FAQ
What does “Chivas” mean?
What does “all-natural soap” mean to us?
What does “saponification” mean?
What is sodium hydroxide? That doesn’t sound natural!
What are the differences between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils?
I have sensitive skin. Can I use Chivas Soap?
Is your soap meant for body, hands, or face?
Does Chivas soap contain glycerin?
How long does each bar typically last?
How should I care for my soap?
Q: What does “Chivas” mean?
A: “Chivas” means “female goats” in Spanish. We chose this name because we use goat milk in the majorityof our products. Plus, Donna speaks Spanish fluently, used to be a High School Spanish teacher and enjoys the Spanish culture.
Q: What does “all-natural soap” mean to us?
A: When you read the label on our soap you should be able to recognize each of the ingredients listed. This is a simple way to illustrate what we mean by “all-natural”. We do not use synthetic fragrances, colorants or preservatives in our soap (see Note on Fragrance Oils below). The soaps do not contain parabens or phthalates. They are scented with pure essential oils and colored with herbs, spices and clays only. NOTE: Because we make our soaps in small batches, the colors of our soap may vary.
Q: What does “saponification” mean?
A: Saponification is the scientific term for the chemical process by which soap is made.
Q: What is sodium hydroxide? That doesn’t sound natural!
A: Soap is made with sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. Yes, it is caustic in its natural form. Through saponification, the lye reacts with the oils and continues to neutralize through the curing process (which takes 30 days or more). In other words, after the soap properly saponifies, the lye is no longer present.
Q: What are the differences between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils?
A: Essential oils are pure plant extracts that not only have a scent, but also provide aromatherapeutic benefits. They are considered “all-natural.” Fragrance oils are synthetically made scents. Some are made to mimic the scent of an essential oil, while others are perfumes. They are NOT considered “all-natural” and may cause irritation to those with extremely sensitive skin. NOTE: Some of our SALE soaps contain fragrance oils.
Q: I have sensitive skin. Can I use Chivas Soap?
A: As mentioned in “Why Goat Milk?”, our goat milk soap is particularly good for sensitive skin. It is very gentle and moisturizing without leaving any oily residue. We recommend that anyone with sensitive skin use our soaps made with essential oils only.
Q: Is your soap meant for body, hands, or face?
A: Chivas soap is designed to be used on your hands, body AND face. 3-in-1: makes life simple!
Q: Does Chivas soap contain glycerin?
A: Yes, glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soap-making process. We retain all of the glycerin produced, which amounts to approximately 10% of each bar of soap. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. So, then what’s the confusion about glycerin? Why do some soaps not have it, and why are others specifically considered “glycerin soaps”? Since glycerin is a sellable commodity, many commercial soap-makers remove the majority of it from their soap to sell, keeping a trace amount to mention on their own labels. “Glycerin soaps” are generally “melt-and-pour” soaps. They are transparent because a sugar-alcohol compound is added (that tends to dry out the skin).
Q: How long does each bar typically last?
A: This is an impossible question to answer as it depends on many factors. But we can say that the soap lasts longer than most soaps because it is made with goat milk rather than water. Click here to read customer feedback. Also, read below to learn how to best care for your soap to extend its life.
Q: How should I care for my soap?
A: The key factor to maintaining your soap is air ventilation. If you let it sit in a pool of water it will get gooey. To avoid this, simply keep your soap in a dish that has holes or slots and keep it outside the stream of water, where moisture can collect. You can view our soap dishes here, but certainly any slotted soap dish will do the trick
