FAQs

What ingredients do you use in your soaps?

Areev natural handmade soaps are created using the highest quality ingredients derived from nature. Our soaps are made with saponified vegetable oils of olive, coconut, palm, and vitamin E combined to produce a rich and luxurious lather that moisturizes the skin. All these ingredients are bought from a local supplier. We use the time-honored method of Cold Process, which unlike commercially produced methods, retains the moisturizing ingredient of glycerin. Our soaps are deliciously scented with pure essential oils and are often inspired by our favorite foods. They also include natural colorants such as turmeric and cocoa powder.

Is there lye in your soap?

Not in the finished product. However, only "true" soap is made with lye (also called caustic soda or sodium hydroxide). Lye causes the chemical reaction called "saponfication" which turns oils/fats into soap. At the final stage of the soapmaking process, soap is cured (dried) for 3-7 weeks at which time all of the excess moisture has evaporated and the lye has reacted with the oils leaving a gentle moisturizing bar.

How is soap made?

Making soap is much like making candy. The quality and quantity of ingredients and the temperatures are very important. Areev is made using the Cold Process method where we mix very precise measurements of the finest available oils with a mixture of spring water and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda or lye). We stir the mix until it thickens and then superfat with grapeseed or shea butter and add natural fragrances (EO's) and colorants. The reaction that takes place when the oils (chemically known as acids), and the lye mixture is completely combined is known as "saponification." (pronounced sah-pon-a-fuh-kashun).The mix is then poured into molds for 36-48 hours while it continues the saponification process. During that time the soap solidifies enough to remove from the mold and cut into loaves, then bars before placing on racks for curing (drying). It will remain on the racks for 3-7 weeks before it is ready for use. The Cold Process does not require any cooking since the heat generated while stirring the mixture is enough to produce the chemical reaction which results in soap. To insure the best quality soap we begin with all our ingredients at temperatures below 100 degrees and have formulated our recipes to allow for less lye resulting in a more moisturizing bar.

Why use natural handmade soap? What is the difference between handmade and commercial (or milled) soaps?

Each is created through a different process. Handmade soaps retain the moisturizing ingredient - glycerin - whereas commercially milled soaps involve removing the glycerin to produce a harder bar that can be extruded through a machine - allowing for mass production and better formation of company logos in the bar. Handmade soaps use whole vegetable and/or animal fats and oils, whereas, commercially milled soaps use only isolated fatty acids . These commercially-produced "hard" bars leave your skin feeling dry and in need of moisturizing. Commercial manufacturers then use the glycerin removed from the soap in their lotions, which they turn around and sell back to you.

Areev uses only high quality vegetable oils and we superfat to produce a gentle moisturizing bar. After using our handmade soap you will notice less of a need to use your moisturizer.

In addition, using natural products on your skin can save your life! Recent studies have linked toxic chemicals used in commercially made cosmetics and personal care items to cancer and reproductive deformities.

What is the difference between natural soap and transparent glycerin soap?

The answer is revealed in the question. In natural soap glycerin is a naturally occuring by-product, but in the tranparent glycerin soap - it is an additive. Glycerin soap is not natural.

What does superfat mean?

Superfat means that the soap has an additional proportion of oils in the mixture allowing even more moisturizing benefits. In most of our soaps, we superfat with OLIVE oil, which is high in Oleic Acid, a monosaturated fatty acid and linoleic acid (also known as Omega 6). It is low in saturated fat, contains natural chlorophyll and valuable antioxidants.The skin absorbs it easily. Since it is slightly astringent, it tightens and tones the skin.

Why are your soaps better?

Our bars are not harsh, petroleum-derived detergents, but real soap. “Why do the ingredients matter?”

Ingredients matter because your skin is so porous. Your skin absorbs key ingredients from the soap and benefits from it.

How do Areev soaps compare with commercial soaps, for instance?

We believe, and our customers agree, that Areev soaps are kinder to your skin. Ours are more moisturizing, smell better, and last longer than mass-produced bars.

We’re proud to say our soaps contain only vegetable oils and other plant-based, food-grade ingredients.

Which Areev soap is the most moisturizing?

All of our soaps are moisturizing. Every bar begins with our proprietary blend of vegetable oils excellent for skin care. Every bar is superfatted. That means we add extra emollients, such as olive oil or cocoa butter to further soften and soothe your skin.

Why is “Natural” better?

We believe that natural is better because you’re body (also a product of nature) reacts to natural products in a kinder, gentler fashion.

Why don’t you make a liquid soap?

We know that many of you enjoy the convenience of liquid soap, but it simply cannot be as healthy for you as our bar soaps. We suspect liquid soaps, often harsh and drying, may account for the increase in many skin problems today.

Most liquid “soaps” are not soap at all, but a lot of water mixed with detergents, imitation fragrances, preservatives, and clarifiers. Additionally, emulsifiers and stabilizers allow the product to pass through the pump and eliminate the need to shake the bottle every time you use it.

Big companies aggressively market liquid soaps because they make big profits selling them. You pay a lot mostly for water and a showy plastic bottle.

Won't your soaps leave soap scum?

We hope you aren’t choosing your soap on the basis of how clean it leaves your bathtub. Yes, real soap leaves a natural residue on bathroom surfaces. However, it cleans off easily with any cleanser.

Any body soap product that claims not to leave a residue is most likely a detergent with a slew of questionable additives. We prefer to keep petrochemicals off our skin.

Can I shave with your soaps?

Absolutely! The soap softens the hair and skin .The result will be an easy, smooth, satisfying shave. You probably won’t need a post shave product because your skin will be soft and moisturized.

How long will a bar last in my shower or bath?

Customers are amazed how long our bars last. There are several reasons why.

  • Composition: the blend of oils we use ensures durability. Our bars will consistently and considerably outlast brand name soaps.
  • Size: Areev bars weigh a generous 100gms. Over time they lose moisture, but in the process they become harder and more long-lasting.
  • Handling: Most of our customers understand the importance of letting soap dry out between uses. Choose a soap dish that keeps your bars out of puddles and allows air to circulate around them. Beware of soap dishes that collect water under your bars.

How long is the shelf life of your soap?

18 to 22 months

How long will the scents last?

The more powerful essential oils, are quite enduring. Lighter scents will fade more quickly, However, the loss of scent is only from the surface. Use the bar and the scent will emerge.

What about those pretty colors?

Some varieties, exposed to bright sunlight, can show signs of fading in as little as several hours. On the flip side, other varieties may retain their full color for years. Those with no added color, won’t change at all.

“I have read that the palm oil industry has had some devastating effects on tropical forests in Indonesia and orangutan populations there. Do you know where your palm oil comes from?”

Areev takes extra care to purchase oil that is commercially available in the food sector. Our palm oil is of local Indian variety - Ruchi Gold.

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