The Freckled Farm Soap Company

Author: Crystal

  • How to Use a Soap Saver Bag

    A Soap Saver Bag is a small mesh bag that is designed to hold and extend the life of a bar of soap. It is a great alternative to using a washcloth or loofah and can help you get the most out of your soap.

    How to Use:

    1. Wet the Bag

    Start by wetting the bag with warm water. This will help to soften the mesh.

    1. Insert the Bar of Soap

    Insert the bar of soap into the bag. You can either place the entire bar in the bag or cut it into smaller pieces if you prefer. The bag will keep the soap from slipping out of your hands while providing a gentle exfoliation.

    1. Use the Soap Saver Bag

    Rub the Soap Saver Bag between your hands to create a lather. The bag will help to produce more foam and distribute the soap evenly. You can then use the bag to wash your body, face, or hands.

    1. Rinse the Bag

    After using the bag, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water and hang the bag to dry. Avoid leaving the bag in standing water, as this can cause mold or mildew to grow.

    1. Replace the Bar of Soap

    When the soap is depleted, remove any remaining pieces from the bag and insert a new bar of soap. You can reuse the same bag multiple times, but it’s a good idea to replace it every few weeks to keep it fresh.

    A Soap Saver Bag is a simple and effective way to extend the life of your natural soap while providing a gentle exfoliation. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a rich lather and clean, healthy skin every time you use your Soap Saver Bag.

    Purchase one of our All Natural Soap Saver Bags Here

  • How to Store Our Goat Milk Soap

    While our soap will not “go bad”, it’s essential to store it properly to keep it fresh and long-lasting. In this post, we will discuss some essential tips for how to store our goat milk soap so that you get the most out of each bar.

    1. Keep it dry between uses

    Our soap should be kept dry between uses to prevent it from becoming soft and mushy. When the soap sits in water, it dissolves faster. Therefore, it’s important to keep it in a soap dish or a soap saver that allows water to drain away from the soap.

    Our Soap Saver Bag is made of natural flax. If you a hang it between uses it helps the soap dry throughly.

    1. Short Term Storage

    To prolong the life of your soap, it’s crucial to store it in a cool, dry place. High humidity or heat can cause the soap to sweat and dissolve more quickly. Do not store the soap, that you are not currently using, open in a bathroom, even for short term storage. The repeated humidity from the showers will shorten the life of the soap.

    1. Long Term Storage

    If you are storing your soap for an extended period, it’s essential to store your soap in a sealed storage container or bag to keep it fresh and to keep it from loosing it’s scent. Here at The Freckled Farm Soap Company, after our soaps have cured, we store them in sealed storage containers. If left out in the open our soap will begin to lose their scent after about six months to a year, however they will stay fresh and maintain their scent for much longer if stored properly. Make sure you separate out different scents so they do not absorb smells from each other.

    An easy way to do this is to stack scents in gallon ziplock bags and throw in a silica gel pack or two to keep moisture out. You may want to take the soap out of their labels and label the storage bag instead for the long term storage.

    When we announced the closing of our business to friends and family one of the biggest responses to those worried about losing access to our soap is that stocking up for the very long time (at least when it comes to the soap) would be easy because the soaps last for so long. The soaps we are currently using in our shower are 5 years old. In our house we don’t get the perfect soaps that go out to customers. We use Bits and Pieces soaps, mess ups that are not even good enough for Bits and Pieces (like issues with the recipe, not the appearance), test soaps, and discontinued soap. The current batch in our shower is from when we discontinued the topped lavender soap years ago. It sat around forever because the lavender buds on top had turned brown and couldn’t be sent to customers and we didn’t want to deal with the buds in our own shower. They just sat in a container for years, and years, and years. Recently we decided to cut the buds off of them and add them to our personal stash. They were properly stored so even after all of these years they are in good shape. The outside doesn’t smell strong but the scent returns once in use.

    1. Rotate your stock

    It’s always a good idea to rotate your soap stock, especially if you have a collection of different scents and types of soap. It helps to keep your soap collection fresh and fragrant. Organize your soaps so you are using the oldest soaps first. Also, if you use the same scent for too long you begin to become nose blind to it and you won’t notice the smell as much. If you switch it up now and then you will enjoy the scent more when you come back to it later.

    So if you want to stock up during this closing you are able to think long term… and because we have made 12,000 bars of soap for our website costumers, and that amount of stock should last us until the end of the year, you can stock up in phases. Just make sure to follow the advice above.

  • How to Care for Your Skin During the Spring Season

    Spring is a season of change, and that includes changes in your skin. As the weather gets warmer, you may notice that your skin becomes oilier, more prone to breakouts, and generally more sensitive. Today we will discuss some essential tips on how to take care of your skin during the Spring season.

    1. Hydrate

    Staying hydrated is essential to maintain healthy skin. As the weather gets warmer, you may sweat more, leading to dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids like coconut water or herbal tea. Personally, I am partial to cucumber water this time of year.

    1. Protect from the sun

    The sun’s rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and sun damage. Therefore, it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It’s also important to wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.

    1. Exfoliate

    Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal smoother, brighter skin. During the Spring season, you may need to exfoliate more often as your skin produces more oil. However, it’s important not to over-exfoliate, as this can cause irritation and sensitivity.

    We have an all natural body brush and facial brush to help you achieve your exfoliating needs.

    1. Moisturize

    Moisturizing your skin is essential to keep it hydrated, plump, and healthy. While most reach for the lotion during the dryer winter months it’s important to maintain that routine through the warmer seasons.

    1. Change your skincare routine

    As the weather changes, you may need to change your skincare routine. Switch to lighter products and formulations to avoid clogging pores. You may also need to adjust the frequency of your skincare routine depending on your skin’s needs.

    1. Be mindful of allergies

    Spring is a season of allergies, and this can affect your skin as well. If you suffer from allergies, you may notice that your skin becomes more sensitive, red, or itchy. Therefore, it’s important to avoid allergens and take allergy medication if necessary.

    Taking care of your skin during the Spring season is essential to maintain healthy, glowing skin. With a few simple changes to your skincare routine, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin all Spring long.

  • 5 Reasons to Use Bar Shampoo on Your Dog Instead of Liquid Shampoo

    Frankie getting a bath with our Canine Shampoo!

    When it comes to grooming our furry friends, choosing the right shampoo can make all the difference. While traditional liquid shampoos have been the norm for decades, a new alternative is making waves in the pet grooming industry: bar shampoo.

    While it may seem odd to use a bar soap on a dog, there are actually many benefits to this method of bathing. In this blog post, we’ll explore why bar shampoo is a better option for your dog than liquid shampoo.

    1. Environmental Friendliness

    One of the biggest advantages of using a bar shampoo for your dog is the environmental impact. Traditional liquid shampoos come in plastic bottles that are often not recyclable, leading to a huge amount of plastic waste. In contrast, bar shampoos, like ours, are packaged in paper or cardboard, which can be easily recycled or composted.

    1. Longevity

    Another advantage of bar shampoo is that it lasts longer than liquid shampoo. When you use liquid shampoo it feels like you need to put a ton on them because it is not as easy to move it around the dog’s body. Since you don’t need to use as much product to get a good lather, a single bar can last much longer than a bottle of liquid shampoo. This means that you’ll save money in the long run and won’t need to buy shampoo as frequently.

    1. Ease of Use

    While it may seem like using a bar shampoo would be more difficult than a liquid, it’s actually quite easy. Simply wet your dog’s fur, rub the bar of soap onto their coat, and lather as usual. Since the bar is easier to grip than a slippery bottle, it can actually be easier to use and get an even distribution of soap when you’re trying to hold onto a wriggling dog.

    1. Natural Ingredients

    Our Canine Goat Milk Soap is made with all-natural ingredients, which can be beneficial for your pet’s health. Traditional liquid shampoos often contain harsh chemicals that can strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils and cause dryness or irritation.

    1. Portability

    If you’re someone who likes to take their dog on the go, bar shampoo is a great option. Since it doesn’t come in a bulky bottle, it’s much easier to pack in your bag or take with you on camping trips or hikes. It also won’t leak out into your bag!

    There are many reasons why bar shampoo is a better option for your dog than liquid shampoo. From environmental friendliness to natural ingredients and ease of use, bar shampoo is a great choice for anyone looking to give their furry friend a good bath.

  • 4 Reasons to Switch to Natural Soap

    As we become more conscious of what we put in and on our bodies, natural soaps are gaining popularity. Traditional soaps that are widely available in stores often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can be harmful to both our skin and the environment. Switching to natural soaps is not only better for our health but also for the planet. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why you should consider using natural soaps.

    1. No Harsh Chemicals

    The majority of commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even contribute to chronic health problems. Many of these chemicals are synthetic, and when they are washed down the drain, they can contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life. Natural soaps, on the other hand, are made from plant-based ingredients, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. They contain no artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives.

    2. Better for Sensitive Skin

    If you have sensitive skin, you know how challenging it can be to find a soap that won’t cause irritation. Natural soaps are often gentler on the skin because they contain nourishing ingredients that help moisturize and soothe dry or irritated skin. Additionally, natural soaps are often unscented, which means that they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

    3. Environmental Benefits

    The chemicals found in commercial soaps can have a significant impact on the environment. When these chemicals are washed down the drain, they can end up in waterways, polluting rivers and oceans. Natural soaps, on the other hand, are biodegradable, which means that they break down easily and don’t harm the environment.

    4. Supporting Small Businesses

    Many natural soap makers, like us, are small businesses that rely on local ingredients and suppliers. By purchasing natural soaps, you are not only supporting small businesses but also helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping products long distances.

    In conclusion, natural soaps are a safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional soaps. By making the switch to natural soaps, you can take care of your skin while also taking care of the planet. So, next time you’re shopping for soap, consider opting for a natural option – your skin and the environment will thank you!

  • 4 Reasons to Add Exfoliation to Your Facial Skincare Routine

    Adding gentle exfoliation to your face care routine can provide several benefits for your skin:

    1. Removes dead skin cells: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. By removing these cells, you’ll be left with smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.

    2. Improves absorption of skincare products: Exfoliating can also help to improve the absorption of your other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers. When dead skin cells are removed, the products can penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.

    3. Stimulates collagen production: Gentle exfoliation can help to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

    4. Enhances circulation: Exfoliating can also help to enhance blood flow and circulation to the skin, which can provide a natural, healthy glow.

    It’s important to note that while exfoliating can provide many benefits for your skin, it’s essential to use gentle exfoliants, like our all natural Facial brush, and not overdo it. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even damage to the skin. It’s recommended to exfoliate no more than 2-3 times per week, and to choose gentle exfoliants that are appropriate for your skin type.

    Add gentle exfoliation to your facial routine by picking up one of our all natural facial brushes. They pair perfectly with our Deep Space and Turmeric Goat Milk Soaps, which both make outstanding facial cleansers.

  • Benefits of Turmeric for Your Skin

    Benefits of Turmeric for Your Skin

    Turmeric has really become a popular skin care ingredient over the last few years. Like with the activated charcoal several years ago, people have had their eyes opened to the benefits of turmeric for your skin. In this post we outline why our Turmeric Goat Milk Soap should be added to your skin care routine.

    Benefits of Turmeric for Your Skin

    1. It can Aid in the Healing of Acne: Turmeric is believed to have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, because of this it is said that it might help fight acne-causing bacteria. This magic ingredient is also said to be anti-inflammatory. This could help accelerate the healing of skin that is already irritated.
    2. Gives your Skin a Natural Glow: Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties come together to leave your skin healthy and clean. Your skin is left looking bright and even.
    3. Lightens Dark Spots (Hyper-Pigmentation): Age and sun can bring about dark spots on our skin. When used regularly it is believed that turmeric can lighten these spots and give your skin a more even appearance.
    4. Manages Oily Skin: Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Turmeric is said to help regulate its production, making your skin less oily.
    5. Could Help Psoriasis and Eczema: Let me start by saying if you are fighting one of these awful skin conditions you should first seek help from your doctor. If you are looking for a natural way to help combat them try adding a turmeric soap to your regiment. PhK is a protein associated with psoriasis. It is said that turmeric helps inhibit the activity of this protein. Turmeric’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help with eczema.
    6. Fights Premature Aging: Who wouldn’t want that?! It is believed that turmeric may boost collagen growth and accelerate the growth of new healthy tissue. This could help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

    If you are using straight turmeric on your skin it can cause your skin to develop a yellow hue. This is only temporary, but can be avoided by using our Turmeric Goat Milk Soap. We have formulated the soap so that you have the right concentration of turmeric to get this benefits without dying your skin.

    If all of these benefits aren’t enough to convince you to try our Turmeric Goat Milk Soap then the deep, spicy scent (turmeric powder and turmeric, frankincense, and grapefruit essential oils) and wonderful rich lather feel will! Head over to our website to pick up a few bars yourself!

    The information in this post is not meant as medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you are having issues with your skin. Always test new products on a small area of skin before regular use.

  • 7 Reasons to Choose Bar Soap Over Liquid Soap

    So we may be a little biased but there are clear reasons to choose bar soap over liquid soap. In this post I will outline the things that make bar soap the better choice.

    7 Reasons to Choose Bar Soap over Liquid Soap

    What Makes Bar Soap Better…

    1. Bar soap is more eco-friendly – Overall the carbon footprint for liquid soap is ten times higher than with bar soap. Most of this is because of the packaging and chemicals used to produce the liquid soap. More often than not liquid soap comes in plastic bottles which takes hundreds of years to decompose, while bar soap tends to come in paper or cardboard packaging which only takes weeks to months. Bar soaps are usually more natural and are generally made with food grade vegetable oils, while the average liquid soap contains harsher chemicals that end up in our water system.
    2. Bar soaps last longer – According to ZME Science people use six times more liquid soap than bar soap during a thirty second hand wash. On average, individuals use 2.3g of liquid soap. In comparison they only use 0.35g of bar soap. This means that bar of soap will last you significantly longer than the bottle of liquid soap. You can even extend the life of your bar by cutting it in half.
    3. Traveling with bar soap is easier – Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of having a soap or shampoo bottle explode in our suitcase during travel. This problem is completely avoidable if you are traveling with bar soap. Pop it in a bag and be confident that the soap wont be all over your clothes when you reach your destination. Traveling light? You don’t have to worry about the liquid limits for carry-on when traveling with a bar.
    4. Bar soap tends to be more natural – Liquid body washes often contain chemicals to maintain the shelf stability while bar soap is naturally shelf stable and doesn’t require extra preservatives. Bar soaps are generally made of food grade oils and other botanicals. Liquid soaps are more likely to contain harsh detergents or other chemicals.
    5. Glycerin is naturally occurring in bar soap – Glycerin is important for locking moisture in your skin. Luckily it is naturally occurring in bar soap! You can’t always find this fabulous ingredient in liquid soap and if you do it’s because it’s been added.
    6. Bar soap is more cost effective – We have already covered how you use less soap per use with bar soap so you are having to replace it less often but in most cases you are paying several dollars less for a high quality bar of soap than you do for a bottle of liquid soap.
    7. Bar soap tends to come in more varieties – Your favorite liquid soaps likely only come in a handful of scents but companies who create bar soaps tend to have a full line with different scents and uses (we currently have 24 varieties) so it’s easy to find something perfect for you!

    With every decision there are pros and cons, and in the end you need to make a choice that is best for you, but we firmly believe that bar soap is the superior choice economically, environmentally, and practically.

  • Story Behind Our Castile Goat Milk Soap

    It’s been an interesting time for our Castile Goat Milk Soap. This little unassuming soap tended to get ignored at the farmers markets. Customers would come up to our booth asking for a mild soap that was good for sensitive skin and then get a bit of a wondering eye… or nose rather… when they start smelling all of our other fantastic soaps that contain scents. Our Peppermint Eucalyptus Goat Milk Soap tended to steal the attention from most of the other soaps. I get it… the Peppermint Eucalyptus is my favorite as well, but if you have extremely sensitive skin our Castile is probably a better fit. It may be unscented but it’s an outstanding bar of soap and it has really come into its own over the last few years as customers have had to read the descriptions on our website and make decisions based on their needs rather than their noses.

    Castile Goat Milk Soap

    Our Castile Goat Milk Soap is actually the first bar of soap we made for our business. It seemed like an easy place to start, a relatively simple recipe to design. However when you are dealing with chemistry nothing is easy. Little changes make a big difference in the final outcome of the soap. So it took us months to feel like we had a recipe that we really loved.

    Traditionally Castile is a soap that is made of a single vegetable oil, like olive oil. Most of the soaps you find on the shelves are not traditional Castile (y’all all know who I’m talking about), but a bar of soap made only of a single oil is not a well rounded bar of soap and doesn’t give you the best results. When we started to develop our Castile we set out to create an unscented goat milk soap bar that would be good for customers with sensitive skin. We knew while a single oil, olive oil, would get us close we needed to round out the bar with something a little extra.

    Olive oil creates a wonderful soft, lotion-like, lather but lacks the bubbles that people expect from soap. It can also make a soap that is very soft, so soft that it will wash away too quickly. To combat both of these problems we added a little coconut oil to the recipe to give the soap a more bubbly lather and palm oil to add more structure to the bar; to make it harder and last longer. We played with this recipe for months. The olive oil needed to be the star (aside from the goat milk, olive oil is really the star in all of our bars) so we needed to find the right balance. I strongly believe that we we landed on the perfect balance!

    In the end this bar came out exactly how we wanted. It’s soft, gentle, and so luxurious that you don’t feel like you are missing out by not going with one of our scented varieties. So those of you with sensitive skin, consider adding our Castile Goat Milk Soap to your shower.

  • Best Skin Care Products for Gardeners

    Skin Products for Gardeners

    Studies have shown that working with your hands in dirt is good for your health. As a gardener myself I could not agree more, especially when it comes to my mental health. While it appears that getting down in the dirt is good for your overall health it is still rough on your skin. Dirt can stain and dry out your hands. In order to avoid this I am outlining the best skin care products for gardeners, so you can enjoy your time in the dirt and take care of your hands at same time!

    Skin Care Products for Gardeners

    • Coffee Goat Milk Soap – Dirt stains your skin and it can be incredibly hard to get the stain all the way out, especially if you are spending hours gardening. This soap is an outstanding exfoliant and is amazing at removing dirt stains. It is also a great scent neutralizer if you are working with garlic and onions.
    • Nail Brush – There are few tools better for getting the dirt off your hands than our nail brush. The top of the brush is adorned with stiff angled bristles that are perfect for getting dirt out from under your nails. The set of bristles on the underside of the brush are used for cleaning and exfoliating your hands.
    • Lemongrass Green Tea Goat Milk Soap – Bugs are a fact of life in the garden but most bug sprays are full of harmful chemicals. Take a natural step to avoid bugs by showering with our Lemongrass Green Tea Soap. During the summer months you can also use our Summer Essential Oil Roller to keep pests away naturally.
    • Tea Tree Essential Oil Roller – If you are spending time in the garden you are also going to run into bugs or plants that irritate your skin. Our Tea Tree Essential Oil Roller can help relieve the itching. We use this roller in our house all the time!
    • Tea Tree Goat Milk Soap – Washing your hands in our Tea Tree Goat Milk Soap as soon as you come inside is a great way to avoid itchy skin later. Our Oatmeal Honey Goat Milk Soap is also good for soothing irritated skin as well.
    • Goat Milk Lotion – Dry dirt will actually pull the moisture from your hands, leaving your hands cracked and dry. Add some moisture back into your skin with our goat milk lotion.

    Gardeners, go pick up these skincare products to take care of your skin, so you can continue enjoying your time in the dirt!