Answers to other Frequently Asked Questions
What does Clean. mean by "soap the real way"?
It means we make true, natural soap through the artisanal process of saponification, which involves transforming whole plant-based oils (not isolated fatty acids) into soap and glycerin. At Clean, we use the cold process method, which keeps temperatures very low to preserves the delicate fatty acids, nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes in oils that can be destroyed by heat. The result is a long lasting, high-value bar that leaves your skin feeling clean and balanced, never stripped or dry. We work in small batches, not industrial mills, and we do not purchase bases for melt and pour, remove glycerin, or extrude soap.
As a marketing attempt, some commercial soaps will use the term “triple or hand milled” -- the reality is that they create rebatched soap, often with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other skin-unfriendly surfactants added. Adherence to the best organic ingredients is rare: always read the labels.
How organic is your soap?
Our formulas typically contain a minimum of 85% organic ingredients. Here's where things get technical: The USDA has determined that a product must contain a minimum of 70% organic content to use the term "organic" in its labeling and marketing. Importantly, the product's other ingredients that are not certified organic must still conform with the USDA's list of allowable ingredients. Bar soap requires sodium hydroxide (NaOH, or lye) for production, which is on the USDA's list of allowable non-organic ingredients. Sodium hydroxide accounts for about 10-15% of a bar's ingredients, and so even if every other ingredient in a formula were certified organic, the soap would never have an organic content of more than 90%. For this reason, organic soap products are considered “Made With” products; as in “Made with Organic Oils." This is considered a weak organic claim by USDA, and so they do not allow the Organic seal on the package.
So in short, Clean. Organic Soaps are about as maximally organic as you'll find in the industry. For our part, we commit to making soap using ONLY organic base oils and we work with brands during the formulation process to maximize the organic content and ensure that formulas exceed 70% organic. This means our soaps are only scented with essential oils and we only use organic herbs, natural clays, and plant-based dyes for color or exfoliants.
Need USDA Organic Certification? We can help.
Do your organic soaps contain glycerin?
Yes. And if you're asking this, you probably already know that's a good thing! ...because glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps pull moisture from the air (or your steamy shower) into your skin. Our soaps qualify as "glycerin soaps," because glycerin accounts for 9-10% of the final product as a natural result of the saponification process. Commercial soap makers remove this glycerin for separate sale or retain trace amounts so they can include it on their labels, but this is very different from keeping it all. We recommend showing this by using the phrase "with retained glycerin" in your ingredient labels.
Top
What is superfatting?
Superfatting is a super fun word for the process by which soapmakers calculate soap recipes to have an excess of skin-nourishing oils in their soaps. The result is a gentle, yet effective bar. Superfatting does not make your skin oily. We carefully craft formulas for the perfect amount of superfatting, with the goal being to leave your skin clean and balanced, maintaining natural moisture levels.
Top
Do Clean. soaps contain lye?
Lye (sodium hydroxide {NaOH}) is a raw ingredient in all soap, including those made by Clean. In a properly made bar, all lye is transformed during the saponification process, and so there is no lye that remains in the final product. Superfatting further assures that all lye is consumed. Any company that claims their soap is not made with lye doesn't understand the chemistry behind soap or is telling a bold-faced lie (pun-intended). Even "melt and pour" soaps are made using lye - the original block purchased was made using lye.
Top
What is the pH of Clean. soap?
Cold process soap is naturally alkaline with a pH of around 8-10. pH is getting a lot of attention in the skincare market, with everyone striving for the magic 5.5 pH product (which many claim is the pH of our skin -- it's not!). We'd like to clear up some common misconceptions about pH and skincare -- spoiler alert, it's largely a marketing ploy:
Does Clean. use SLS in soap?
No. SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate) and other surfactants are often added to soaps, even ones marketed as "natural," to increase lather quality cheaply. However, these synthetic compounds tend to dry out your skin and cause irritation. At Botanie, we don't believe in shortcuts. Instead, we focus on carefully balancing organic oils and other skin-loving ingredients to yield the proper fatty acid mix for a high quality soap with a wonderfully rich, creamy, and (most importantly) completely natural lather.
Top
Will your soap moisturize? / How can you make soap more moisturizing?
We strive to maximize and push the limits on moisturizing oils in our bars, and we superfat for gentleness, while also balancing the hardness and cleansing of a bar to ensure it's long-lasting and effective. Variability in water quality and other factors can affect a bar's performance as well. We also feel it's important to manage expectations when it comes to the moisturizing abilities of bar soap. Remember, soap is a cleanser, not a moisturizer. It's made up of double-ended molecules; one end loves water, and the other end loves oil. The water loving end bonds with the water you’re washing with, and the oil loving end grabs the oils (and dirt) on your skin. When you rinse, the water-loving end hitches a ride on the water, taking the oil-loving end and the oils/dirt/makeup with it. Technically you cannot make soap more moisturizing, you can just make it less stripping, which is what we strive to do with our formulas. We take pride in creating and producing soap that leaves your skin clean yet balanced.
What is "Soap for Private Label Use"?
You'll also hear this referred to as "third party" or "custom for private label." What we mean is it's (amazing) soap that we, as a company, provide for you to use with your own private label. Our customers brand the soap as their own and use it in a number of different ways, including reselling it as a product in their brand's skincare line, giving it away as promotions or for wedding favors or other event giveaways. The options are unlimited: Once you buy from us, it's your soap. The custom formula is exclusively yours as well: We do not sell these same wholesale soaps under our own label or make them for any other label. We also do not require that you include our name on any labels or disclose that we manufacture for you (and we won't disclose this either).
Top
My brand/company has certifications (e.g., leaping bunny/cruelty free, vegan, fair trade, paleo, organic). Can I apply these to your soap?
We will happily work with you to develop a formula and process that qualifies for the certifications that are important to you. We work with our customers to maintain their certifications as well by providing ingredient sourcing and other required information. If it's important to you, it's important to us.
Top
Do you provide lab testing/certificates of analysis (CofA) for custom soaps?
C of A isn't required for soap in the US. We don't typically do this because of the expense (and it's hard to find a lab to work with smaller producers). However, if this is important to you, we are happy to work with you to make it happen. We do provide SDS and Tech Specs for your formula.
Top
Can you source soap ingredients from my current suppliers?
Generally speaking, we are happy to work with you on ingredient sourcing, within reason. Part of what allows us to keep prices competitive comes from our ability to purchase ingredients in bulk. If we start sourcing the same ingredient from different suppliers for different brands, it diminishes this advantage. That being said, we don't want to undermine your standing relationships with suppliers, and we want to make sure you're comfortable with our sourcing. When we formulate your soap, we'll disclose where we're sourcing ingredients from and discuss any adjustments needed.
Top
Can I supply my scent/essential oil blend for a formula without disclosing the exact scent blend?Absolutely. That is your proprietary information, unless the product is to be certified as organic. We also sign non disclosure/confidentiality agreements.
Top
How do I get started?
It's easy. You can start by filling out this 10-item questionnaire to help us get to know more about your company and your goals. Check out an overview of the entire process here. Or just drop us a line with your questions!
Top
What are labeling requirements for soap?
The FDA does not have labeling requirements for soap. However, we still recommend listing ingredients for the sake of transparency and customer confidence. But because the regulations are "loose," you have options in how you do so. For instance, you can list raw ingredients or ingredients in the final product; INCI or common language names or both. We will work with you to ensure that your labels are accurate and suit your needs.
That being said, if you make functionality claims about what your bar does beyond cleaning, such as calling the product "moisturizing," then you are venturing into the world of cosmetics and need to follow additional FDA regulations. Otherwise, you don’t even need a label and may sell bars in bulk, unlabeled fashion if that is best suited to your business strategy!
For organic claims, qualifying soap falls into the USDA National Organic Program's category called "made with organic…" This means a product’s organic content is between 70% and 94%. Specific labeling rules related to "made with organic…" products can be found on the USDA’s website, and they can feel tedious if you’re not familiar with them. If you choose to take your product in this direction, we will assist you with understanding the policies. After all, organic and helping customers is what we do.
Top
Do you print labels or boxes?
We do not print labels or boxes at this time. However, we have partners in the boxing and labeling industry that we're happy to connect you with.
Top
Will you apply my labels/box my soaps if I ship them to you?
Yes, we are happy to box or label your soaps prior to shipping to you for a small additional fee. However, we find that most custom bulk soap orders ship best "naked." We will work with you to determine what options will best suit your needs.
Top
What is custom production?
Custom production (i.e., "Made-To-Order" or "Contract Manufacturing") is an order process where we make your product according to your specifications (formula, scent, color, size, shape, etc.). For some companies, we help them develop a new bar for their line and then manufacture it. Other customers already have bars that they sell, but want us to take over production. Short-run, custom production is our specialty. The custom formula is exclusively yours as well: We do not sell these same wholesale soaps under our own label or make them for any other label. We also don't have branding requirements: You don't have to use, diplay, or even mention our company name on any labels or disclose that we manufacture for you (and we won't disclose this to others either).
Top
What is short-run production?
Conventional soap manufacturing has large minimums (25,000-30,000 bars per blend). So if you needed four soap blends, you would have to purchase 100,000 bars. Most soap products you see on store shelves are made in these quantities. Short-run production refers to any production quantity less than this. At Clean., we specialize in short-run production. This means bars in the 300-10,000 range. Of course, we can produce larger quantities, but our ability to produce lower minimums allows more flexibility, making us the right sized company for your business.
Top
Can you do other hot pours/fills?
Yes, we can do deodorants, lotion bars, body butters, balms, salves, etc.
Have another question? We have answers. Contact us today.
It means we make true, natural soap through the artisanal process of saponification, which involves transforming whole plant-based oils (not isolated fatty acids) into soap and glycerin. At Clean, we use the cold process method, which keeps temperatures very low to preserves the delicate fatty acids, nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes in oils that can be destroyed by heat. The result is a long lasting, high-value bar that leaves your skin feeling clean and balanced, never stripped or dry. We work in small batches, not industrial mills, and we do not purchase bases for melt and pour, remove glycerin, or extrude soap.
As a marketing attempt, some commercial soaps will use the term “triple or hand milled” -- the reality is that they create rebatched soap, often with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other skin-unfriendly surfactants added. Adherence to the best organic ingredients is rare: always read the labels.
How organic is your soap?
Our formulas typically contain a minimum of 85% organic ingredients. Here's where things get technical: The USDA has determined that a product must contain a minimum of 70% organic content to use the term "organic" in its labeling and marketing. Importantly, the product's other ingredients that are not certified organic must still conform with the USDA's list of allowable ingredients. Bar soap requires sodium hydroxide (NaOH, or lye) for production, which is on the USDA's list of allowable non-organic ingredients. Sodium hydroxide accounts for about 10-15% of a bar's ingredients, and so even if every other ingredient in a formula were certified organic, the soap would never have an organic content of more than 90%. For this reason, organic soap products are considered “Made With” products; as in “Made with Organic Oils." This is considered a weak organic claim by USDA, and so they do not allow the Organic seal on the package.
So in short, Clean. Organic Soaps are about as maximally organic as you'll find in the industry. For our part, we commit to making soap using ONLY organic base oils and we work with brands during the formulation process to maximize the organic content and ensure that formulas exceed 70% organic. This means our soaps are only scented with essential oils and we only use organic herbs, natural clays, and plant-based dyes for color or exfoliants.
Need USDA Organic Certification? We can help.
Do your organic soaps contain glycerin?
Yes. And if you're asking this, you probably already know that's a good thing! ...because glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps pull moisture from the air (or your steamy shower) into your skin. Our soaps qualify as "glycerin soaps," because glycerin accounts for 9-10% of the final product as a natural result of the saponification process. Commercial soap makers remove this glycerin for separate sale or retain trace amounts so they can include it on their labels, but this is very different from keeping it all. We recommend showing this by using the phrase "with retained glycerin" in your ingredient labels.
Top
What is superfatting?
Superfatting is a super fun word for the process by which soapmakers calculate soap recipes to have an excess of skin-nourishing oils in their soaps. The result is a gentle, yet effective bar. Superfatting does not make your skin oily. We carefully craft formulas for the perfect amount of superfatting, with the goal being to leave your skin clean and balanced, maintaining natural moisture levels.
Top
Do Clean. soaps contain lye?
Lye (sodium hydroxide {NaOH}) is a raw ingredient in all soap, including those made by Clean. In a properly made bar, all lye is transformed during the saponification process, and so there is no lye that remains in the final product. Superfatting further assures that all lye is consumed. Any company that claims their soap is not made with lye doesn't understand the chemistry behind soap or is telling a bold-faced lie (pun-intended). Even "melt and pour" soaps are made using lye - the original block purchased was made using lye.
Top
What is the pH of Clean. soap?
Cold process soap is naturally alkaline with a pH of around 8-10. pH is getting a lot of attention in the skincare market, with everyone striving for the magic 5.5 pH product (which many claim is the pH of our skin -- it's not!). We'd like to clear up some common misconceptions about pH and skincare -- spoiler alert, it's largely a marketing ploy:
- pH is not a direct relationship to how harsh or mild a product is. For example, in one study, Johnson’s Baby Oat soap, with a pH of 12.35, was the least irritating soap tested, while another soap with a pH of 9.36 was the most irritating.
- The acid mantle of your skin, not your skin itself, has a pH between 4.5 and 6.2, depending on a variety of factors (age, ethnicity, gender, body part, environment/humidity).
- Brief exposure to slightly acidic or alkaline material (like handmade soap, which is slightly alkaline) does not harm the acid mantle. Even if you wash your skin with tap water alone (typical pH, 6 - 8.5), the pH of your acid mantle will slightly increase immediately following washing, but healthy skin can rebalance the acid mantle in a very short amount of time.
- In a study of infants, a water-wash led to a pH rise of 1.1, whereas alkaline soap, like handmade soap, resulted in a rise of only 1.2 points.
- So, pH should not be viewed as an indicator of whether or not a product is irritable to your skin unless it is being applied for hours at a time or has an extremely acidic or alkaline pH that could cause damage.
Does Clean. use SLS in soap?
No. SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate) and other surfactants are often added to soaps, even ones marketed as "natural," to increase lather quality cheaply. However, these synthetic compounds tend to dry out your skin and cause irritation. At Botanie, we don't believe in shortcuts. Instead, we focus on carefully balancing organic oils and other skin-loving ingredients to yield the proper fatty acid mix for a high quality soap with a wonderfully rich, creamy, and (most importantly) completely natural lather.
Top
Will your soap moisturize? / How can you make soap more moisturizing?
We strive to maximize and push the limits on moisturizing oils in our bars, and we superfat for gentleness, while also balancing the hardness and cleansing of a bar to ensure it's long-lasting and effective. Variability in water quality and other factors can affect a bar's performance as well. We also feel it's important to manage expectations when it comes to the moisturizing abilities of bar soap. Remember, soap is a cleanser, not a moisturizer. It's made up of double-ended molecules; one end loves water, and the other end loves oil. The water loving end bonds with the water you’re washing with, and the oil loving end grabs the oils (and dirt) on your skin. When you rinse, the water-loving end hitches a ride on the water, taking the oil-loving end and the oils/dirt/makeup with it. Technically you cannot make soap more moisturizing, you can just make it less stripping, which is what we strive to do with our formulas. We take pride in creating and producing soap that leaves your skin clean yet balanced.
What is "Soap for Private Label Use"?
You'll also hear this referred to as "third party" or "custom for private label." What we mean is it's (amazing) soap that we, as a company, provide for you to use with your own private label. Our customers brand the soap as their own and use it in a number of different ways, including reselling it as a product in their brand's skincare line, giving it away as promotions or for wedding favors or other event giveaways. The options are unlimited: Once you buy from us, it's your soap. The custom formula is exclusively yours as well: We do not sell these same wholesale soaps under our own label or make them for any other label. We also do not require that you include our name on any labels or disclose that we manufacture for you (and we won't disclose this either).
Top
My brand/company has certifications (e.g., leaping bunny/cruelty free, vegan, fair trade, paleo, organic). Can I apply these to your soap?
We will happily work with you to develop a formula and process that qualifies for the certifications that are important to you. We work with our customers to maintain their certifications as well by providing ingredient sourcing and other required information. If it's important to you, it's important to us.
Top
Do you provide lab testing/certificates of analysis (CofA) for custom soaps?
C of A isn't required for soap in the US. We don't typically do this because of the expense (and it's hard to find a lab to work with smaller producers). However, if this is important to you, we are happy to work with you to make it happen. We do provide SDS and Tech Specs for your formula.
Top
Can you source soap ingredients from my current suppliers?
Generally speaking, we are happy to work with you on ingredient sourcing, within reason. Part of what allows us to keep prices competitive comes from our ability to purchase ingredients in bulk. If we start sourcing the same ingredient from different suppliers for different brands, it diminishes this advantage. That being said, we don't want to undermine your standing relationships with suppliers, and we want to make sure you're comfortable with our sourcing. When we formulate your soap, we'll disclose where we're sourcing ingredients from and discuss any adjustments needed.
Top
Can I supply my scent/essential oil blend for a formula without disclosing the exact scent blend?Absolutely. That is your proprietary information, unless the product is to be certified as organic. We also sign non disclosure/confidentiality agreements.
Top
How do I get started?
It's easy. You can start by filling out this 10-item questionnaire to help us get to know more about your company and your goals. Check out an overview of the entire process here. Or just drop us a line with your questions!
Top
What are labeling requirements for soap?
The FDA does not have labeling requirements for soap. However, we still recommend listing ingredients for the sake of transparency and customer confidence. But because the regulations are "loose," you have options in how you do so. For instance, you can list raw ingredients or ingredients in the final product; INCI or common language names or both. We will work with you to ensure that your labels are accurate and suit your needs.
That being said, if you make functionality claims about what your bar does beyond cleaning, such as calling the product "moisturizing," then you are venturing into the world of cosmetics and need to follow additional FDA regulations. Otherwise, you don’t even need a label and may sell bars in bulk, unlabeled fashion if that is best suited to your business strategy!
For organic claims, qualifying soap falls into the USDA National Organic Program's category called "made with organic…" This means a product’s organic content is between 70% and 94%. Specific labeling rules related to "made with organic…" products can be found on the USDA’s website, and they can feel tedious if you’re not familiar with them. If you choose to take your product in this direction, we will assist you with understanding the policies. After all, organic and helping customers is what we do.
Top
Do you print labels or boxes?
We do not print labels or boxes at this time. However, we have partners in the boxing and labeling industry that we're happy to connect you with.
Top
Will you apply my labels/box my soaps if I ship them to you?
Yes, we are happy to box or label your soaps prior to shipping to you for a small additional fee. However, we find that most custom bulk soap orders ship best "naked." We will work with you to determine what options will best suit your needs.
Top
What is custom production?
Custom production (i.e., "Made-To-Order" or "Contract Manufacturing") is an order process where we make your product according to your specifications (formula, scent, color, size, shape, etc.). For some companies, we help them develop a new bar for their line and then manufacture it. Other customers already have bars that they sell, but want us to take over production. Short-run, custom production is our specialty. The custom formula is exclusively yours as well: We do not sell these same wholesale soaps under our own label or make them for any other label. We also don't have branding requirements: You don't have to use, diplay, or even mention our company name on any labels or disclose that we manufacture for you (and we won't disclose this to others either).
Top
What is short-run production?
Conventional soap manufacturing has large minimums (25,000-30,000 bars per blend). So if you needed four soap blends, you would have to purchase 100,000 bars. Most soap products you see on store shelves are made in these quantities. Short-run production refers to any production quantity less than this. At Clean., we specialize in short-run production. This means bars in the 300-10,000 range. Of course, we can produce larger quantities, but our ability to produce lower minimums allows more flexibility, making us the right sized company for your business.
Top
Can you do other hot pours/fills?
Yes, we can do deodorants, lotion bars, body butters, balms, salves, etc.
Have another question? We have answers. Contact us today.
