"They're too pretty to use!" Some people hold onto their handmade soap much longer than they should. Trust me, I'm a big fan and I get it- they are really special.
But handcrafted soaps are also amazing for your skin, so don't keep 'em tucked away in your underwear drawer forever. Here's how to get the most out of your new handmade soap:
1. Before use: Keep 'em cool, baby.
Avoid storing handcrafted soaps in the bathroom closet, it's too hot & humid. Keep them out of direct sunlight or too close to a heat source.
Here's why- handmade soap contains about 5% free-floating plant oils and no preservatives. These extra oils help keep your skin soft and moisturized, but when stored under the wrong conditions for too long, these food-grade oils can 'oxidize' or spoil.
Normal room temperature is fine. I like to keep mine in a basket on my dresser- they make my room smell great while wait for their turn in the shower!
Handcrafted soap is best used within 8-18 months. After that, they can start to loose some fragrance- although it doesn't affect performance.
2. When in use: In mass-produced soap, the glycerin content is skimmed off to be sold for other purposes, and it's replaced with chemical hardeners. Handmade soap retains 100% of it's glycerin. Read more about glycerin content, here.
Glycerin is a humectant your skin loves and is a natural byproduct of the soapmaking process. However, because handmade soap has a high glycerin content and no chemical hardeners, it’s more water-soluble, meaning it can melt away faster than commercial bars. The simple fix? Keep it up and out of the puddle. A draining soap dish works perfectly, allowing your soap to dry out a bit between uses.
3. Share the love: Handcrafted soap makes a thoughtful gift that shows you care. Nobody's returning the gift of handmade soap! It's a small luxury that's always appreciated, and gifting it means treating someone to an everyday indulgence.
Pro tip: Properly cared for, handmade soap will last a very long time. If you're impatient (like me) cut the bar in half before you take it into the shower, and you'll get to try a new scents, sooner!
Ps- During the warmer months, we adjust our shipping schedule to the beginning of the week. Shipping Monday through Wednesdays helps prevent your package from sitting somewhere in a hot mail truck on a Sunday.
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Treanna Giles
January 29, 2026
Great Tips 💙. I do not know about cutting in half though Lol…I want all the bubbles 🙂🙂🙂.