Organic Handmade Soap - FAQS
WHY DID YOU CREATE CAMIA HANDCRAFTED SOAP?
We wanted a soap that produced proven natural action on the skin and minimal load on mother nature. In the market we struggled to find a soap, which we could feel good about using on ourselves and our families. Most soaps were either made with synthetic chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, and Propylene Glycol or curated with artificial fragrances, and chemical preservatives. Even the so-called natural soaps may not be 100% natural as they may contain artificial chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
Therefore, we crafted CAMIA, with love and nature. CAMIA is rooted in science and embellished by traditions. The mystic natural fragrances used in CAMIA soaps have a fascinating legacy of use for cleansing and curing from the medieval times.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH INGREDIENTS OF CHEMICAL SOAPS?
Most commercial soaps available in market may fall under the category of detergents or may be a mixture of soaps and detergents. They usually contain artificial colours, fragrances, preservatives, that could irritate the skin temporarily, or cause perennial problems like dry skin, wrinkles and rigidity
Chemical soaps contain Propylene glycol, Tetra sodium EDTA, Sodium Lauryl sulphate (SLS), etc., which are non-biodegradable and may be harmful to humans and the environment.
Next time you are buying a soap, please read the ingredient label carefully.
CAN HANDMADE SOAPS BE MADE FROM SOAP BASE?
Many companies use mass produced soap base to make handmade soaps. The soap base may contain ingredients which may or may not be natural. Additionally, when the soap base is melted at very high temperatures for mixing with natural ingredients, these natural ingredients lose their integrity and beneficial properties.
Honest handmade soaps are made from scratch, with controlled ingredients and customized processes that unlock the full potential of cold pressed organic oils and elevating natural fragrances.
HOW DOES YOUR ORGANIC HANDMADE SOAP COMPARE WITH MILLED SOAP?
Milling is a high temperature mechanized process where soap flakes are pressed using rollers while
different ingredients are added intermittently while the roller is in motion. The milled mixture is continuously heated to remove excess moisture through evaporation. The heat produced in milling may alter the properties and functionality of ingredients, even if cold pressed organic ingredients are used.
On the contrary, Handmade soap making is moderate and less mechanized. The ingredients in handmade soaps undergo a cold process, which ensures preservation of the goodness of its nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes. Handmade soaps have a reputation for being more nourishing and richly moisturizing.
WHY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED IN CAMIA? WHAT ARE THEIR SOURCES?
Essential oils are naturally aromatic oils, which are known to have curing and cleansing properties when used within permissible limits. Ancients found many uses for essential oils notably as cosmetic solutions, anti-microbials, memory boosters and sleep inducers. Essential oils may also provide a refreshing subtle aromatherapy experience during bath or shower.
Most essential oils are extracted through steam distillation process from flowers, nuts, bark or other parts of aromatic plants.
ARE ALL THE INGREDIENTS IN CAMIA ORGANIC?
We use certified organic oils, natural salts, and plant essential oils (as fragrances) to make our soap.
The soap is free from artificial colours, sulfates, parabens, and preservatives. A dose of science and a dash of nature is what makes the CAMIA natural soap truly balanced.
DOES YOUR SOAP CONTAIN SODIUM HYDROXIDE (LYE)?
Soaps are made through a chemical process called saponification. During this process, lye is inevitable as a catalyst to convert oil or fatty acids to Salt, Glycerine and Water.
The Lye that catalyses saponification is fully used up, and does not remain even in traces in the finished product.
IS THE PALM OIL USED IN CAMIA SOAPS SUSTAINABLE?
Our certified organic palm oil is sustainably produced in plantations of South East Asia and carefully shipped out to other places. We support organic-sustainable agriculture and fair-trade practices.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLASTIC IN YOUR PRODUCT?
No. Our organic natural soap is packed in materials which are 100% biodegradable and recyclable.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE EFFLUENTS FROM YOUR MANUFACTURING PROCESS?
We run a zero-effluent facility, and we are in process of getting a green certification for our factory premises. We have taken care to avoid any ingredients in our products that could harm the nature.
IS YOUR PRODUCT VEGAN? DO YOU TEST YOUR PRODUCTS ON ANIMALS?
We do not use any animal products in our soap including milk, lanolin, emu oil, fish oil, mink oil, honey, beeswax, tallow, or urea. Hence it can be classified as Vegan.
Our Soaps are also cruelty free and we do not test them on any animals or birds.
CAN CAMIA SOAP CAUSE ALLERGIES?
We have taken great care to avoid known allergens while choosing the ingredients for CAMIA soap. The soap has also been dermatologically tested for allergic reactions. However, it must be understood that allergies are extremely subjective and circumstantial.
If you suspect any allergies, stop using the soap immediately and consult your doctor.
CAN I USE CAMIA SOAP WITH HOMEOPATHY?
Several clinicals have shown that mint, coffee, eucalyptus, camphor, and other essential oils can be consumed along with Homeopathy drugs if a gap of 10 – 15 minutes is maintained between their respective consumption. Please follow the instructions of your homeopathic practitioner carefully.
HOW LONG DOES EACH SOAP LAST IN USE?
Depending upon your usage, the soap may last for 40-50 showers. It is advisable to leave the soap in a dry airy place post bath or shower to ensure a longer- better soap life.
WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF CAMIA SOAP AND WHY?
CAMIA soaps have a shelf life of up to two years from the date of manufacture. Although handmade soaps usually get better with age, we recommend using our soaps as soon as possible after purchase. Our scented soaps should be used within 3 months once they are removed from the pack.
Although the soaps will not be “spoiled” even after that, you may notice some changes with aging like dulling of colour or fading of the scents from our pure natural essential oils.
WHERE ALL CAN I FIND CAMIA SOAPS?
You can find CAMIA soaps in leading e-commerce sites, Supermarkets and select pharmacies. You could also purchase it through the CAMIA e-commerce site to avail of loyalty benefits.
IS YOUR SOAP A CASTILE SOAP? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY SOAPS AND CASTILE SOAPS?
Castile Soaps trace their name to the place of its origin in Castile, Spain. Castile soaps are just like regular soaps, except that it is made from vegetable oils and not from any animal fat.
ARE YOUR SOAPS SAFE FOR BABIES?
While CAMIA soaps are exceptionally mild and safe, they are not tear-free. If using on babies, take care to avoid soap from getting into the baby’s eyes. We recommend unscented soaps for babies, as their skin could be sensitive to some of the essential oils in our scented soaps.
CAN I USE YOUR SOAPS TO SHAMPOO?
Yes, our soaps clean hair very well, but it can leave a tangly look and feel, if used in isolation. It is important to follow through such use of soap with a hair rinse using an acidic conditioner to retain the soft and silky texture of your hair.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS FREE OF GLUTEN, CORN, SOY AND NUTS? WHY AM I HAVING AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
Our products are gluten-free, and do not contain soy, nuts, or any other common allergens. If you have sensitive skin, and have developed an allergy, stop use immediately and consult your doctor.