The Unexpected Discovery
Wonderful remedy for dry, cracked winter hands
The Unexpected Discovery
When I first started handcrafting soaps and body butters, I thought my products were just for ladies. But, to my surprise, my friend Charissa's partner, a plumber, loved my soaps and requested ‘a couple of man-size bars’. I was intrigued, so I asked why? Charissa informed me that after a long day of work, her partner would come home and want to wash away the grease and dirt after a hard day. He had never used ‘old-fashioned soap’ made from the saponification process before, but after trying mine, he couldn’t believe the difference and was hooked! The combination of natural ingredients and essential oils left his skin feeling not just clean, but cleansed, soft, and refreshed, with the lingering fragrance of tea tree and eucalyptus. My soaps were a real game changer for him. Upon his request, I packaged and posted three large bars. Charissa’s partner was my first paying customer and a very unexpected review.
The Power of Natural Ingredients
My soaps are made from three core ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter or mango butter, and olive oil. I use the saponification process to create a hard block of soap that is gentle on the skin. I add essential oils for their natural properties and benefits, but that's it. No frills, no colouring, no petals, or grains. Just simple, effective, and natural soap.
A Growing Trend Amongst Men
As my business has grown, I've noticed an increasing number of men making purchases. They don't just buy one bar; they buy two or three! I've done some research, and it seems that many men are switching from bath and shower washes to bars of soap. And when they discover the benefits of natural soap, they stick with it. Even a prominent man of the cloth told me that he uses nothing else. The skin is truly cleansed and left feeling ‘squeaky clean’.
The Benefits of Tea Tree and Eucalyptus
The Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Essential Oils in my soap have wonderfully gentle soothing properties that calm the skin. Our skin is our largest organ, and it's exposed to grime and dirt every day. My soap cleanses the day's grime away, leaving the skin feeling kissed, cared for, and loved. It's the perfect preparation before moisturising the body with a jar of my Shea Butter, Body Butter.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
My soaps and body butters are vegan, natural, and contain no chemicals. Also, my Body Butter formulation is water-free. I’m committed to sustainability, and my suppliers have assured me that they source raw natural ingredients directly from around the world, in a way that supports local communities and social values. I'm also trying to reduce my environmental impact by using recyclable cardboard boxes, amber glass jars, and paper and cardboard packaging.
British-Made with Love
I'm proud to say that I handcraft my soaps and body butters in London, and I'm committed to sourcing from British companies whenever possible. My suppliers are from all over the UK, where I source my ingredients, amber glass jars, and labels. This all takes time to research, sample, and well, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. My next project is to find a British company to source my boxes and bags.
Simple, Effective, and Natural
If you're looking for something simple yet effective, basic yet elegant, natural yet luxurious, look no further than Deborah Harvey Skincare. ‘Where caring for your skin naturally is our priority’. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to meeting you at a Craft Market or Fair.
