Our Ingredients

Here at Wandering Hen Homestead and Apiary, all of our soaps are handmade, hand crafted, and hand poured in small batches using both cold and hot process methods of soap making. We want you to know that every part of our soap making is thought out and intentional, from the ingredients we choose to the last detail on the packaging.

LARD

The main ingredient in all of our soaps is lard.  Lard is a very traditional ingredient that has been used in soap making for thousands of years. It makes a hard, long lasting bar with a creamy, luxurious lather. And a long-lasting bar will save you money in the long run! The lipid profile of lard is very close to our own skin making it incredibly gentle and moisturizing.  Lard is also a sustainable and environmentally conscious ingredient. The processing of lard has a lower environmental impact than that of palm oil, another popular ingredient in soap making. Palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation, habitat destruction, and a threat to endangered species such as  Orangutans and Sumatran Tigers. As a zookeeper that has cared for endangered species for over 3 decades, this is extremely important to me.

COCONUT OIL

In addition to lard, we use certified organic coconut oil. Coconut oil is moisturizing, cleansing, and makes a hard bar with good lather. 

OLIVE OIL

This oil helps soften and condition the skin. When balanced with other oils, it makes a gentle, creamy lather.

CASTOR OIL

Castor oil is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin.  When combined with olive oil, it creates a stable, moisturizing lather.

SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower Oil adds many benefits to soap making. It is rich in essential fatty acids and contains high amounts of vitamin E. This lends a moisturizing quality to soap.

Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils. All of our high quality, soap safe fragrance oils are phthalate and cruelty-free. We follow all IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines for safe usage rates.

Mica Powders. Occasionally we add high quality mica powder for color. The micas are ethically sourced and cruelty-free.