A Vanilla Bean Lesson

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The Speckled Truth About Real Vanilla Beans in Natural Handmade Soap

Vanilla Beans Beyond the Extract

🔲 Vanilla beans contain thousands of tiny seeds that create natural speckling in soap. These dark flecks aren’t dirt or imperfection, they’re proof of real botanical ingredients working in your bar.

🔲 Ground vanilla beans add gentle, non-abrasive texture that enhances the sensory experience without scratching skin. The microscopic particles create a barely-there exfoliation that most people don’t even notice as exfoliation.

🔲 Unlike vanilla extract or fragrance oils containing vanillin, ground vanilla beans won’t cause soap to turn brown. They maintain their specked appearance in lighter-colored bars, offering visual interest without color transformation.

🔲 Real vanilla beans cost $200-600 per pound, making them one of the most expensive spices in the world. When you see vanilla bean specks in handmade soap, you’re seeing a maker’s investment in authentic ingredients.

Have you ever split open a vanilla bean?

It’s a revelation.

That single dark pod, firm and leathery on the outside, splits to reveal a sticky, paste-like interior packed with thousands upon thousands of microscopic seeds. These seeds are so fine they look almost like wet soil, dark and fragrant, clinging to everything they touch.

This is where real vanilla lives.

Not in clear extracts. Not in synthetic vanillin. But in those tiny, precious specks.

And when those specks appear in natural handmade soap, they tell a completely different story than vanilla extract ever could.

Today, we’re exploring a true vanilla bean lesson. What these tiny seeds are, why they behave the way they do in soap, what most people don’t know about them, and why their presence in your bar is something worth celebrating.

Whether you’re a soap lover, a maker, or someone seeking authentic artisan bath products, this guide will change how you see those little dark flecks forever.

The Vanilla Bean Isn’t a Bean At All

Let’s start with a surprise, vanilla “beans” aren’t beans.

They’re actually seed pods from Vanilla planifolia, a climbing orchid that grows in tropical regions. The name “bean” comes purely from their elongated shape, but botanically speaking, they’re capsules filled with seeds.

And what seeds they are.

Each pod contains somewhere between 16,000 to 100,000 seeds, depending on the pod’s size and growing conditions. These seeds are incredibly tiny – about the size of ground black pepper, but finer. When you scrape the inside of a vanilla pod, you’re collecting thousands of seeds at once, bound together in that characteristic sticky paste.

Here’s what makes this fascinating for soap:

When ground vanilla beans are added to soap, you’re incorporating actual seed matter – not a derivative, not an extract, but the physical structure of the plant itself.

Those dark flecks you see in vanilla bean soap?

That’s the real thing.

Why Vanilla Beans Look Different Than Vanilla Extract

This is where many people get confused.

Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol, which pulls out the aromatic compounds (primarily vanillin) while leaving the seeds behind. The liquid is then filtered, bottled, and used for flavoring.

What you get: The chemistry of vanilla.
What you lose: The physical presence of vanilla.

Ground vanilla beans, on the other hand, are the whole pod or more specifically, the seeds from inside the pod – dried and pulverized into fine particles.

What you get: The visual proof, the texture, the authenticity.
What you lose: The intense aroma concentration.

In soap, this creates a completely different experience:

  • Vanilla extract/fragrance oils → Darker over time due to vanillin oxidation
  • Ground vanilla beans → Maintain their specked appearance without browning the entire bar

This is why a soap like Cocoa Butter Vanilla Bean can remain beautifully white or cream-colored with elegant dark speckling throughout, instead of shifting to caramel or brown.

The beans don’t chemically react the same way.

They’re decorative. Textural. Visual.

And they stay that way.

The Cost of Real Vanilla Beans

Here’s something most people don’t realize.

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron.

Grade A Madagascar vanilla beans (the gold standard) can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 per pound, depending on market conditions, harvest quality, and global demand.

Why so expensive?

  1. Hand pollination – Each flower blooms for only one day and must be pollinated by hand in most growing regions
  2. Long maturation – Pods take 8-9 months to mature on the vine
  3. Labor-intensive curing – The beans go through months of blanching, sweating, drying, and aging to develop their aroma
  4. Climate sensitivity – Cyclones, droughts, and political instability in growing regions (Madagascar produces 80% of the world’s vanilla) can devastate harvests

So when you see vanilla bean specks in handmade soap, you’re not just seeing “decoration.”

You’re seeing a maker’s willingness to invest in genuine, costly ingredients instead of taking shortcuts.

That matters.

What Ground Vanilla Beans Do in Soap

Let’s talk texture.

Ground vanilla beans add an incredibly fine, gentle texture to soap that most people don’t consciously notice – but they can feel.

It’s not gritty like pumice or coffee grounds.
It’s not scratchy like some salt scrubs.

It’s subtle. Almost imperceptible. Like the finest grain you can imagine.

When you lather vanilla bean soap, those microscopic seed particles move across your skin without abrading it. They provide the slightest amount of physical contact, which can:

  • Enhance the sensory experience of washing
  • Create a feeling of “something special” without being harsh
  • Give the soap a luxurious, artisan quality

Think of it like the difference between smooth peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter.

Both are delicious.

But one has texture, and that texture changes the entire eating experience.

Vanilla bean soap is the “crunchy peanut butter” of the soap world.

The Speckling Effect, Beauty in Authenticity

One of the most visually striking things about vanilla bean soap is the random speckling pattern.

Because the seeds are distributed throughout the soap batter before it hardens, they settle and suspend in organic, unpredictable ways. No two bars look exactly the same.

Some bars have dense clusters of specks.
Others have scattered, delicate freckling.
Some show dramatic contrast against white bases.
Others blend softly into cream or beige tones.

This variability is a feature, not a flaw.

It’s proof that the soap was made by hand, in small batches, with real ingredients that behave naturally – not churned out by machines designed for perfect uniformity.

For customers seeking authentic artisan products, this matters deeply.

It’s the same reason people love handmade pottery with slight variations, or hand-knit sweaters with unique tension patterns.

Perfection is boring.
Authenticity is compelling.

Vanilla Beans vs. Synthetic “Vanilla Bean” Products

Here’s where things get interesting.

Many commercial “vanilla bean” products – from ice cream to body wash – contain no actual vanilla beans.

Instead, they use:

  • Synthetic vanillin (derived from wood pulp or petroleum byproducts)
  • Artificial vanilla flavoring
  • “Natural vanilla flavor” (which can be derived from non-vanilla sources)
  • Tiny black specks made from… well, other things

Yes, you read that correctly.

Some products add fake specks to create the visual illusion of vanilla beans without the cost.

These can include:

  • Ground exhausted vanilla beans (already used for extract, with no aroma left)
  • Carob powder
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Even food-grade plastic particles in some cosmetics

In contrast, true vanilla bean soap contains the actual ground seeds from real vanilla pods.

There’s no shortcut.
No substitution.
No illusion.

Just the plant itself.

Why Vanilla Beans Don’t Cause Browning

Remember how vanilla extract darkens soap over time due to vanillin oxidation?

Ground vanilla beans don’t do that.

Here’s why:

The vanillin in vanilla beans is locked inside the seed structure and present in much lower concentrations than in extracted form. When the beans are ground and suspended in soap, they’re not releasing significant amounts of vanillin into the alkaline soap base.

Instead, they remain as inert particles – visible, textured, but chemically stable.

This is why you can create a white or cream-colored soap with vanilla bean specks that stays light over time.

The specks themselves remain dark brown or black (that’s their natural color), but they don’t bleed or discolor the surrounding soap.

It’s the best of both worlds:

  • The visual authenticity of vanilla
  • The stability of a non-reactive ingredient
  • The luxury of real botanical matter
  • The clean aesthetic of a light-colored bar

Pairing Vanilla Beans with Cocoa Butter

When you combine vanilla beans with cocoa butter, something magical happens.

Cocoa butter itself is pale yellow to white, with a subtle chocolate-like aroma (though it fades significantly in soap). It’s incredibly moisturizing, creating a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious on skin.

Add vanilla bean specks, and you get:

Visual contrast – Dark seeds against pale butter tones
Complementary aromas – Chocolate and vanilla, a classic pairing
Luxurious texture – Creamy lather with barely-there exfoliation
Nostalgic comfort – Like the scent of fresh baked goods or premium desserts

This combination evokes warmth, indulgence, and quality without being overly sweet or artificial.

It’s sophisticated vanilla.
Grown-up vanilla.
Honest vanilla.

The Sensory Psychology of Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the most universally loved scents in the world.

Research suggests that vanilla’s aroma can:

  • Reduce stress and promote relaxation
  • Elevate mood through positive scent associations
  • Trigger nostalgia (baking, childhood, comfort)
  • Enhance perceived sweetness even when no sugar is present

But here’s what’s interesting about vanilla beans in soap:

The scent is softer and more nuanced than synthetic vanilla or vanilla extract.

You’re not hit with a blast of artificial sweetness.
Instead, you experience a gentle, warm, slightly woody aroma that whispers rather than shouts.

It’s the difference between:

  • A scented candle labeled “VANILLA CUPCAKE” (loud)
  • And a freshly split vanilla pod (subtle, complex, real)

For people with scent sensitivities or those who prefer understated fragrance, vanilla bean soap offers presence without overwhelm.

What Most People Don’t Know About Vanilla Beans in Soap

Let’s share some insider knowledge.

1. The Seeds Can Clog Drains (But Rarely Do)

Technically, yes, thousands of tiny seeds could accumulate over time. In practice? The particles are so fine and well-distributed that they rinse away easily. Unless you’re using an entire vanilla bean per bar (no one does), it’s not a concern.

2. Not All “Vanilla Bean” Soaps Contain Real Beans

Always check ingredient lists. Some products list “vanilla bean extract” or “vanilla bean fragrance” – which may not include actual ground seeds.

3. Vanilla Beans Lose Most Aroma When Soaped

The saponification process (turning oils into soap) happens at high pH and can neutralize delicate aromatics. Ground vanilla beans contribute visual appeal and subtle scent, but they won’t create a strong vanilla smell on their own. That’s why many vanilla bean soaps also include essential oils or natural fragrances.

4. The Seeds Are Edible (But Don’t Eat Your Soap)

Vanilla bean seeds are completely food-safe – you’ve eaten them in ice cream, custards, and baked goods. In soap, they’re harmless to skin, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic for most people.

5. Quality Varies Wildly

Some soap makers use spent vanilla beans (already used for extract) which have little to no remaining aroma or potency. Others use premium whole beans, ground fresh, with full aromatic complexity. The difference is significant – and often visible in the richness of the speckling.

Embracing the Imperfection of Natural Ingredients

In a world obsessed with flawless aesthetics and Instagrammable uniformity, vanilla bean soap is quietly rebellious.

It says:

“I’m not perfect, and I don’t need to be.”

Each bar is unique.
Each speck pattern is one-of-a-kind.
Each sensory experience is slightly different.

And that’s exactly the point.

Natural handmade soap isn’t trying to compete with mass-produced bars stamped out by machines at 10,000 units per hour.

It’s offering something those bars can never provide:

Authenticity.
Craft.
Connection to real plants and real people.

When you hold a bar flecked with vanilla bean seeds, you’re holding proof that someone chose quality over convenience, cost be damned.

Choosing Vanilla Bean Soap

If you’re drawn to,

Subtle luxury → Vanilla bean offers elegance without intensity
Visual interest → Those specks make every bar a small work of art
Gentle texture → Barely-there exfoliation for daily use
Natural authenticity → Real botanical ingredients, no synthetic shortcuts

Then vanilla bean soap – especially when paired with rich cocoa butter – is worth exploring.

And if you’re wondering whether those specks are “real,” here’s a simple test:

Real vanilla beans = Irregular, varied sizes, slightly textured, naturally dark brown to black
Fake specks = Perfectly uniform, suspiciously even distribution, sometimes too “perfectly round”

Your eyes (and eventually your research into the maker) will tell you the truth.

Vanilla Beans Aren’t Plain

We’ve been conditioned to think of vanilla as the default.

The “plain” option.
The “boring” choice.
The thing you pick when you can’t decide on a “real” flavor.

But vanilla beans themselves?

They’re anything but plain.

They’re exotic orchid seeds harvested by hand from tropical vines.
They’re the result of months of patient curing and aging.
They’re worth more per pound than silver.
They’re complex, subtle, and quietly magnificent.

So the next time you see dark specks in your soap, don’t dismiss them as decoration.

See them as declaration.A declaration that real ingredients matter.
That authenticity is worth the cost.

A declaration that real ingredients matter.
That authenticity is worth the cost.
And that sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t uniform, they’re uniquely, imperfectly, naturally themselves.

Related Reading

For more information about nourishing your skin from head to toe using gentle, natural approaches, dive deeper into these related articles:

Salt Bars: Because Your Skin Deserves a Spa, Not a Chemistry Class

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Upgrade Your Shower Routine, No Lab Coat Required.

Pure Salt Glow Boost

🔲 Salt bars contain 50 to 80% Mediterranean sea salt, naturally exfoliating dead skin cells while drawing out impurities, leaving your skin smooth, clarified, and glowing after every shower.

🔲 Made with nourishing oils like coconut and olive oil, without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, or petroleum-based fillers. No chemistry degree required.

🔲 Unlike conventional body wash, salt bars cleanse while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance, perfect for oily, combination, and breakout-prone skin.

🔲 Long-lasting, plastic-free, biodegradable, and multi-purpose (body wash + exfoliator + facial cleanser). One generously-sized bar lasts for months with daily use, replacing multiple products while elevating your routine.

Let’s talk about salt bars, the ultimate skincare secret that’s been hiding in plain sight. These handmade treasures transform your daily shower into a spa-worthy experience, delivering luxury and results in equal measure.

If your current body wash requires a chemistry degree to decode its ingredient list, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing, your skin is your body’s largest organ, working 24/7 to protect you from the world. Maybe it’s time to stop thanking it with synthetic mystery ingredients and start treating it to something genuinely nourishing.

Enter salt bars, the elegant solution to modern skincare that’s been right under our noses all along.

What Exactly Is a Salt Bar?

Imagine combining the mineral-rich benefits of a Dead Sea spa treatment with the gentle care of artisan soap-making. That’s exactly what a salt bar delivers.

Unlike conventional soap (which focuses solely on getting you clean), salt bars are crafted with 50 to 80% salt content, primarily mineral-rich Mediterranean sea salt, combined with nourishing oils. The result is a luxurious bar that simultaneously exfoliates, detoxifies, and moisturizes.

Most quality salt bars feature a generous amount of coconut oil, creating that creamy, moisturizing lather you’ll fall in love with. It’s the soap equivalent of upgrading from economy to first class, once you experience the difference, there’s no going back.

The Problem With Conventional Body Wash

What’s actually in that brightly colored bottle you’ve been using?

Most commercial body washes contain,

Harsh Sulfates that strip your skin’s natural protective oils faster than you can say “moisture barrier”

Parabens serving as preservatives, despite growing concerns about their long-term effects

Synthetic Fragrances labeled simply as “fragrance”, a convenient loophole that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals

Petroleum-Based Ingredients because apparently what works for engines must be great for skin (spoiler: it’s not)

Artificial Colors that serve absolutely no functional purpose beyond aesthetic appeal

Your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you put on it. Those ingredients aren’t just sitting on the surface, they’re getting into your system. The question becomes, is that really what you want your body processing daily?

The Natural Salt Bar Advantage

Here’s what happens when you make the switch to handmade salt bars,

Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliation

Those tiny salt crystals work as natural micro-exfoliators, gently buffing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores without the harsh abrasion of synthetic scrubs. The result? That coveted “just back from vacation” glow, available right in your own shower.

Deep Pore Detoxification

Salt has been drawing out impurities and toxins from skin since ancient times. (There’s a reason Cleopatra was so keen on salt baths.) Salt bars bring this same purifying power to your daily routine, helping to clarify and refresh your skin naturally.

Natural Oil Balance

If your skin tends toward the oily side, salt bars become your new best friend. Salt naturally helps regulate sebum production without over-drying, finding that perfect balance commercial products often miss entirely.

Antibacterial Properties

Thanks to salt’s inherent antibacterial nature, these bars create an inhospitable environment for acne-causing bacteria. Combined with their exfoliating action that keeps pores clear, salt bars offer a one-two punch against breakouts.

Surprising Hydration

Despite being packed with exfoliating salt crystals, quality salt bars are remarkably moisturizing. That’s because they’re typically crafted with nourishing oils like coconut, olive, and avocado oil. Your skin gets cleansed, buffed, and hydrated all at once.

Ingredients You Can Actually Recognize

One of the most refreshing aspects of natural handmade salt bars? The ingredient list reads like actual English, not a pharmaceutical textbook.

What You’ll Find:

  • Mediterranean sea salt (rich in natural minerals)
  • Coconut oil for moisturizing
  • Olive oil for nourishment
  • Essential oils (actual plant extracts)
  • Shea butter or cocoa butter for extra softness
  • Sometimes kaolin clay for added benefits

What You Won’t Find:

  • Unpronounceable chemical compounds
  • Synthetic fragrances or colors
  • Petroleum-based ingredients
  • Harsh detergents or sulfates
  • Mystery preservatives

When the longest word on your soap ingredient list is “coconut,” you know you’re making a healthier choice.

Benefits That Transform Your Skincare Routine

For Your Face

Unlike harsh facial cleansers that leave your skin feeling stripped and tight, quality salt bars are gentle enough for facial use.

Minimize Pores: Regular use helps refine pore appearance over time

Reduce Inflammation: Natural anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin

Balance pH Levels: Helps maintain your skin’s optimal pH

Gentle Daily Exfoliation: No micro-tears or damage to your skin barrier

Support for Skin Conditions: Many users with eczema and psoriasis report improvement

Pro tip: If you have particularly sensitive skin, test on a small area first. While salt bars are gentler than conventional products, everyone’s skin is unique.

For Your Body

From neck to toes, salt bars work wonders,

  • Smooth rough patches on elbows, knees, and heels
  • Address body acne and bacne naturally
  • Soften and exfoliate feet without requiring professional pedicures
  • Leave skin feeling genuinely clean without that tight, squeaky feeling
  • Create a luxurious lather that elevates your shower experience

The Environmental Bonus

Here’s something your plastic bottle of body wash won’t advertise, handmade salt bars are remarkably eco-friendly.

Minimal Packaging: Typically just paper or recyclable materials

Biodegradable: Returns to nature harmlessly

Concentrated Formula: One bar outlasts multiple bottles of body wash

Zero Microplastics: No environmental pollution from synthetic ingredients

Small-Batch Production: Supporting artisan makers instead of industrial manufacturing

Choosing natural salt bars is a vote for both your skin’s health and environmental sustainability.


How to Use Salt Bars Effectively

The process is refreshingly simple,

Step 1: Wet Your Skin
 Thoroughly wet your skin in the shower or bath.

Step 2: Create a Lather
Rub the salt bar between your hands or directly on wet skin. You’ll notice a creamy, luxurious lather developing. (First-time users: yes, it feels different from foamy commercial body wash. That’s the hallmark of quality ingredients.)

Step 3: Massage
Work the lather over your body. The salt crystals exfoliate while the oils moisturize, it’s like your skin receiving a massage and facial simultaneously.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Wash everything off and notice how soft and genuinely clean your skin feels.

Step 5: Store Properly
Keep your bar in a well-draining soap dish. Salt bars last significantly longer when they dry between uses.

Advanced Technique: Use your salt bar during your evening shower. The gentle exfoliation works overnight, so you wake looking refreshed and radiant.

Selecting Your Ideal Salt Bar

Not all salt bars are created equal. Here’s what to look for,

Quality Indicators

Handmade in Small Batches: Artisan production ensures quality control and attention to detail that mass manufacturing can’t match.

Natural Ingredients: If the ingredient list requires translation, reconsider your choice.

High Coconut Oil Content: This creates that signature creamy, moisturizing lather.

Proper Curing Time: Quality salt bars need at least 8 weeks to cure properly, the longer the cure, the harder and longer-lasting the bar. Rushed production compromises quality and longevity.

Transparent Ingredient Disclosure: Reputable soap makers proudly list exactly what goes into their bars.

Scent Preferences

Unscented: Perfect for sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free products

Essential Oils:

  • Lavender for calming properties
  • Eucalyptus for invigoration
  • Tea tree for acne-fighting benefits
  • Citrus for energizing morning showers
  • Herbal blends like rosemary and mint for earthy aromatherapy

Avoid anything listing “fragrance” or “parfum” without specifying the source, these terms often mask synthetic chemicals.

The Adjustment Period, What to Expect

Transparency is important. Switching to salt bars may require a brief adjustment period.

Your skin has adapted to synthetic ingredients over time. When you switch to natural products, there’s an adaptation phase as your skin rebalances itself.

Timeline:

  • Week 1: Noticing the different texture and feel
  • Week 2: Skin begins adjusting and softening
  • Week 3: Visible improvements become apparent
  • Week 4+: You wonder why you didn’t make the switch years ago

Some users experience a brief purging phase as skin detoxifies. This is normal and typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1: “Salt will dry out my skin.”
 Reality: Quality salt bars are formulated with generous amounts of moisturizing oils. The salt exfoliates while the oils hydrate, it’s a balanced system.

Misconception #2: “Bar soap harbors bacteria.”
 Reality: Soap’s entire purpose is killing bacteria. It’s self-cleaning by nature. Just allow it to drain and dry between uses.

Misconception #3: “I need separate face and body products.”
 Reality: Quality salt bars work beautifully for both. Your skin is skin, whether it’s on your face or elsewhere.

Misconception #4: “Natural products aren’t as effective.”
 Reality: Natural means working with your skin’s biology rather than against it. That’s actually more effective, not less.

Making the Switch, Your Skin’s Investment

Switching to natural handmade salt bars won’t solve every life challenge. But it will transform your skin.

Imagine skin that feels genuinely clean but never stripped. Soft, smooth, and clear without requiring a chemistry degree to understand your skincare routine. That’s the salt bar difference.

These bars represent honest, straightforward skincare: quality ingredients doing exactly what they’re designed to do. No marketing gimmicks, no “proprietary formulas” that are mostly water, no ingredients that require a dictionary.

Just salt, nourishing oils, and results that make you wonder why conventional products ever seemed normal.

Your skin works tirelessly for you. Perhaps it’s time to return the favor with skincare that truly nourishes rather than simply tolerates.

Quick Reference Guide

How long does one bar last?
Salt bars are generously sized, almost twice as large as regular soaps, and with proper care, they last for months with daily use. As you use them, the edges smooth down and they transform into large, foaming rocks that just keep going. Bonus: when used in the bath, they release beneficial minerals into the water without dissolving away quickly.

Can I use it on my face?
Yes! Start gradually if you have very sensitive skin.

Which skin types benefit most?
Salt bars excel for oily, combination, and normal skin. Those with very dry skin should look for formulations with extra shea butter or follow with a natural moisturizer.

Storage requirements?
Keep in a well-draining soap dish. No refrigeration needed.

Travel-friendly?
Absolutely! Wrap in a washcloth or soap bag. No liquid restrictions to worry about.

Suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally yes, but always patch test first. Natural ingredients are typically gentler than synthetic alternatives.

Results timeline?
Most users notice improvements within 2-3 weeks of consistent use.

Ready to experience the difference that natural, handmade salt bars can make?

Your skin has been waiting for you to make the switch.

Browse our collection of artisan salt bars, each carefully crafted with quality ingredients and genuine care for your skin’s health. No harsh chemicals, no mystery ingredients, just pure, effective skincare the way nature intended.

Your skin deserves more than chemical compounds. It deserves the spa treatment. Every single day.

Related Reading

For more information about nourishing your skin from head to toe using gentle, natural approaches, dive deeper into these related articles:

Real Soap for Real Men: Tough on Grime, Gentle on Skin

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Natural, Hardworking Soap That Gets You Clean Without Wrecking Your Skin.

Soap for Men Who Don’t Read Soap Labels. 😆 Natural Ingredients Anyway.

Tough, Natural, Proven

🔲 Soap That Works as Hard as You Do – Tough on dirt and grime, gentle on skin, perfect for hardworking men.

🔲 All-in-One Grooming – Body, hair, shaving, and beard care in one natural, multi-purpose bar.

🔲 Natural Ingredients Matter – Handcrafted with coconut, olive, and shea butter for nourishment and long-lasting use.

🔲 Family-Owned, Tested by Real Men – Every product crafted and tested with care, delivering quality without gimmicks.

Let’s be honest, after a long day of work, the last thing you want is a shower product that can’t keep up with you. Whether you’ve been under the hood of a truck, framing a house, or just putting in an honest day’s work, you need soap that actually gets the job done. Not some fancy boutique bar that falls apart after two uses or leaves a weird film on your skin. Real soap. The kind that works as hard as you do.

That’s exactly why we created our men’s line at Apple Valley Natural Soap. As a family-owned business, we’ve seen firsthand what hardworking men put their bodies through every single day. We’ve watched our fathers, brothers, and sons come home covered in everything from motor oil to sawdust, and we knew they deserved better than what the big-box stores were offering.

Why We Started Making Soap for Men Who Work Hard

Our family has always believed in doing things the right way, not the easy way. In 2010, we started focusing on natural skin care, and when we purchased AVNS in 2018, we combined the two companies keeping the AVNS name. When we started this journey, it wasn’t because we wanted to jump on some trendy bandwagon. It was because we were tired of seeing the men in our lives settle for products that either dried out their skin or couldn’t handle the real dirt and grime of an actual workday.

We’d watch them reach for those bright blue bottles of body wash, you know the ones, with names that sound like they were invented in a marketing meeting. They’d smell like a chemical factory and leave skin feeling stripped and tight. Or they’d grab whatever bar soap was on sale, only to have it turn to mush after a week.

That didn’t sit right with us. The hardworking men in our lives deserve products that respect their skin and their wallet. So we got to work creating something better, soap bars that could handle tough jobs while being gentle enough for daily use, made with ingredients you can actually pronounce.

What Makes Our Men’s Soap Different And Why It Matters

Here’s the thing about most commercial soaps. They’re loaded with detergents, synthetic fragrances, and cheap fillers that strip your skin’s natural oils. Sure, they’ll get you clean, but they’ll also leave your skin feeling like sandpaper. And if you’ve got a beard? Forget about it. Those harsh ingredients will turn your facial hair into a scratchy mess.

Our approach is completely different. We handcraft every bar using natural ingredients that actually nourish your skin while cleaning it. We’re talking about real oils like coconut, olive, and shea butter, ingredients that have been used for centuries because they actually work.

The Man Body Shampoo Bar, Your All-in-One Solution

If you’re looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality, this is your bar. We designed it specifically for guys who want one product that does everything, body, hair, even shaving if you’re in a pinch. No need to clutter your shower with five different bottles.

This bar handles everything from shop grease to yard work sweat. The natural oils cut through grime without stripping your skin, and it leaves your hair clean without that stiff, dried-out feeling you get from conventional shampoos. Buy this bar and you’ve got yourself a straightforward, no-nonsense grooming solution that lasts.

Man 2.0 Body Shampoo and Shaving Bar, The Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For

Think of this as the evolution of men’s grooming. We took everything we learned from our original Man Bar and made it even better. The Man 2.0 works as a shampoo, body wash, and shaving soap all in one, and it excels at all three.

The lather is rich and cushiony, perfect for shaving without irritation. The natural ingredients mean you can use it every day without your skin rebelling. And it lasts far longer than those bottles of body wash that seem to evaporate after a week. If you’re ready to buy soap that’s truly multi-functional, this is your bar.

Cowboy Shampoo Body Bar, Rugged Enough for Real Work

Named after the men who work from sunup to sundown, this bar was made for guys who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. It’s got a masculine scent that doesn’t smell like you raided your teenager’s bathroom, and it’s tough enough to handle whatever your day throws at you.

The Cowboy bar is perfect for men who work outdoors, whether you’re on a construction site, working livestock, or maintaining equipment. It cuts through dirt, sweat, and grime while leaving your skin moisturized, not dried out like beef jerky. This is the bar you want to buy when you need soap that matches your work ethic.

Natural Beard Shampoo Body Bar, Because Your Beard Deserves Better

Growing a beard is one thing. Maintaining it is another. If you’ve got facial hair, you know the struggle, regular soap dries it out and makes it feel like steel wool, but beard-specific products often cost more than a tank of gas.

Our Beard Shampoo Body Bar gives you the best of both worlds. It’s formulated to clean and condition your beard without stripping the natural oils that keep it soft and manageable. Plus, it works great on the rest of your body and hair, so you’re not buying three separate products. For men looking to buy quality beard care that won’t break the bank, this bar delivers.

Shea Butter Skin Therapy, For When Your Skin Needs Extra Care

Working hard takes a toll on your skin. Sun exposure, harsh chemicals, constant hand washing, it all adds up. The Shea Skin Therapy body butter is our answer for men whose skin needs some serious TLC.

Packed with shea butter and scented with natural rosemary and mint, this body butter provides deep moisturization while still maintaining that clean, masculine scent. It’s perfect for guys with dry skin, eczema, or just skin that’s been beaten up by the elements. The rosemary mint scent is clean and refreshing without being overpowering. Buy this if your skin is crying out for help.

Unscented Organic Coconut Soap, Pure and Simple

Some guys don’t want to smell like anything. They just want clean skin, period. Or maybe you work in an environment where scented products are a problem. Either way, our Unscented Organic Coconut Soap has you covered.

Made with organic coconut oil and nothing else unnecessary, this bar is as pure as soap gets. It’s perfect for sensitive skin, and because it’s unscented, it won’t interfere with your cologne or trigger allergies. For men who want to buy soap without all the extras, this is it.

Nourishing Facial Skin Moisturizer for Men, Because Your Face Needs Attention Too

Let’s talk about something a lot of guys ignore, facial moisturizer. Your face takes a beating, sun, wind, shaving, stress. Most men just splash some water on it and call it good. But your facial skin is different from the rest of your body. It’s thinner, more exposed, and it deserves some attention.

Our men’s facial moisturizer is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs fast. You won’t look like you rubbed bacon grease on your face, but you’ll notice the difference in how your skin feels and looks. It’s especially important if you shave regularly, as it helps prevent razor burn and keeps your skin from drying out. Buy this moisturizer and use it daily, your face will thank you.

Why Natural Ingredients Matter for Hardworking Men

You might be thinking, “Why should I care if my soap is natural? Soap is soap, right?” Wrong. The ingredients in your grooming products actually matter, especially if you’re using them every day.

Commercial soaps often contain harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which strips your skin’s natural protective barrier. They add synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. And they use cheap fillers that make the bars fall apart quickly, meaning you have to buy more soap more often.

Natural soap, on the other hand, is made through a process called saponification, where natural oils react with lye to create soap and glycerin. That glycerin is a humectant, it attracts moisture to your skin. In commercial soap-making, companies often remove the glycerin to sell separately because it’s valuable. We leave it right where it belongs, in your soap.

The natural oils in our bars, coconut, olive, shea butter, and others, provide vitamins and fatty acids that actually nourish your skin. They clean without stripping. They moisturize without leaving residue. And they last longer than those cheap bars that turn to slime in your soap dish.

The Family Difference, Why We Care About Your Skin

Being a family-owned business means we can’t hide behind corporate walls or blame some distant executive for cutting corners. Every bar we make has our name on it. When you buy our soap, you’re supporting real people who actually care whether it works for you.

We test every batch on ourselves and our families. If it’s not good enough for the men in our own lives, it doesn’t go out the door. That’s not a marketing slogan, that’s how we actually operate.

We also know that hardworking men don’t have money to waste. You work too hard for your paycheck to spend it on products that don’t deliver. That’s why our bars are concentrated to last longer, formulated to work better, and priced fairly. We’re not trying to get rich off your back. We’re trying to provide genuine value to men who deserve it.

Making the Switch, What to Expect

If you’ve been using commercial body wash or cheap bar soap your whole life, switching to natural soap might feel different at first. Here’s what to expect:

The lather might feel different. Our bars create rich lather in soft water with large, fluffy bubbles. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Castile soap which creates a rich creamy lather. Every soap in between creates a rich sudsy lather, and is much more nourishing than commercial soaps. If used with hard water, the soap still suds up, still cleans and still feels amazing, but foams up less. Our soap creates a rich, creamy lather that actually cleans better.

Skin doesn’t go through an adjustment. Hair and scalp does. Skin just appreciates the extra nourishment from the soap. If you’ve been using harsh shampoo soaps, your skin scalp has been working overtime to replace the oils being stripped away. When you switch to gentle, natural shampoo bars soap, it might take a week or two for your scalp and hair skin to adjust. Stick with it, you’ll notice hair looks healthier and your scalp is not itchy.

Your soap will last longer. One of our bars typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks with daily use, sometimes longer. That’s because we don’t pack them with cheap fillers that dissolve quickly. To make them last even longer, keep them in a soap dish that drains water, don’t leave them sitting in a puddle.

You’ll actually smell clean, not perfumed. Our scents come from natural essential oils and botanical extracts, not synthetic fragrances. You’ll smell fresh and clean without smelling like you took a bath in cologne.

Why Men Trust Apple Valley Natural Soap

We don’t expect you to just take our word for it. The proof is in the results. Men who buy our soap keep coming back for one simple reason, it works.

They tell us their dry, cracked skin has improved. Their beards are softer and more manageable. Their wives are stealing their soap because it’s that good. 

One of the things guys really appreciate about our shampoo bars is the simplicity, one bar is all you need. Instead of juggling multiple bottles in the shower, our bars act as a true one-stop shop, handling everything from hair to body without the clutter. It fits perfectly with the idea of cutting out the unnecessary extras and keeping your routine streamlined. Fewer products, less mess, and no half-used bottles piling up, just one solid bar that gets the job done.

But more than that, they appreciate that someone finally made soap for men who actually work for a living. Not guys who lounge around all day worrying about their skincare routine. Guys who use their hands, who sweat, who get dirty, and who need products that can keep up.

Ready to Buy Soap That Actually Works?

Look, we’re not going to pressure you with some fake countdown timer or claim there are only three bars left in stock. You’re a grown man, you can make your own decisions.

But here’s what we will say, if you’re tired of soap that doesn’t work as hard as you do, if you’re ready to take better care of your skin without sacrificing your masculinity, and if you want to support a family business that actually gives a damn about quality, then our men’s line is for you.

Every bar we make is handcrafted with ingredients that nourish your skin while cleaning it thoroughly. Every product is tested by real men doing real work. And every purchase supports a family that’s committed to providing the best natural soap available.

We’re not the cheapest option out there, but we’re the best value. Our bars last longer, work better, and leave your skin healthier than anything you’ll find at the big-box store. For men who understand that quality matters, that’s worth every penny.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, taking care of your skin isn’t complicated, and it sure as hell isn’t unmanly. It’s practical. Your skin is your largest organ, and you put it through a lot. Using quality products isn’t about being fancy or high-maintenance, it’s about respecting yourself and your body.

You work hard. You deserve soap that works just as hard. You deserve products made with real ingredients by real people who care about more than just profit margins. And you deserve a family business that stands behind every single bar they make.

That’s what we offer at Apple Valley Natural Soap. No gimmicks. No false promises. Just honest, hardworking soap for honest, hardworking men.

Whether you need an all-in-one solution, specialized beard care, gentle facial moisturizer, or unscented simplicity, we’ve got a product made specifically for you. Buy from us once, and we’re confident you’ll keep coming back, not because of flashy marketing, but because the soap simply works.

Welcome to the family. We’re glad you’re here.

Related Reading

For more information about nourishing your skin from head to toe using gentle, natural approaches, dive deeper into these related articles:

How Can You Gift Love Naturally with Artisanal Soaps This Valentine’s?

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Indulge in the art of natural artisanal soaps, crafted with love and romantic ingredients for the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Why artisanal soaps beat traditional Valentine’s gifts?

🔲 A $35 curated soap collection creates many weeks of daily “I love you” reminders versus flowers that die in four days

🔲 Lavender isn’t just trendy, it’s been used in romantic rituals for literally centuries, and there’s actual science behind why it makes us feel calm and connected

🔲 When you choose soaps based on your actual relationship (that camping trip up north, her obsession with coffee, the mint flavor she always orders), you’re showing you pay attention to the small stuff that matters

There’s something about the ritual of bathing that makes it intensely personal. Not romantic in the Hollywood sense, but intimate in the way that matters. The quiet moments when someone takes care of themselves because you reminded them they’re worth caring for.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the prix fixe menu where you’re rushed through courses and can’t hear each other talk. Give something that changes ordinary Tuesday mornings into small moments of luxury.

Why Natural Ingredients Actually Matter for Romance

Lavender soap isn’t romantic just because it smells nice. It’s romantic because humans have been using lavender to promote calm and connection for centuries.

When you give someone lavender-infused soap from Apple Valley Natural Soap, you’re tapping into something that goes way deeper than modern marketing.

My neighbor Claire keeps a bar of lavender soap in her nightstand drawer. Not to use, just to smell when she can’t sleep. Her husband gave it to her before he deployed overseas three years ago, and even though it’s hard as a rock now, she won’t replace it. That’s the thing about scent memory. It’s powerful and it’s permanent.

If that was a bar of Apple Valley Natural Soap, it may be hard as a rock, but it would be a very long lasting soap. The longer our soaps sit before being used, the harder they are and the longer they last.

Lavender does this thing to your nervous system, actually lowers your cortisol levels. The French figured this out centuries ago in Provence, where they’d hang lavender bundles above marriage beds. Not because it made scientific sense, but because they noticed it worked. People were calmer. More present. More able to be gentle with each other after long days in the fields.

Then you’ve got the more exotic ingredients – ylang ylang, jasmine, sandalwood. I’m not going to claim they’re aphrodisiacs in some mystical sense, but I will say this, when my sister started using jasmine soap, her husband noticed. Not because it made her objectively more attractive, but because she moved differently. More confident. Like she’d given herself permission to take up space and smell good while doing it.

Apple Valley Natural Soap carries products featuring these romantic botanicals, from their Jasmine Face Lotion, to their Sandalwood Men’s Face Lotion, and soaps infused with ylang ylang for that touch of the exotic.

Building Your Perfect Soap Gift Box (Without Overthinking It)

Here’s where most people mess this up, they either grab whatever’s prettiest or they spiral into analysis paralysis trying to create the “perfect” collection.

Do this instead, start with what you know.

Does she have sensitive skin? Oatmeal & Honey, unscented. Done.

Does he love coffee? Get him the Café Mocha bar, with real coffee.

Did you take a trip up north and hike through pine forests? Wild North soap, that smells like that exact memory.

Then add variety for different moods,

Morning soap – Something that wakes you up. Peppermint. Eucalyptus. Citrus. The kind of scent that makes you feel ready to tackle your to-do list.

Evening soap – Lavender, chamomile, maybe vanilla. The olfactory equivalent of permission to stop working. Try the Lavender Silk bar or Lavender Chamomile.

Weekend luxury soap – This is your exfoliating bar. The soap you use when you have time to actually feel it working.

Apple Valley Natural Soap has enough variety that you can build this collection without buying six different types of the same floral soap. They do simple well – pure olive oil castile if someone just wants clean without complexity. We also do complex well – soaps with shea butter, cocoa butter, botanical extracts that sound fancy but actually do something for your skin.

Presentation matters, but don’t get weird about it.

I’ve seen people wrap individual soaps in tissue paper tied with twine and tuck them into vintage wooden boxes with dried flowers and handwritten cards explaining the symbolic meaning of each ingredient.

That’s… a lot.

Do this instead. Stack them in a simple box. Add a note card that says something real. “The lavender one reminded me of your garden.” “The café mocha soap is because you’re the only person I know who drinks it black at 9 PM.” “I have no idea if you’ll like the peppermint one but the lady at the market said it was good.”

Authenticity beats Pinterest perfection every single time.

The Budget Reality No One Talks About

Valentine’s Day has become this weird financial stress test where love gets measured in dollars spent. Restaurants jack up their prices. Jewelry stores run ads implying that anything under a certain price point means you don’t really care. Florists charge triple for roses that’ll be dead before the weekend.

It’s exhausting and it’s nonsense.

A thoughtfully assembled collection of artisanal soaps from Apple Valley Natural Soap runs you $30 to $50 depending on how many bars you choose. That’s less than most Valentine’s dinner appetizers. But here’s what you get for that investment:

Many weeks of daily use (longer if they’re savoring them).

Every single shower becomes a moment where they think of you.

No guilt about “wasting” an expensive gift (unlike the chocolate they’re trying not to eat or the flowers they feel bad about throwing away).

Something that actually improves their skin instead of just looking pretty.

Plus, and this matters to a lot of couples I know, you’re supporting actual small business artisans instead of feeding the Valentine’s industrial complex. The person making your soap probably learned the craft because they cared about ingredients and tradition, not because they ran profit projections on seasonal gift trends.

There’s also the sustainability angle if that’s important to your relationship. No harsh chemicals. No synthetic fragrances that trigger headaches. No excessive plastic packaging that sits in landfills. When you share values about how you want to move through the world, a gift that reflects those values means more than one that contradicts them.

What Makes Apple Valley Natural Soap Different

Most artisanal soap makers do one thing really well. Apple Valley does several things well, which is why they work for Valentine’s gifting.

The romantic obvious choices. Our Lavender Silk and Lavender Chamomile soaps use real lavender essential oil and botanicals. Not synthetic fragrance that smells vaguely floral. The real thing. When someone uses it, their bathroom smells like an actual garden, not a candle that’s supposed to smell like a garden.

The unexpected Valentine’s choices. Warm spice blends with cinnamon and clove that make February feel cozy instead of just cold. These work for people who roll their eyes at traditional Valentine’s aesthetics but still want something special.

The personalized choices. This is where you get smart about your relationship.

Did you meet at a coffee shop? [Café Mocha soap]. Does she grow lavender in the backyard? Lavender soap becomes an inside reference. Did he mention once, three years ago, that he likes the smell of vanilla? You remembered. That matters.

One guy I know gives his wife a new artisanal soap every month with a note about why he picked it. February was lavender because it was obvious. June was lemon verbena because that’s when they got married and her bouquet had herbs in it. October was pumpkin spice as a joke because she refuses to be basic but secretly loves fall. It’s become their thing. She saves the note cards.

That’s what I mean about gifts that keep giving. The soap itself is great. The pattern of thoughtfulness is what actually builds a relationship.

Making It a Ritual Instead of Just a Product

Here’s what separates a nice gift from something that changes your relationship dynamic.

Slow down and actually experience it.

Not in a precious, Instagram-worthy way. Just… slow down. Light a candle if you want. Put on music you both like. Draw a bath that’s actually full instead of the quick shower you usually take. Let the soap sit in your hands and warm up before you lather it. Notice what it smells like. How it feels. Whether your skin feels different after.

This sounds simple because it is simple. But most of us rush through bathing like it’s just another task to check off. When someone you love gives you permission, actually encourages you, to take thirty minutes for yourself, that’s a gift beyond the physical soap.

Beyond Valentine’s Day: Building a Pattern

Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to start, but the real opportunity is building something that lasts.

Keep a running mental note of soaps they loved and soaps they didn’t. Pay attention to which bars disappear fast and which ones sit unused. That information tells you something about the person you’re building a life with.

The couples I know who do small, consistent gestures instead of big, occasional ones seem happier. Less stressed. More connected. The soap thing works because it’s low stakes but high frequency. Nobody feels pressure about a $12 bar of soap. But getting one regularly because your partner pays attention? That adds up to feeling known and cared for.

Maybe it’s picking up a new seasonal scent when you’re out. Maybe it’s replacing their favorite bar before it runs out. Maybe it’s surprising them with something you think matches their mood or the season you’re in together.

Why This Actually Works

You’re not just giving soap. You’re giving weeks of small moments where someone thinks “they chose this for me because they know me.” You’re creating opportunities for rituals that strengthen connection. You’re supporting craft and tradition and small business instead of feeding the Valentine’s commercial machine.

This Valentine’s Day, choose to give love naturally. Pick soaps that actually connect to your specific relationship. Write a real note, not a greeting card message. Present them without apology or explanation. And watch what happens when something as simple as artisanal soap becomes a language you speak together.

Visit Apple Valley Natural Soap and start building a gift that matters more than its price tag suggests.

Related Reading

For more information about nourishing your skin from head to toe using gentle, natural approaches, dive deeper into these related articles:

Soaps For Spring

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Happy Spring everyone! I can’t believe it is finally here with it’s promise of warmer, sunny days ahead. Today I thought we should address a very important subject, soaps for the spring from Apple Valley Natural Soap. What are important things to look for in your spring soap bar? What are the best scents to have in a soap bar for spring? We will talk about all of that in this post and give you all the links you need to make shopping easy and make sure your home is stocked with only the best for the spring season ahead.

Gardeners Citrus Basil Soap Bar

Back in time to take care of hard working green thumbs! The Gardener’s Citrus Basil Soap Bar is packed with ground apricot shells to effectively scrub off dirt and grime, black walnut powder for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungicide properties, plus moisturizing unrefined organic shea butter to keep your hands soft and silky.

Did you know that black walnut has rich levels of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids can actually impact the health and appearance of skin? It has also been known to help clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, which makes black walnut a wonderful addition to this natural hand soap. You’ll also LOVE the warm, spicy essential oil blend of bergamot, basil, lemon, and grapefruit. The perfect bar for busy hands this spring!

“[I] gave this to friends who are always hard at work in the garden, all kinds of work maintaining [the] home and cleaning. They love how soft and moisturizing the lather is and how their skin feels. They said the scent lingers slightly on the skin later. Thank you AVNS, it’s a lovely bar for hardworking hands!!”

(Please Note: We make limited quantities of our Limited Edition soaps, so once they are sold out, they are gone for the season.)

Honey Carrot and Tangerine Face and Body Bar

If you want to spin around and keel over from happiness, this bar is your ticket to glory. Made with freshly juiced, organic carrots instead of filtered water, this gorgeous, vitamin A packed bar will nourish your skin. Perfect for your face and all over too! Raw honey acts as a humectant, trapping moisture in your skin cells, and rich, emollient oils and butters will leave your skin soft and silky. But one of the best things about this bar is the juicy carrot tangerine scent that makes you think you died and went to tangerine carrot honey heaven. 

“I have sensitive skin and have been using this for a month now. I love it! Creamy, gentle, moisturizing, and a delightfully delicious scent. What more could a person want? Its color makes it a beautiful gift and I actually gave several as gifts before I even tried it myself. I’ll keep buying this bar in the regular and half size for me and others! Please keep making this soap!”

Cucumber Lime Face and Body Soap

Cucumber lime, with a light, refreshing, “green” scent, features cucumber peel extract which acts like a skin toner, helping to freshen and brighten skin, tighten pores, and leave skin feeling soft and silky. We have also added Spirulina to the mix which has so many wonderful benefits for the skin, we couldn’t say no! Spirulina is a natural antimicrobial, it actually kills off candida, which can be an underlying cause of acne. It also contains 8 Essential Amino Acids, and is high in protein, which is necessary for cell repair and growth. On top of that, Spirulina contains a rare fatty acid known as Gamma Linolenic Acid. That combined with being a rich source of antioxidants makes this a highly effective tool against free radicals. When free radicals are eliminated, this increases the skin’s metabolism, and helps your body produce new, healthy cells faster. What’s not to like? Use this bar all over your body for the same beneficial effect everywhere.

“I LOVE this soap! It has such a wonderful smell and it gets nice and sudsy! One of my new favorites! I hope you keep making it!”

Symphony – The AVNS Signature Soap

From the captivating fresh scent and nourishing ingredients, to the beautiful variations of color, we hope our Symphony Signature Shampoo & Body Bar will remind you that beautiful things come in small packages, and that the simple pleasures are all you need. With beautiful colors, moisturizing natural ingredients & an uplifting scent, all components harmonize beautifully. Fall in love with this all natural soap which is made to retain all the natural glycerin from the natural oils & butters. A bar that gently cleanses while nourishing & rejuvenating hair, face & body. Beautifully scented, beautiful variations of natural colors & beautiful packaging, what’s not to love?

“I love everything about this bar! Color, scent, lather and how my skin and hair feels. Another great bar from AVNS. I recommend this one to everyone.”

Wether you are looking for something warm and floral or exfoliating and earthy, Apple Valley Natural Soap has all the bars for spring in your home. Spring is warm, wet and a beautiful promise of what is to come so make sure you are stocked up on soap that will not only keep up with the demands of the spring season (gardeners, I’m talking about you!) but add to your spring. And of course these bars only scratch the surface of what Apple Valley Natural Soap has to offer! Be sure to visit our website for not only spring staples but for fun products year round.

What are your favorite spring hair and skin care soap bars? What other products do you love during the spring season? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Black Seed Oil – The Powerhouse Oil You Need In Your Arsenal

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Black Seed Oil is the newest addition to the line-up of products offered by Apple Valley Natural Soap and could very well be your arsenals most powerful weapon. This unrefined, certified organic, cold pressed black seed oil has many health and beauty benefits. It is a remarkable and highly prized oil and can be used as a daily treatment for hair and skin. But what exactly is Black Seed Oil and what makes it so special? Keep reading to learn all about this special oil and why you should consider adding it to your collection.

What Is Black Seed Oil?

“An annual flowering plant from the Ranunculaceae family, the Nigella Sativa grows to around 16-24 inches with a large fruit containing the Black Seeds. ” “[The Nigella Sativa] can be found in warm places like Eastern Europe, Northern African, and Southwestern Asia. Black Seed Oil is an herbal ingredient derived from the tiny black seeds…These seeds have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Preliminary evidence supports a few of its medicinal properties, primarily due to the seed’s high content of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.” Other names for this product are Black Cumin Seed Oil, Black Caraway, Nigella and Kalonji Oil. “Black Seed contains an array of active compounds that are responsible for its health benefits. These include Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Monoterpenes, Thymol and Thymoquinone.” It is rich in fatty acids and potent antioxidants.

History Of Black Seed Oil

“Black Seed has been used by the ancient Egyptians to treat ailments such as digestive issues and inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes and bites. Its promising benefits were also noticed in other regions, where ancient Greek physicians recorded that Black Seed was administered to treat headaches, congestion and pain…Due to its prevalent use in ancient Egypt, Black Seed has been labelled as the ‘Secret of the Pharaohs’ – and was even found in Tutankhamen’s tomb! Native to the Mediterranean and Asian regions, Black Seed has been cultivated for over 3,000 years for a multitude of uses.”

Benefits & Uses For Black Seed Oil

As mentioned, Black Seed Oil has a variety of benefits ranging from cosmetic to medicinal. Black Seed Oil specifically contains an active compound called Thymoquinone and “it is the most studied compound in black seed. It is suggested by research that Thymoquinone may exert anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects to target a range of health applications.” Nigellone and Thymoquinone are loaded with Omega 3, 6, and 9 and are necessary for optimal function of the immune system.

Some of the cosmetic benefits of Black Seed Oil include:

  • Strengthening hair as well as improving scalp health
  • Aiding in hair growth and delaying the onset of premature grey hair
  • The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent natural remedy for acne
  • It is effective in treating skin conditions, including acne, eczema, dry skin and psoriasis
  • Rich in vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids which help the skin retain moisture, maintain elasticity, and fight the damaging free radicals that cause aging
  • Improves skin pigmentation

And some of the medicinal benefits of Black Seed Oil include:

  • Some studies suggest that thymoquinone in black seed oil can induce cell death in several cancer cell types, including brain, leukemia, and breast cancer
  • The presence of thymoquinone promotes tissue growth and wound healing
  • Another study found that topical application of black seed oil improved pigmentation, as with Vitiligo, within six months
  • “A small study indicating that inhaled boiled black seed extract has a potential bronchodilatory effect on people with asthma, improving all markers of lung function and respiratory rate. And  four randomized controlled studies also found that black seed supplements may help manage asthma through the seed’s anti-inflammatory effects.”
  • “Studies have shown that thanks to the black seed oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this may benefit multiple aspects of health, including reducing the inflammation that contributes to the development of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and [as I mentioned previously,] cancer.”
  • Some research shows that black seed oil could be beneficial for stabilizing blood sugar levels.
  • And so much more!

This unrefined, certified organic, cold pressed black seed oil has many health and beauty benefits. It is a remarkable and highly prized oil and can be used as a daily treatment for hair and skin. I hope that you found this blog post informative and educational, or at least, learned something you didn’t know before. If you want to add this powerhouse oil to your arsenal, you can click here to shop or head over to our website, applevalleynaturalsoap.com and simply search for “Black Seed Oil” in our search bar.

What was your favorite fact about Black Seed Oil? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

PLEASE NOTE: This product is not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Keep out of the reach of children.

Sources:

Healthline – What Are The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil? https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits

Viridian – The History Of Black Seed https://viridian-nutrition.com/en-us/blogs/nutrition-articles/video-the-history-of-black-seed

Cancer Cell Study – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4052177/

Vitiligo Study – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31025474/

My Favorite Bath Accessories From Apple Valley Natural Soap

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We know that nothing helps to elevate your bathroom, beauty, and skin care routines quite like the perfect accessories to pair with your products. Keep reading for some of my favorite bath accessories from AVNS and all of the links to shop and add to your self care routine.

1. Eco-Friendly Soap Trays

AVNS has a couple of different options to choose from when it comes to soap trays, but the concept is the same. Elevate and show off your beautiful bar soaps with Eco-Friendly Bamboo or Bioplastic Soap Mats. They are the perfect way to help style up any sink in your home and keep your soap high and dry so it doesn’t get mushy.

The Eco-Friendly Bamboo Soap Trays allow water to drain and air to circulate, ensuring no mess is left behind while preventing your natural soap from turning to mush. To clean, just hold it under running water! They are the perfect size for our full sized soaps, and with 3 different designs to choose from, refresh your look with this aesthetically pleasing, compostable, earth friendly, natural soap tray that is sure to brighten any bathroom. 

The Eco-Friendly Soap Mats from AVNS work perfectly for our organic & natural soaps! Made from bioplastic to allow the water to drain and air to circulate, they prevent your natural soap from turning to mush. These soap mats are made from eco-friendly, BPA and phthalate free bioplastic – right here in the USA! With 15 colors to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect color for every sink in your home. Plus, they are reusable, so once you are ready to switch out your soap bar, don’t throw your mat away! Simply clean your soap mat of the soap residue by holding it under warm running water.

2. Natural Sea Sponges

Say goodbye to the plastic luffa and hello to the natural and antibacterial powers of your new shower BFF, the Natural Sea Sponge! These natural sea sponges are sustainably harvested maintaining strict industry regulations and are naturally eco-friendly and biodegradable. AVNS has 3 different sizes to offer –

The Yellow Sponge is named after its beautiful color! These sponges are firm, absorbent and durable, a great addition to your bathing routine. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

The Wool Sea Sponges are the softest most absorbent sponges available, the champion of all-natural sponges. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

The Prime Wool Sea Sponge is again, the softest most absorbent sponges available, the champion of all-natural sponges. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

Sponge harvesting isn’t an easy process, but the results are worth it! These beautiful natural sponges will last for years if taken care of and have additional benefits to the skin. Did you know that natural sea sponges are actually hypoallergenic? They also contain an enzyme that makes them naturally antibacterial, preventing the growth of bacteria, mold & mildew. Plus they contain nutrients such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and more, all beneficial minerals for the skin.

3. Foaming Liquid Soap Pump

This beautiful foaming liquid soap pump is a new addition for all our liquid soap lovers! Wonderfully functional and visibly pleasing, the frosted glass foaming soap dispensers from AVNS have a wide solid base for no tipping, and a neutral appearance that coordinates with any bath or kitchen space. Each dispenser holds approximately 8 fluid ounces, has an elegant frosted glass base with easy to fill opening and a white pump. It pairs perfectly with one of the Liquid Castile Soaps or Liquid African Black Soaps from AVNS!

4. Reusable Beauty Cloths

Made from premium hemp, bamboo & organic cotton, these cloths are created from some of the most sustainable fabrics in the world, bringing you a luxurious cleansing experience. The cloths are perfect for removing make-up, oil cleansing and much more. Hemp is an exceptionally durable and strong fabric and when mixed with the softness of bamboo (cream cloth), not only do you get our most sustainable fabric, but one of our softest and most luxurious. Premium hemp & organic cotton also delivers a luxurious, hypo-allergenic cloth, perfect for light exfoliation, removing make-up and oil cleansing. 

Cream Hemp & Bamboo Beauty Cloth – This premium hemp + bamboo fleece creates a luxurious, hypo-allergenic cloth perfect for oil cleansing and removing makeup. Hemp and bamboo make one of the most sustainable fabrics. Made from 55% hemp and 45% bamboo.

Black Hemp & Cotton Beauty Cloth – Use this premium hemp & cotton fleece for a luxurious, light exfoliation or for removing make-up and oil cleansing. Made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.

I hope this gave you a few ideas on ways that you can elevate your bathroom, beauty, and skin care routines with the perfect accessories to pair with your products. These products from Apple Valley Natural Soap also make the perfect socking stuffers and gifts for the self care lovers this holiday season.

Which of these bath accessories are you going to add to your self care routine? Maybe you have already tried a few of them, if so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

How To Be A Good Guest This Holiday Season

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Happy November, everyone! Holiday season is nearly upon us and something that I don’t think is taught enough now a days is how to be a good guest. More often we focus on the ability to be a good host, but we are not the host 100% of the time. So how can we be good guests during the holidays this year?

1. Be Helpful

This might seem like an obvious one, but we can get so caught up in the day or event that we as guests can forget about the amount of work our hosts are putting into making it as lovely an event as it can be. So what can we do to help? We can simply start by asking this question of our hosts – “How can I help?” Now, sometimes your host will have everything under control at the moment and not need any assistance, but don’t just ask the question once. When the meal is over, ask if you can help clear the table or start on the dishes. At the end of the day, ask if you can help put chairs, leftovers, or decor away. There will be more than one opportunity to offer your help and to show appreciation to your hosts by helping to tidy up, so don’t just ask once. And if in the event you are told that there isn’t anything you can do to help every time you ask, simply pay attention to your surroundings and take care of your space. Clear your own dish after meal time, throw your trash away throughout the day, and do what you can to help keep the mess to a minimum and thus making less work for your hosts at the end of the day.

2. Bring a Gift

The act of giving your hosts a gift is simply not taught enough now a days. But something as simple as bringing a bouquet of flowers for your hostess goes a long way in expressing your appreciation for the invite. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy or elaborate, it can be something simple that is catered to the individual or holiday. For example, a bouquet of flowers for your sister who is hosting a Friendsgiving party, a bottle of wine for your mom who is hosting Thanksgiving, or a bar of Seasonal Hand & Body soap from Apple Valley Natural Soap for your best friend who is hosting a Secret Santa Christmas party. Just a little something to say “Thank You!” to your host for opening up their home and providing a lovely meal.

3. Contribute To The Meal

This one is more common as often times the host will ask their guests to bring rolls, veggies and dip, or a pie to contribute to the meal time spread. But in case you haven’t heard anything from your host about contributing to the meal, simply ask them if they want you to bring something. And try to be specific. Sometimes if your host has already planned the menu it can be hard to try to think of a new idea for you. But if you offer to bring the dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, or a cheese and cracker tray, they may be more inclined to say yes to your offer as it doesn’t create any extra work for them at all.

4. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

At the end of a long day (or more accurately, at the end of a long week, as your host has been preparing for and thinking of this event for a long time leading up) all a host wants to do is sit down and put their feet up. Now, I personally have been hosted by a wide range of personalities over the years. Some have the mentality of ‘there is a time frame and once the clock hits 8pm, all guests should be out the door,’ while others have a truly open door policy, where in you are welcome to stay as long as you would like, just please close the door behind you on the way out wether it is 9pm or 1am. My first piece of advice to you on this, is know your hosts! Are they likely to enforce a “end time” or do they have an open door policy? Either way, be respectful of their home, their space, and their time considering they have been busy for not just today but the past few days preparing to host you. Honor the “end time” if there is one and be respectful of the time as it gets late and try not to stay until after your hosts have all gone to bed (unless of course you are staying in the same home, then this doesn’t really apply to you.) Needless to say, be respectful of your hosts and their time and don’t overstay your welcome. The goal is to be invited back next year!

Some of these tips might seem obvious to you, but you would be surprised how little is taught on the art of being a good guest. I hope that at least one of these tips was helpful to you and maybe gave you some ideas on how you can be a better guest this holiday season.

Are you more often than not the host or the guest during the holidays? What other tips would you add to this list? And hosts, what would you like to see from your guests this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Bath Time – Spa Night The Natural Way

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Let’s talk about spa night! Nothing compares to a warm, relaxing soak after a long day or week. Some time to yourself with a candle lit, a good book paired with a glass of wine or a cup of tea, marinating in the lovely bubbles of a warm bath. I used the word “marinating” purposely here to better help you understand what your skin experiences when soaking in a bath. Our skin is our bodies largest organ, and it soaks up absolutely everything we put on it, lotions, oils, sunscreens, and fragrances to name a few. It will also soak up whatever you are soaking in, bubbles, salts, etc. A bath is supposed to be a great way to relax and unwind, so why add more stress for your body to deal with in the form of synthetic fragrances, sulphates, artificial colors, etc. Did you know that these are very common ingredients you can find in your bath bombs and bath soaks/salts? So what can we do about it and what other options are out there? Let’s dive right in shall we!

Natural Bath Bombs

Let’s begin with a popular one, bath bombs. As I said a moment ago, most of us can say there is nothing quite like a warm soak in the bath after a long week. And to make the experience more enjoyable, we can throw a lovely bath bomb in for fun colors and smells. Well, did you know that most bath bombs contain fake colors, fragrances, and other ingredients that are toxic for our bodies? And we’re sitting and soaking our bodies in that… no thank you! Instead, you can swap out your bath bombs from LUSH, Target, and Ulta for Natural Bath Bombs from Apple Valley Natural Soap.

Apple Valley Natural Soap’s luxurious natural bath bombs are crafted from high quality natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing to skin. These ingredients help moisturize and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth while allowing you to rest in the knowledge that your body is not being exposed to toxic ingredients.

Many bath bombs being sold today contain harsh ingredients, chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are toxic to the body. These harsh ingredients can disrupt hormones, cause skin irritation, and other health issues. By choosing our all natural bath bombs you will avoid exposing your skin to these harmful chemicals and enjoy a safer, more relaxing bathing experience. These bath bombs contain a base of Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Epsom Salts & Shea Butter, plus essential oils specific to each bath bombs special scent.

AVNS has 4 different bath bombs to choose from, Cedarwood Lavender, Fresh Citrus, Grapefruit Mint, and Lavender Eucalyptus. Try them all and have fun finding your favorites!

Natural Bath Salt Soak

Similarly to bath bombs, the average bath soak you will find in your local grocery store or beauty shop will contain synthetic additives and fragrances, sulphates and other toxic ingredients that are known hormone disrupters. These beautiful bath soaks by Fontana Candle Co. are made with natural, simple and easy to read ingredients that you can trust such as Dead Sea Mineral Salt, Epsom Salt, Himalayan Pink Salt, Coconut Oil, and scented with pure essential oils.

Wonderfully beneficial & therapeutic for your body, the Bath Soaks by Fontana Candle Co may help soothe & rejuvenate your skin from head to toe. Dead Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan salts have many benefits for the body as they are full of essential minerals, like Magnesium, Sodium, Calcium, and Potassium, while epsom salt may help your body gently detox and ease sore muscles. Use the Salt soaks anytime you need to relax your mind or soothe your body! 

Directions:
– Pour 2 ounces or more of bath soak into warm running water. 
– Allow the mixture to dissolve before relaxing in a bath breathing in the beautiful aromatherapy. 
– Soak it in.
– Rinse off or gently pat yourself dry with a towel if you prefer to let the minerals and essential oils continue to benefit your skin.
– Rinse the tub to remove any leftover residue.

Apple Valley Natural Soap has four beautiful bath soaks to offer from Fontana Candle Co. such as Palo Santo & Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemongrass & Eucalyptus and Mineral Salt & Coconut Oil.

Our skin is our bodies largest organ, and it soaks up absolutely everything we put on it and a bath is supposed to be a great way to relax and unwind, so why add more stress for your body to deal with in the form of synthetic fragrances, sulphates, artificial colors, etc? Choosing natural bath bombs and bath soaks from Apple Valley Natural Soap is an amazing way to pamper yourself, relax, and have peace of mind knowing that what your skin is soaking in is pure and natural, no hormone disrupters here!

Have you tried the Natural Bath Bombs or Bath Soaks from Apple Valley Natural Soap? Be sure to let me know what you thought in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

The Best Pumpkin Loaf For Autumn

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You all absolutely loved the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe I shared a few weeks ago, so in the spirit of Autumn and pumpkin spice season, here is another favorite loaf recipe of mine, Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. The perfect way to spice up your baking and embrace the Autumn season for pumpkin lovers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Loaf –

  • 1 Cup of Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Purée
  • 1/2 Cup Browned Butter
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/4 Cup White Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting –

  • 6 Oz of Cream Cheese (room temp)
  • 1/4 Cup of Butter (room temp)
  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 2 Tablespoons of Milk
  • A Pinch of Salt

Recipe:

Pumpkin Loaf –

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat a loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs with the sugar until creamy.

Add melted butter, pumpkin purée and vanilla bean paste to your eggs and sugar mixture.

Add the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir gently to combine with a spatula until the dry ingredients are incorporated. (Do not over mix!)

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 40-45 minutes or until a cake tester is inserted in the center and comes out clean.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes once you remove it from the oven. Then remove the loaf from the pan (use the parchment paper to help you remove the loaf from the pan – please be careful when handling the hot pan!)

Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack completely before adding the frosting so it doesn’t melt.

Cream Cheese Frosting – While Your Pumpkin Loaf Is Cooling

Using a hand beater, beat together the butter and cream cheese until its fluffy.

Add salt, vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar and combine until smooth.

Add your milk as needed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Add the frosting to your pumpkin loaf once it is cooled.

Dust the top with some extra pumpkin pie spice if you want, slice & enjoy!

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect pairing with your cup of afternoon coffee or as a sweet treat to enjoy cozied up at home on a cool autumn evening. I hope this recipe brings all of the cozy, autumnal vibes into your home and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Be sure to let me know what you think if you try this recipe out and feel free to share your favorite autumn recipe in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda