Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes your soap?
I do. We are a small, family-owned and operated business. I (Debbie) am an advanced certified soapmaker and make every batch by hand, the old fashioned way. You can rest assured that products you purchase from Big Fat Soap are the best handcrafted all-natural products available. It's an added bonus that your skin will thank you - if only it could talk.
Do you use animal products or test your products on animals?
We use only the finest ingredients in our soap and body products. Vegetable oils, such as olive, avocado, coconut and palm oils, and shea butter are used in our carefully formulated soap recipes. We use beeswax in our lip balms and other emollient oils, including Vitamin E. Our products are not tested on animals, other than the human kind - ourselves, friends, and family members.
Do your soaps contain lye?
True soap is made with some type of alkali (base) and some type of oil/fat (fatty acid). When the two are combined a chemical reaction, called saponification, occurs. Soap is the end result of this chemical reaction that occurs as the molecules of the acid (fats) and the base (lye) are combined and transformed into soap and glycerin (a natural bi-product of saponification) molecules. Most commercial soap is not technically soap at all, but is in fact detergent made with a lot of synthetic ingredients. Commercial soap companies remove the glycerin from their ‘soap’ and sell it to cosmetic and/or food manufacturers, because it is a valuable commodity. The naturally occurring glycerin, along with the other high quality ingredients in our handcrafted soap, creates a superior mild and moisturizing bar, perfect for all skin types.
Will your soap improve my eczema?
Many of our customers report back that switching to our all natural soap has improved their skin conditions. People with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and even those with extremely sensitive skin, report back to us that they see improvement after just a few weeks of using our products. The key is to reduce usage of harsh detergents, such as commercial foaming soaps, for example, and allow the skin to heal naturally. Using only mild and moisturizing products to cleanse is the most important aspect. Following up with an all-natural cream or lotion is essential to seeing results as well.
Do you use sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate?
No we do not. These are synthetic surfactants (foaming agents) and they are irritating to the skin and scalp. Look for these types of ingredients on product labels, and please stay away from synthetic chemical additives. Your body and your health deserves better and we can accommodate you with our natural skin and hair nourishing products.
Will your products look and smell the same when I reorder?
Our products are handmade in small batches and occasional variations are to be expected. We use only Nature’s finest ingredients and natural ingredients can vary. For example, essential oils will vary in their scent and color depending on the weather and/or season of harvest of the plant materials.
Do you offer free samples?
We do not offer free samples at this time.
What is your refund policy?
We want you to be satisfied with your purchase, so we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please return the product with an explanation and we will be more than happy to replace it, exchange it, or refund your money. You can also call us at 630-409-1429, email info@bigfatsoap.com or ship the product you are returning, directly to: Big Fat Soap, PO Box 874, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.
