Ingredients & FAQ

What's in the soap, how to make a bar last, and answers to the questions we hear most.

Close-up of three handmade soap bars showing natural clay colors and swirls

How it's made

Every bar of NK Soap is handmade in small batches using the cold-process method. This is the traditional way of making soap, combining oils and a lye solution to create a chemical reaction called saponification, which is what actually turns oil into soap. Once poured, each batch cures for several weeks, which allows the bars to harden properly and mellow into a gentle, long-lasting bar.

What's in it

Every bar is made with organic oils, chosen for how they treat your skin, not just how they lather. No shortcuts, no fillers, just real ingredients doing what they're meant to do. The base recipe is organic olive oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, sunflower oil, mango butter, castor oil, and water, saponified with sodium hydroxide (no lye remains in the finished bar; it's fully converted during the soap-making process). Colors come from natural sources like clays and botanicals rather than synthetic dyes, and scents are carefully chosen fragrance oils blended to smell as good as the soap feels. The full ingredient list for each scent is also printed on the back of every bar.

Why cold-process soap is good for your skin

Cold-process soap retains the natural glycerin created during saponification, a moisturizing byproduct that many commercial soaps strip out during manufacturing. That means a bar that cleans without stripping your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling soft rather than tight or dry. It's a great option for anyone looking to simplify their skincare routine with fewer, better ingredients.

Who it's for

Whether you love a bold, spiced fall scent or prefer something completely fragrance-free, there's a bar for you. The Unscented bar is made with no added fragrance or color, making it a good choice for sensitive skin or anyone who prefers things simple.

Allergen & sensitivity note

Our soaps are made with tree nut and coconut-derived oils and may be produced in a workspace that also handles other botanical ingredients, clays, and fragrance oils. If you have a known allergy or sensitive skin, please review the full ingredient list on each product page and on the back of the bar before purchasing, and consider a small patch test before regular use. This is not medical advice. If you experience irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Care tips

To help your bar last as long as possible, keep it on a draining soap dish or soap saver between uses and allow it to dry fully between washes. A cold-process bar that's kept dry between uses can easily outlast a bottled soap; most bars last 20–30 days depending on use.

Frequently asked questions

Do you ship?

Yes! I ship via USPS to addresses within the United States only, for a flat rate of $7.50 per order, regardless of package weight. Keep an eye on the newsletter for occasional free-shipping promotions. See the Shipping Policy for full details.

How long does it take to receive my order?

Orders are made to order and packed by hand. Please allow 2 to 3 business days for processing before your order ships, plus 2 to 5 business days for standard USPS shipping. During busy periods, like holidays and sales, processing may take longer.

Do you offer custom or bulk orders?

Yes, I'm happy to help with custom or bulk orders for weddings, gifts, events, and more. Please contact me directly to discuss options, timelines, and pricing.

Do you offer a discount for buying more than one bar?

Yes! All soaps are $10 each, or 3 for $26; mix and match any scents.

What is your return policy?

Unused, unopened bars in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery. For hygiene reasons, opened or used bars can't be returned. Return shipping is paid by the customer. See the full Refund Policy for details.

What if my order arrives damaged?

If your order arrives damaged, or you receive the wrong item, please contact us within 14 days of delivery with photos of the item and packaging, and we'll arrange a replacement or refund at no cost to you. If tracking shows your package as delivered but you haven't received it, please check with neighbors and your local carrier facility first, then contact us.

What ingredients are in your soap?

Every bar is made with organic oils using the traditional cold-process method. Colors come from natural sources like clays and botanicals, and scents come from carefully chosen fragrance oils. The full ingredient list is located on each product page and on the back of every bar of soap.

Is your soap good for sensitive skin?

Cold-process soap retains natural glycerin, which helps skin stay moisturized rather than stripped. If you have very sensitive skin, the Unscented bar (no added fragrance or color) is a great place to start.

How many scents do you offer?

14 scents across all four seasons, from cozy fall favorites to bright, fresh summer scents. Check out the full lineup on the Shop page. Will be dropping occasional seasonal scents throughout the year, so please check back or join the newsletter to stay informed.

How should I store my soap?

Keep your bar on a draining soap dish or soap saver between uses and let it dry out fully between washes. This helps it last much longer than a bar left sitting in water.

How long does a bar last?

With proper care (a draining dish and time to dry between uses), a cold-process bar can last significantly longer than typical store-bought soap; most bars last 20–30 days, depending on usage.