Faqs

Yup! I use all plant derived ingredients for my products. I don't use tallow, lard, lanolin or any other animal products including milk or beeswax. All of my products are certified vegan by PETA and Vegan Action and cruelty-free certified by Leaping Bunny.

No. All of my products are palm-free. Palm oil production is responsible for the devastation of orangutan habitats and to this date attempts to certify sustainable production have fallen short.

No, there is no lye in my soap. I am a certified master soap maker and formulate so that my soap does not contain excess lye (sodium or potassium hydroxide). Although a necessary element used in the saponification process, once cured we are left with an alkali salt of fatty acid; true soap. Read my blog post about how I make soap!

Many commercially made soaps are not soap at all. Often they contain sodium laurel sulfate (detergent), fragrance and chemical additives that dry out the skin. My soap retains its natural glycerin, which is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, it's made without detergents, parabens and dyes, so it's friendly to your skin and our environment. For more information check out my Handmade Soap Guide for nearly everything you need to know about handmade soap.

Bar Soap
Mountain Girl Soap is handcrafted with premium plant oils and hand-picked botanicals, and scented with pure essential oils.  Extend the life of your soap with these tips:

- Keep your soap bar dry between uses.

- I recommend draining excess water with a slotted soap dish.

- Exposure to UV rays tend to break down the nutrients and subtle hues from the botanicals. As tempting as it is to display your soap, it's better to store your soap in a cool dark area until ready for use. A linen closet is a great place.

- Handmade soap has no set shelf life, but like a fine wine or cheese, soap gets better with a little aging. Time mellows the bar and allows it to get harder, helping it to last longer in the shower. To ensure liveliness of aroma and enjoy its goodness at the peak of freshness use within one year from the time of opening.

Foaming Cleanser, Facial Serum, Toning Mist, Body Oil 
My formulas are hand-blended and then poured into amber-colored bottles to protect the integrity of the precious oils.

- Extend the life of your products by storing in a cool dry location.

- Facial Serum and Body Oils are anhydrous and I suggest avoiding the introduction of water.

- Each micro-batch is created fresh in my studio and under ideal conditions, my products remain stable one year after opening, but as with perishable items I suggest using frequently once unsealed to enjoy their vitality and vibrancy.

My products are regulated by the government. True soap, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), not the FDA. However, based on the intended use of “cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance (of the human body)” my soap is actually regulated as a cosmetic and falls under the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) under the authority of the FDA.  In addition, the labeling requirements for my products are governed by the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). The FPLA was passed by Congress in 1966 to protect consumers and gives authority to the FDA to regulate food, drug, and cosmetics. I also voluntarily comply with the FDA’s guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

I hold certificates in Master Soap Making, Botanical Product Formulation, and Aromatherapy and always expanding my scope of knowledge in the botanical skincare industry.