FAQ
Q. Why are your soaps so expensive?
A. We make our soap using a method called “hot process”. Most mass-market “soaps” are not true soap at all—they’re often synthetic detergent bars made with harsh chemicals and fillers. In cold process soapmaking, lye (sodium hydroxide) reacts with oils in a chemical reaction called saponification. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it naturally generates heat inside the mold as the lye and oils combine to form soap. That internal heat can get quite high, which can damage or evaporate some of the more delicate botanicals and essential oils added before pouring.
Hot process soap making is a traditional soap-making method that has been used for centuries. Unlike cold process soap, which relies on a slow chemical reaction that happens over weeks, hot process uses heat to speed up saponification—the chemical reaction between lye and oils that creates soap. This makes hot process both labor-intensive and rewarding.
Hot process soap making requires more active involvement and attention, and takes several hours to make. Once the lye and oils are combined, the mixture is heated to ensure the saponification happens evenly. Because heat is applied, the soap is monitored to avoid overheating or scorching, which can ruin the batch. The process demands patience, physical effort, and experience to know exactly when the soap is done and ready to be molded.
After the soap is cooked, it is much thicker than a batch of cold process soap. Physical effort is required to mix in the botanicals, clays, and essential oils, though blending these after the batch has substantially cooled, means more of the ingredient properties remain intact and beneficial to the skin.
Although the soap is ready to use as soon as it is made since the lye has cooked out, we still cure our bars for a full 4 weeks to ensure a hard, long-lasting, quality bar.
Q. Your soap names sound boring. Can you be more creative?
A. We started out making cute names for our soaps such as Grayce, Mishap, and Citrus Flower. The problem was, no one knew what these names meant. We decided to honor the plants which allow us to produce such amazing products, and feature exactly what is in every batch, every time.
Q. How long does shipping take?
A. Normal order processing takes 1-2 days. We are currently shipping using the United States Postal Service, Priority Mail. It generally takes 2-3 days to get to you, depending on what they have going on. We closely track every order to makes sure it gets to you without delay.
Q. Do you use synthetic ingredients?
A. We use natural ingredients in all of our products. We use organic versions when available. For products where water is used in production, such as our botanical bug spray, or where water may be introduced into the product by customer use, such as our salt & sugar scrub, we use a preservative. Remember, bacteria, yeast, and mold are all natural too - but not in a good way. :)
Q. How do you know what to mix together to make products?
A. Our founder has a master's degree in Therapeutic Herbalism from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Her education includes medical research, clinical studies, product formulation, herbal quality assurance, federal regulatory guidance, and herbal product design and manufacturing. She uses plant personalities and properties to formulate the products offered by Obsidian Organics.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. For hygiene and safety reasons, we do not accept returns or exchanges on personal care products once they have been opened or used. This policy helps ensure the health and wellbeing of all our customers and staff. Unopened and unused products may be eligible for return or exchange within 7 days of purchase. Please contact us using the form on our website.
Please note that this policy complies with applicable consumer protection laws. If you receive a defective or damaged item, please contact us promptly so we can make it right.
Having said that, we want you to be happy! Please contact us using the form on our website if you have any questions or concerns.
Q. Do you support any charities?
A. We donate to all kinds of animal charities because WE LOVE ANIMALS! As a business, we donate a portion of every sale to United Plant Savers. United Plant Savers is dedicated to protecting native medicinal plants and their natural habitats. As a business that relies on the gifts of plants, we know we wouldn’t be here without them. By supporting their mission, we’re helping make sure these precious plants are around for future generations to enjoy, learn from, and use to support health and well-being. To learn more about their mission, visit them at their website: https://unitedplantsavers.org/