Handmade soaps that are gentle for your skin
Various Methods, Different Qualities
Soaps come in a wide array of types, each possessing unique characteristics and benefits due to different manufacturing methods and ingredients.
While commercial soaps might appear similar at a glance, many of them contain a plethora of additives, including synthetic detergents and preservatives. These additives are used to harden the soap, enhance lathering, and serve various other purposes. However, they can be harsh on the skin, causing irritation and allergies.
On the other hand, ChikoSoap uses fundamental ingredients - oils, water, and sodium hydroxide - and employs the Cold Process method, where soap is created through natural chemical reactions. Sodium hydroxide, necessary for saponification, doesn't remain in the soap once the reaction is complete. We refrain from using preservatives or additives to harden the soap. Additionally, we preserve the natural glycerin formed during the manufacturing process. While this natural glycerin can make the soap softer and more soluble, at ChikoSoap, we have improved these qualities by adjusting the water content.
ChikoSoap's soap provides a gentle cleansing experience with a pH level of around 7-8, effectively removing dirt without stripping away essential oils. Many soaps have a strong cleansing power with a pH of 9-11. Excessive cleansing can remove necessary oils, causing the body to compensate by producing more oil, leading to oily skin. Our soap balances cleansing power and minimal burden on the skin, making it a favorite among individuals with sensitive skin.
Chiko Standard Soap
In my original recipe, I switched from palm oil to shea butter to make my soap more luxurious and environmentally friendly.. My soaps lather nicely and are gentle on humans and pets, also they are environmentally friendly.
Natural additives that I add to my original formula are seasonal fruit and vegetables and something unique to Japan or New Zealand.
I try to create different designs with a variety of colours and scents by adding these ingredients from nature, pureed or dried.
Aside from the original range of standard soaps, I have probiotic soap (which is known to activate microorganisms to promote natural cleansing power on your skin), vegan soap and soap for your pets. Scent-free soap (especially for babies and women who are pregnant) and gift packages are also available on request.
Ayurveda Shampoo Bar
It has been 8 years since I started making and using Ayurvedic shampoo bars myself. The sensation I felt when I washed my hair with only Ayurvedic herbs for the first time during the process of development is still vivid in my mind.
I dissolved powdered herbs in water to wash my hair. I had an extremely refreshing feeling on my scalp and my hair was pleasantly soft. It was an outstanding feeling which I had never experienced with shampoo.
This gave me the drive to create a shampoo bar, after many trials and errors I now have five different types of shampoo soap bars available.
From the feedback I received, I now know that once you start using this shampoo soap bar, your hair will become softer, reduce losing hair. People with thinner hair may find that their hair will become stronger and bouncier. You will only need to wash your hair every 2-3 days and also you will not need to use conditioner.
However, I also have a conditioner bar for people who are new to shampoo bars. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars tend to last at least twice longer than liquid shampoo. Hope you give it a try.
Despite its popularity, I hadn’t been able to produce more of the manuka, propolis and placenta soap due to the soaring price and difficulty sourcing the ingredients for some time.
However, I am thrilled to announce that I have produced a new soap after a serendipitous encounter with a honey farmer. This new version of manuka honey soap contains active manuka honey MGO696, royal jelly, propolis and bee venom (10% of the total amount of oil, how lavish!), making it more luxurious than the older version.
This means the amount of honey in this soap is equivalent to 7 times more honey than ordinary mass-produced honey soaps on the market. I am confident that you will never see soap like this anywhere else. I replaced part of the water in soap with honey at the highest possible proportion. As honey’s water retention is high, and I do not remove glycerine which occurs naturally during the process of soap making, this soap is softer than mass-produced soaps. I call this soap “raw soap”.
Active manuka honey is moisturising and is thought to have powerful anti-bacterial, skin-repairing benefits. Propolis has anti-bacterial properties that may be effective for eczema and acne-prone skin, as well as antioxidant properties that are effective for ageing spots and wrinkles. Bee venom may promote skin turnover, while royal jelly is great for anti-aging.
This soap is jam-packed with the bee’s blessing. I take extra care when selecting base oils and I only use quality vegetable oils such as olive, coconut and rice bran oils in my recipe. I use moisturising, luxurious shea butter instead of palm oil as it wreaks havoc on the environment. You will enjoy a rich, creamy lather as I cure this soap for 9 weeks instead of 4 weeks. I do not add any fragrance to this soap as I would like you to enjoy the unique luscious scent of manuka honey.
The lather may seem yellowish as the colour of the honey mixture is naturally dark brown. This is proof that the lather contains the goodness of honey. I recommend you leave a well-foamed lather on the skin for 30 seconds before rinsing to utilise all the benefits of honey. Your skin will love it and appreciate the goodness of the soap.
Manuka-Gold Soap
