch to batch is part of the artistry—not a flaw.
- We use our products just like our customers do. This allows us to refine our ingredients and process to achieve the highest standards possible. Since Sunlit Soaps makes things in small batches, changes can be made immediately if needed to elevate the user experience.
What is cold process soap?
Cold process soap is a traditional method of soapmaking where oils, butters, and lye are combined and then poured into molds to cure over several weeks. This slow curing process:
- Preserves the integrity of the ingredients
- Creates a longer-lasting bar
- Produces a naturally occurring glycerin that helps support skin hydration
The result is a rich, gentle, and thoughtfully crafted bar of soap.
Why choose handcrafted soap over store-bought soap?
Handcrafted soap offers a different level of care and quality compared to mass-produced
alternatives. Unlike many commercial soaps, our bars:
- Retain natural glycerin, which helps keep skin hydrated
- Are made in small batches with attention to detail
- Avoid unnecessary fillers and harsh detergents
- Provide a more luxurious, skin-friendly cleansing experience
- The handcrafted nature of our products allows for joyful and artistic additions to a
sometimes mundane routine.
Handcrafted soap is a simple and affordable upgrade that transforms an everyday routine into something more intentional, luxurious and fun.
How big are your bars?
Our bars vary in size depending on the type of bar you order. Our standard bar is 3 inches wide by 2.5 to 3 inches tall (depending on the top design) by 1 inch thick. Our tall and skinny bars are 2 inches wide by approximately 4 inches tall (again depending on the top design) by 1 inch wide. By weight, each bar is approximately 4 ounces. Please remember that each batch is handcrafted and cut and variations can happen, especially since soap goes through a curing process. However, we strive for consistency and aim for the above measurements.
What ingredients do you use?
We focus on premium, skin-nourishing ingredients such as plant-based oils, rich butters, and thoughtfully selected additives. Each ingredient is chosen for a purpose—whether it’s to create a creamy lather, add conditioning properties, or enhance the overall experience.
Our formulations are designed to be:
- Gentle and effective
- Balanced for everyday use
- Mindfully crafted with both performance and simplicity in mind
Do your soaps contain lye?
All true soap is made using lye (sodium hydroxide)—it’s an essential part of the soapmaking process. During cold process soapmaking, lye reacts with oils and butters in a process called saponification. Once this process is complete, no lye remains in the finished bar. What’s left is a gentle, skin-loving soap along with naturally occurring glycerin that helps retain moisture.
Do you use fragrance oils or essential oils?
We use both essential oils and high-quality fragrance oils, depending on the product.
- Essential oils are plant-derived and offer natural aromatic and skin benefits.
- Fragrance oils allow for a wider range of scents and are carefully selected for safety and skin compatibility.
Using both allows us to create a more diverse scent collection while maintaining our standards for quality, safety, and skin feel. Every ingredient we use is chosen with intention and is safe for use in personal care products.
Will every bar look exactly the same?
No—each bar is handcrafted in small batches. This means subtle variations in color, pattern, and shape are part of the experience. These differences do not affect quality; they are a reflection of the artistry and care behind every batch.
Why doesn’t my soap lather as much as others?
Lather can vary depending on your water type. Hard water (water with higher mineral content) can reduce the size and fluffiness of bubbles, while soft water allows for a richer, more abundant lather. Even in hard water, our formulas are carefully balanced to create a creamy, luxurious cleanse—it may just feel different from what you’re used to.
How should I store my soap in the shower?
To get the most life out of your cold process soap, proper storage in the shower is key. Because these bars are made with natural oils and butters, they need a chance to dry out between uses. Letting your soap sit in standing water will cause it to soften and dissolve much more quickly.
The best option is to use a well-draining soap dish that allows air to circulate around the bar. Look for dishes with grooves, slats, or drainage holes so water can easily escape. Keeping your soap out of the direct stream of water when not in use also helps extend its lifespan.
A soap bag is another great option. These breathable bags (check out the ones offered on our site) allow you to hang your soap up to dry between uses, which prevents it from sitting in water altogether. As a bonus, they create a gentle exfoliating lather and make it easy to use every last bit of your bar.
With just a little care, your soap will stay firm, last longer, and continue to give you that rich, luxurious lather you expect.