Soapy Leisure

Step into a world of guilt-free indulgence where every lather tells a story of compassion. Imagine a soap that not only cleanses your skin but also cleanses your conscience. Picture a realm where vibrant scents and velvety textures dance together in harmony, while the choices you make pamper not just your senses, but the planet too. In this fragrant oasis, vegan, palm-free, and cruelty-free soaps intertwine and form a symphony of ethical luxury, reminding us that self-care can extend beyond ourselves, embracing the world around us. Welcome to a cleansing experience that is as pure for your skin as it is for your values. Welcome to Michigan Soap Co-Op.

The Women-Owned Dynamic Duo, Michigan Soap Co-Op, and Me&T

What you use on your exterior body has an impact on your inner one. These are the extremely wise words of the founder of Barb’s Homemade Soap and More, Barb Delosantos. 

Both Me&T and Michigan Soap Co. are run and owned by women. Barb Delosantos (Barb’s Homemade Soap and More) and Karen Bolander (Me&T Body Products) are the creators of Michigan Soap Co-op. They blended their distinct methods of body care to take care of your health, that of your skin, and your overall well-being. 

Bolander, who founded Me&T in 2011, wanted to leverage her background as a pharmacist to help her create products that were gentle on the skin and hair.

“It’s important to offer vegan, palm-free, and cruelty-free products that will match the pH of your skin. If that doesn’t happen, you can get skin irritation and worse.”

She continues by saying that vegan products are crucial since components originating from animals not only harm the animal kingdom but may also be harmful to your body. Check the labels, though, as some vegan cosmetics may contain ingredients like beeswax, collagen, and lanolin that are obviously not vegan. Bolander advises, “Read that label and research your ingredients.”  “No one wants to use products that do not align with your values. Conservation and the well-being of Earth are also important to your well-being. Vegan and cruelty-free are really no-brainers when you think of your environment.” Palm-free products are included in this category. Numerous endangered species are losing their habitat as palm forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Palm is inexpensive; therefore, many soap producers still use it. Sulfates should also be avoided, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. These substances, which are sometimes referred to as SLS, SLES, and SLSA on labels, might strip away too many of your natural oils. By removing these lubricating fluids, you leave your skin vulnerable to irritation and infection from rashes and dryness. This reiterates the importance of reading labels and taking note of ingredients.

Delosantos concurs, clarifying that their goods are genuine soap and not a blend of detergents and surfactants. Oils combined with lye or sodium hydroxide are used to make real soap. However, the lye just vanishes because of the oils’ chemical reaction with it to create your bar of soap. Glycerin, which attracts moisture to the skin, is present in every genuine soap.

“Our soaps are clean label,” Delosantos explains. “This means we make our products using as few ingredients as possible. It’s like the difference between minimal-ingredient foods and highly-processed foods, just for your skin.”

This kind of quality signifies a trustworthy product to both women. Your skin serves as both a protective shield from the elements and as your largest organ. It’s crucial to handle it properly. They make refills for their soaps because they believe that it’s crucial to treat their customers fairly. There is much talk about how cheap it is, but refills really save more money and keep less plastic in landfills. Unexpectedly, they also use 16% less water, and the Michigan Soap Co-op brand doesn’t include any formaldehyde, sulfates, detergents, or parabens. The Face Bar, which includes neem oil, is one of the specialty bars they are most proud of.

Foaming Soap by Michigan Soap Co.

Foaming hand soap that is hand-made. Don’t worry about drying the skin on your hands out every time you wash. Try the foaming hand soap from Michigan Soap Co. and remember to save the bottle. Buy a concentrated refill when your bottle runs dry, no need to purchase the container twice.

Bar Soap by Me&T

Cold process soap made in small batches. The soap bars are plant-based and scented with essential oils, fragrance oils, or a combination of both. A decadent selection awaits.

Glycerin, Moisture Magnet

Glycerin is an important component of real soap bars due to its beneficial properties for the skin and the soap-making process.

Glycerin is a humectant, which means it is a moisture magnet, attracting moisture from the environment and retaining it in your skin. This property helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevents it from drying out. Soap bars containing glycerin can provide a more moisturizing and gentle cleansing experience compared to soap bars without glycerin.

Glycerin-rich soap bars are generally milder on the skin. They cleanse without stripping away the natural oils from the skin’s surface, which helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevents excessive dryness or irritation.

Glycerin is a clear, colorless, and odorless substance. When it is added to soap formulations, it can increase the transparency and clarity of the soap, creating an appealing visual appearance.

Glycerin is a byproduct of the soap-making process. It is formed when fats or oils react with an alkali during saponification, the process of turning fats or oils into soap. In traditional soap methods, glycerin remains in the soap mixture. This natural glycerin content contributes to the soap’s moisturizing properties.

Glycerin can contribute to improved lathering and foaming properties in soap bars. This can enhance the overall cleansing experience and make the soap more user-friendly.

Glycerin is typically thought to be safe for use on most skin types. It is often used in skincare products due to its non-toxic and hypoallergenic nature. Soap bars containing glycerin are less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies.

It is important to always check labels. In some mass-produced soaps, glycerin might be removed during the soap-making process and sold separately to be used in other cosmetic products. However, in artisanal or high-quality soap production, glycerin is often retained to maximize the benefits it offers the skin. When choosing soap bars, opt for the glycerin-rich products from Michigan Soap Co-Op.

Essential Oils in Soaps

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants and are known for their strong aromas and potential therapeutic benefits.

Essential oils are often used in soaps to create pleasant and calming scents. Aromatherapy suggests that certain scents can positively influence emotions and mood. Let’s take Lavender for instance. Lavender essential oil is commonly used for its relaxing properties, while citrus oils like lemon and orange can be invigorating.

Essential oils provide a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances that are often used in commercial soaps. Natural fragrances can be appealing to individuals who are sensitive to artificial scents or who prefer more natural products.

Different essential oils are believed to have various therapeutic properties. For instance, Tea Tree oil is often used for its potential antimicrobial and acne-fighting properties, while Eucalyptus oil might be used for its decongestant and respiratory benefits. When incorporated into soaps, these oils may offer additional skincare benefits.

Some essential oils are thought to have beneficial effects on the skin. Oils like Chamomile and Calendula are often used for their potential soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Certain essential oils can impart natural color to soaps. Something like Turmeric oil or Annatto oil can add a subtle hue to the soap without the need for synthetic colorants.

Some essential oils, such as those derived from citrus fruits, contain natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help gently exfoliate the skin, promoting a smoother complexion.

Essential oils like Rosemary and Frankincense are believed to possess antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Certain essential oils, including Lavender, Chamomile, and Ylang-Ylang, are associated with relaxation and stress relief. Incorporating these oils into soaps can provide a calming experience during a bath or shower.

Fragrance Oils, So Much More Than Meets the “Nose”

Fragrance oils are popular additives in soap-making due to the numerous benefits they offer in terms of scent, aesthetics, and even potential therapeutic effects.

The aromas of fragrance oils range widely, from fruity and floral to woody and spicy. This allows soap makers to create a variety of appealing and unique scents that cater to different preferences.

Fragrance oils provide a consistent and predictable scent profile in soap. Natural essential oils, on the other hand, can vary in scent due to factors like plant origin and growing conditions.

Fragrance oils tend to retain their scent for a longer period compared to some natural essential oils. This means that the soap will maintain its fragrance throughout its use.

Fragrance oils are more stable in terms of scent and color than some natural essential oils, which can be sensitive to heat, light, and air exposure. This stability ensures that the soap’s appearance and scent remain consistent over time.

Many fragrance oils are formulated to be skin-safe and suitable for use in soaps.

Some fragrance oils are formulated with aromatherapy benefits in mind. For example, Lavender-scented soap may offer relaxation and stress relief, while citrus-scented soap can provide an energizing and uplifting experience.

Final Word

Elevate your daily routine with the natural, vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free soap options from Michigan Soap Co-Op. Experience the ultimate harmony of nature and luxury as you indulge in the creamy, dreamy lather of Foaming Soap from Michigan Soap Co., or embrace the timeless simplicity of nourishing Bar Soap from Me&T. With every wash, you are not just pampering yourself, but also making a choice that supports both your well-being and the planet. Choose kindness, choose purity, and let your skin rejoice in the embrace of nature’s finest. Elevate your cleanse, elevate your conscience, because you deserve nothing but the best, and so does the Earth.

Call To Act Now!

Elevate Your Daily Routine with Ethical Care

Introducing the natural, vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free Foaming Soap from Michigan Soap Co. and the Soap Bar from Me&T, a harmonious blend of nature and purity to transform your skincare regimen.

Experience the lush foam that only nature’s finest ingredients can provide. Foaming Soap from Michigan Soap Co., crafted without harmful parabens or animal-derived ingredients, embraces your skin in a cloud of softness while leaving behind zero-trace of cruelty. Every pump is a testament to your commitment to ethical self-care.

Step into the world of ultimate nourishment with the exquisite Bar Soap from Me&T. A masterpiece of plant-based goodness, meticulously designed to cleanse without compromise. Each bar is a celebration of your conscious choice, saying no to animal testing and yes to a more compassionate way of pampering yourself.

By choosing the natural, vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free soaps from Michigan Soap Co-Op, you are not only prioritizing your well-being but also contributing to a greener planet. Join hands in reducing your carbon footprint, one refreshing wash at a time.

Embrace the luxury of true purity. Elevate your skincare routine with compassion. Indulge in the goodness that nature intended.

Make the switch to a more mindful and ethical cleansing experience with Foaming Soap from Michigan Soap Co. and Bar Soap from Me&T.

Cleanse, nourish, and uplift, all while cleansing the planet and its creatures.