What is “true soap” or “real soap?”
According to the FDA, for something to be regarded as a soap it “must be composed mainly of the ‘alkali salts of fatty acids,’ that is, the material you get when you combine fats or oils with an alkali, such as lye.”
Many soaps today do not meet the above definition and are not “true soaps” (also known as “real soaps”). If you purchased your soap at a major retail chain, for example, the chances are very good that it isn’t true soap. So, while the bar or liquid in your shower might be labeled as “soap,” it is most likely what the FDA classifies as a synthetic detergent.
Little Dragon soaps are real soaps made via the traditional cold-process method.
More info at the FDA site: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/frequently-asked-questions-soap
Wait! Soap has lye in it?!
Thanks to the magic of chemistry, the answer is yes and no. Lye (also known as sodium hydroxide or NaOH) is used in the process of making soap. However, no lye remains in the soap once the chemical reaction is complete. Pretty cool, right? After the saponification process is finished, all that remains is soap and some leftover oils that your skin will love (no lye).
Are your soaps all-natural?
Yes, we only use natural ingredients. The soaps are colored using natural plant powders and clays. All scents are created from essential oils. No fragrance oils or synthetic colorants are used.
Do your soaps contain animal products?
Nope.
Can I order soaps online?
Not at this time. Little Dragon soap is sold locally in Redlands, CA. See the purchase page to find current locations in Redlands. If you really, really, really want some Little Dragon soap in your life and you don’t live in the area, just email us. We can work something out 🙂