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Natural Soap: Bay Rum Men's Soap

Name: Natural Soap: Bay Rum Men's Soap
Brand: Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve
SKU: smensbay
Price: 12.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (110 reviews)

A classic Bay Rum soap scented with real West Indian Bay essential oil, brightened with orange and warm spice. Enriched with coconut milk, unrefined shea butter, and botanical infusions, this creamy bar creates a rich, fragrant lather with a warm, spicy character loved by both men and women.

Size:

Full Bar 5.6 oz

$12.95

Bundle & Save 10%

Product Overview

Good For: All Skin Types

Bay Rum is timeless for a reason. Warm, spicy, and unmistakably masculine, this soap carries the familiar aroma of classic barbershops and island breezes — confident, comforting, and quietly bold.

The lather is rich and creamy, spreading easily over the skin and making each wash feel indulgent. Coconut milk and shea butter add body to the foam and help keep the cleansing experience comfortable, leaving skin feeling smooth, moisturized, and refreshed.

The scent leads with the exotic warmth of West Indian Bay, layered with bright citrus and gentle spice. Orange lifts the blend with a clean freshness, while notes of clove and allspice add depth and richness. The result is a fragrance that feels grounded and inviting — warm rather than sharp, classic rather than overpowering.

Infused botanicals add a subtle, soothing presence to the bar, rounding out the formula and reinforcing its easy, everyday appeal. This is a soap that feels equally at home in a morning shower or an evening wind-down — confident, familiar, and enduring.

Ingredients Behind the Feel

Every ingredient in this soap is chosen for a reason. Thoughtfully combined, they work together to create something richer than a simple cleanse — a carefully crafted bar that goes beyond ordinary soap.

Highlights of this recipe:

West Indian Bay Essential Oil — Provides the soap’s signature warm, spicy aroma with a classic masculine edge.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil — Adds a bright, clean lift that keeps the blend fresh and balanced.

Coconut Milk — Adds a rich creaminess to the lather and a nourishing feel to the skin.

Unrefined Shea Butter — Adds depth and density to the lather and contributes to the bar’s smooth, moisturizing feel.

Botanical Infusions (Chicory Root & Elderberries) — Add subtle depth and a gentle, grounding presence to the bar.

Aroma, Texture & Lather Notes

Aroma: A warm, invigorating, and classically spicy aroma, balanced with bright, zesty citrus notes.
Texture: Smooth bar with no added texture.
Lather: Rich, creamy lather with a full, satisfying feel.
Exfoliation: Non-exfoliating.

👉 Learn more about our Aroma, Texture & Lather notes

Formulation Notes

Superfatted for a mild, creamy cleanse
Coconut milk–rich formula
Designed for face and body
Naturally scented with certified organic essential oils

Warm spice. Creamy lather. A timeless Bay Rum classic.

How To Use

What Should I Use With My Natural Soap to Clean My Body?

organic-natural-soap-lather The purpose of soap is to combine with oil and dirt on the body, which allows water to wash it away. The method you use to cleanse your skin is really a personal preference. We thought we would share just a few examples.

Bar Bathers rub the bar directly on their skin to create a creamy lather. Massaging the velvety lather into your skin before rinsing allows you to experience the best moisturizing properties of the soap. This is definitely the best way to use exfoliating soaps.

Hand Latherers create lather in their clean hands and use the lather to massage and wash the skin. This gentle, mild cleansing method may be good for those with sensitive skin.

Washcloth Washers use a washcloth to lather up. Washcloths are made out of lots of different textile textures, from soft cotton to agave fibers, and can provide very gentle to intense exfoliation. Be sure washcloths are laundered and dried often.

Puff Polishers use a mesh puff that works up a foamy, bubbly lather, even with hard water, to wash and gently exfoliate the skin. Poofs make natural soap last longer but can harbor bacteria, so rinse thoroughly after use and replace every few weeks or clean per manufacturer's instructions.

Loofah Latherers love their loofahs that exfoliate and help increase circulation. Whole loofahs can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so be sure they dry out properly after use and replace them every two months. If you would like something less abrasive, check out our Bath & Body Accessories.

Soap Sackers place their soap into a nylon soap bag. The fibers have a smooth texture for gentle cleansing. Soap sacks can be used for whole bars of soap or scraps that would normally be thrown away.

There is a large variety of bathing accessories available. If using any accessory, never share them with others and replace or clean them often.

FAQs

Effective, Feel Good Ingredients

The goal is simple: to Harness the Power & Simplicity of Nature® to cleanse, soothe, heal,  and protect your skin and hair!

Our unique formulas rely on moisturizing oils and butters, healing botanicals, and pure essential oils. We choose every ingredient with one end-result in mind….the BEST possible natural skin care for YOU!

Featured Ingredients

West Indian Bay Essential Oil

West Indian Bay Essential Oil has a warm, spicy aroma with a smooth, slightly sweet depth. It helps refresh the skin and scalp, improve the look of dull areas, and leave hair feeling clean and manageable, while its rich scent brings a sense of warmth and quiet confidence. Read More

Organic Chicory Root

Chicory Root is a soothing, anti-inflammatory herb that helps calm redness, irritation, and itching while supporting natural healing. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it also contains inulin and polysaccharides that help retain moisture and promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. Read More

Organic Elderberries

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help calm inflammation, support clear skin, and protect against environmental stress. With natural antibacterial and balancing properties, they promote a healthy complexion and support scalp comfort and hair vitality. Read More

All Ingredients

Organic Coconut Oil*

Organic Canola Oil

Organic Palm Oil (Sustainable)

Organic Sunflower Oil

Distilled Water

Sodium Hydroxide^

Organic Castor Bean Oil

Organic Virgin Shea Butter*

Organic Flaxseed Oil

Organic Coconut Milk

West Indian Bay Essential Oil

Organic Tapioca Flour

Organic Chicory Root

Organic Orange Essential Oil

Organic Clove Bud Essential Oil

Allspice Essential Oil

Organic Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE)

*Ingredient is Fair Trade Certified

^Used in the saponification process to turn oil into soap and glycerin. None remains in the finished product.

Made with Organic Coconut Milk, Shea Butter, and Chicory Root
Certified Organic By OEFFA
A USDA Accredited Organic Certifying Agent

Please Note: Although the ingredient listed on the packaging may say "arrowroot powder", we are using Tapioca Flour.

Overall rating: 4.927928 / 5 from 111 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Natural Soap: Bay Rum Men's Soap offers a warm, spicy scent with a creamy, fragrant lather that moisturizes and softens the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

Summary topics

Scent (36%): A substantial number of customers remarked that the product has a great scent, with many describing it as amazing.
Lather (12%): Customers appreciated the rich creamy lather of the soap, which was mentioned multiple times in the reviews.
Skin Moisturization (10%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the soap's ability to moisturize and make their skin feel soft.
Skin Feel (8%): It was noted by customers that the soap feels great on the skin and leaves it feeling clean and refreshed.

Review topics: [fragrance, quality, feels, smells, ingredients, husband, skin, price, works, soap, lather, moisturizer, bar, valley, film, shampoo bar, rinse, chemicals].

Review highlights

"Very moisturizing and skin is smooth and silky soft !" — Ellita H.
"love the smell good lather too" — ivan S.
"Skin was smooth and nice lather." — Sheldon C.

Reviews

Love this soap

"Better leather and holds it's scent to the end unlike the soap I used to use for its Bay Rum scent. Mass produced stuff you can find in suoermarketcsmget worse everything you but it. I'm sold on your soap."

— Mark F. (5/5)

Best ever

"This bay rum soap is my favorite! Well made soap with a relaxed bay run scent."

— RONALD P. (5/5)

Smells great

"Smells great - a little strong for me but this will be perfect for my husband who keeps asking to not smell like flowers"

— Susan (5/5)

Soap

"Smells great and a long lasting bar of soap."

— Jon T. (5/5)

Great

"great soap"

— S W. (5/5)

"This bar of soap is unlike any other soap I've Ever used perfect moisturizer the perfect scent guys ladies buy a bar you wont be disappointed"

— Terrence (5/5)

enjoy the bay rum scent.

"enjoy the bay rum scent."

— Rick M. (5/5)

clove forward scent

"A very nice soap but too much of a clove forward scent for our taste."

— Libby (3/5)

Amazing!

"Love the smells of the soaps"

— Onesimo A. (5/5)

Best natural soap we tried

"Awesome suds soaps! We got the bay rum soap for husband and lavender rosemary. I use them too and we love them! Very moisturizing and skin is smooth and silky soft ! Organic natural ingredients make a difference! Excellent service. Received in 3 days"

— Ellita H. (5/5)

Q&A

Why do you include "men's soap" in the name? This is the only soap I've found that smells like the bay rum soap & body tonic my family & friends fell in love with when we used to camp on St John. I ordered several bars to give as gifts but held back giving it to women because I couldn't get past the unfortunate labeling. I haven't noticed you including "women's soap" in any of your products: Hi Lynn, Thanks so much for reaching out, you're absolutely right! We have many employees and customers who enjoy this scent but found when we started making and selling it that it was mostly purchased by our male customers. That is not meant to exclude anyone else from enjoying or using it though! We appreciate your support of our company and products and for taking the time to reach out and share your thoughts with us! Have a great day and please feel free to reach out anytime with questions, concerns or suggestions! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
Do you sell the soap buy the whole block?: Hi John, Thanks so much for reaching out! We do not sell whole blocks at this time. Please let me know if anything else is needed and have a great day! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
Will you ever consider triple milling your soap. I know it will add to the price, but many of us would gladly pay the price for a longer lasting soap. Please consider this.: Hi Fred, Thanks so much for reaching out! No, we do not plan on milling our soap. Milling requires making soap with glyerinized soap flakes and running it through machines to make it super smooth and super hard. It is a very different process than the cold process soap we make and is what most commercial companies use and actually produces a less expensive bar. Even though the bar may last a bit longer, the ingredients used/ needed and the overall process are not what we have found to work best for us! I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns and have a great day! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
On average how long do the bar soaps last?: Hi There, Thanks for your question! Everyone's bars last different amounts of time based on how often they wash! Most people tend to get around 4-6 weeks use out of each bar. It is important to allow your bar to completely dry in between uses to extend the life of your soap! Hope this helps! Thanks again for reaching out and please contact us anytime with additional questions! -Christina
is there a sample size available?: Hi There, Thanks for your questions! At this time, we do not sell sample sizes of our Bay Rum Men's Soap. Thanks again for reaching out and please feel free to contact us at any time with additional questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Wash Your Hands To Help Stay Healthy

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that for good hand hygiene all you need is plain soap and water.

Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community.

Five simple and effective steps can help reduce the spread of illness so you, your family, your friends and the general public can stay healthy.

Hand washing is a win for everyone . . . except for the germs!

CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective hand washing was developed based on data from a number of studies.

Wash often and follow these five steps every time you wash your hands!

1. Wet your hands with clean, warm running water and apply soap.

When dealing with cold and flu viruses, as you wash your hands the soap molecule burrows its way into the fatty envelope of a virus and literally pulls the virus apart.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.

Soap and friction help lift dirt, grease, and microbes—including disease-causing germs—from the skin so they can be rinsed down the drain.
Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin.
The entire hand should be scrubbed. Microbes are present on all of the wrinkly surfaces of the hand, especially under the nails.
How long are 20 seconds? About the amount of time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
The ideal length of time for handwashing can depend on other factors for example, if hands are very dirty or if you are caring for someone is ill.
Evidence suggests that washing hands for about 15-30 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

If you are using a public restroom use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after hands have been rinsed.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

To date, studies have shown that there is no added health benefit for consumers (this does not include professionals in the healthcare setting) using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients compared with using plain soap.

Information is taken from the CDC.gov website

Read our blog "Simple Soap Can Help Decrease the Spread Of Viruses"

View Answer Page

Why Customers Choose Chagrin Valley Soap

Why Use Chagrin Valley Natural Soap?

People choose Chagrin Valley Soap for many reasons, but they all begin with one simple belief: a soap can only be as good as the ingredients, knowledge, and care that go into creating it.

Natural Organic Aromatherapy Lavender Soap

Here are twelve reasons our customers choose our handmade natural soap:

It's Real Soap

Every bar is made through the traditional process of saponification using organic plant oils and butters—not synthetic detergents.

We Begin with Exceptional Ingredients

We use certified organic plant oils, botanicals, clays, herbs, and pure essential oils chosen for their unique benefits.

We Leave Out Ingredients Your Skin Doesn't Need

No synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, filler ingredients, or unnecessary additives.

Our Soap Helps Keep Skin Naturally Moisturized

High-quality oils, generous superfatting, and naturally retained glycerin help create a mild, conditioning bar.

The Scents Come from Real Plants

Every scent begins with a real plant—not a synthetic fragrance oil.

At Chagrin Valley, we scent our soaps only with pure botanical essential oils. Many of our recipes also include aromatic herbs, spices, flowers, and other plant ingredients that contribute their own subtle, authentic aromas.

We believe the scent of a soap should reflect the integrity of the ingredients that go into every bar.

Our Recipes Support Healthy Skin

Gentle cleansing and thoughtfully selected ingredients help respect your skin's natural balance.

Our Soaps Create Rich, Creamy Lather Naturally

Beautiful lather comes from carefully balanced plant oils—not synthetic foam boosters.

Quality Is Worth the Investment

An extraordinary bar of soap isn't made by accident. It begins with exceptional ingredients, expert formulation, and the patience to let every bar fully cure—creating a bar that does far more than simply cleanse your skin.

Our Soaps Are Kinder to the Environment

Organic ingredients, minimal packaging, and concentrated bar soap help reduce environmental impact.

Every Recipe Has a Purpose

Each bar is formulated to achieve a specific balance of cleansing, lather, conditioning, and skin feel.

Our Company Values Are Built into Every Bar

Organic certification, ethical sourcing, cruelty-free practices, and sustainable choices reflect our commitment to doing things the right way.

Every Purchase Makes a Difference

You are supporting a family-owned business committed to craftsmanship, transparency, and educating customers about natural skincare.

We do it all ourselves--from start to finish--from our hands to your hands--from our family to yours! Thank you!

🌿Want to learn more? Read our complete guide: Why Use Natural Soap? 12 Reasons to Choose Chagrin Valley Soap.

View Answer Page

Are All Handmade Soaps the Same? Why Choose Chagrin Valley?

Aren't all handmade natural soaps the same? . . .

The answer is NO!

Saying a soap is "handmade" says nothing about the quality of the ingredients or the knowledge and skill of the soapmaker!

Organic Sea Salt and Seaweed Soap Bar Chagrin Valley is not just another soap and skincare company. We are committed to healthy skin, healthy people, and a healthy planet.

We are a USDA Certified Organic Company specializing in luxurious, organic, handmade natural soaps and shampoo bars rich in natural glycerin for healthier skin and hair.

It's all about the ingredients! Inspired by our love of nature, we use organic herbs, seeds, flowers, vegetables, fragrant spices, fruits, pure essential oils and purifying clays for their exceptional skincare benefits and to provide natural color, aromatherapy, texture, or gentle exfoliation. Nothing artificial, nothing synthetic, no GMO’s, just natural wholesome ingredients.

Chagrin Valley's Natural Soap & Shampoo Bars Are...

all natural
made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients
handcrafted in small batches using the old-fashioned Cold Process Method
made with sustainable and fair trade ingredients
certified cruelty-free
free of detergents
free of synthetic fragrances
free of synthetic colors
free of artificial preservatives
free of artificial foam boosters
free of alcohol and petroleum products
free of synthetic additives
free of GMOs
biodegradable
mild and nourishing
rich in natural glycerin
magnificent long-lasting lather
cured for 8 to 10 weeks

Our soapmaking process uses only natural and organic ingredients. Why add artificial ingredients to a handmade product?

"Are All Handmade Soaps The Same?"

"12 Reasons to Use Natural Soap"

View Answer Page

How Long Will A Bar of Natural Soap Last?

Short Answer

Natural Organic Soap Sweet Basil How long a natural soap bar will last depends on:

how many people are using it
how often you bathe or shower
how you use the bar

For one person showering every day, a well-drained bar should last for about one month.

Longer Answer

Natural soaps are normally softer than commercial soaps because they retain their natural glycerin (which is removed in commercial soap production) and contain no artificial hardening chemicals, synthetic waxes or free alkali.

We also superfat our soaps (add extra oils or butters) and use "softer" oils so that Chagrin Valley natural soaps are more emollient and leave skin feeling moisturized.

Different oils impart different qualities to soap. Some add lathering qualities, some moisturizing, some hardness, and so on. Compared to other natural bars, we use a larger percentage of extra moisturizing and conditioning oils in our soaps and shampoo bars. These oils produce a bar that may not be as hard as bars with less conditioning oils.

How you use the bar will also affect its lifespan. For example, do you use a washcloth, an exfoliating accessory, or only the bar? Although exfoliating loofahs and sponges are great they will use up the soap much faster than a washcloth or the "only the bar" purists.

Our Natural Soap Will Last A Long Time With Proper Care

Don't let your soap sit in water
Store soap on a well-drained soap dish
Allow soap plenty of fresh air to dry between uses
Never place soap where shower water can continuously hit it
If your bar ever gets waterlogged and becomes gooey, simply set it on a draining soap dish or stand it on its edge for a few days and let it dry out thoroughly

Cute Story: A customer called to say she loved our soaps but could not buy them anymore because they did not last as long as other soaps. A week later she called to place an order and apologize. Her husband, who would NEVER use her natural soaps before, fell in love with her new Juniper soap . . . and he showered twice a day!

To maximize the life of your soap, keep it in a well-drained soap dish so it can dry between uses.

We sell a handcrafted solid white oak soap dish. The deep ridges are perfect for keeping your all natural handcrafted soap dry between uses. White Oak is the wood used in shipbuilding.

A tip passed on by one of our customers whose kids always leave the soap in a water puddle: cut the large bars in halves. Then alternate the halves, allowing a longer drying time between uses.

View Answer Page

How Big are Chagrin Valley Natural Soap and Shampoo Bars?

Natural Organic Chocolate and Honey Soap Bar for dry skin Although we get asked this question often, it is a very difficult one to answer, because the bottom line is . . . how old is the bar? Is It freshly cut or has it been allowed to cure?

Handmade soap and shampoo bars made using the cold process method and at the end of the soap reaction (saponification), they still contain water. The curing process allows excess water to evaporate.

Our freshly cut full-size bars are soft and weigh approximately 6.0 to over 6.5 ounces.

These bars will lose approximately 12% of their weight as most of the water evaporates during the first 6 to 8 weeks of curing time. This means that an average fresh bar, at 6.5 ounces will weigh approximately 5.7 ounces after about 8 weeks.

At Chagrin Valley Soap, our soap and shampoo bars are cured for about 10 to 12 weeks before selling and moisture will continue to evaporate over time as the bar ages. So, as our soap and shampoo bars sit waiting for a new home they will continue to shrink in size.

Some soap makers use the fresh-cut weight on their packaging, but we feel that is an inaccurate description. We use the average weight of our bars after at least a 10 week curing time.

While some companies allow their soaps to cure for only 4-weeks, but we know that our longer, slower curing time ensures a milder, harder, longer-lasting bar, with a very rich lather.

Some soap companies shrink wrap their soap bars to help prevent continuous shrinkage due to evaporation. We have a few big problems with that idea. First of all, we know that we definitely do not need any more plastic added to our planet. Secondly, although we know there will continue to be a small weight (and scent) loss over time, we prefer that over sacrificing the quality of our soap.

Since each of our soap/shampoo recipes is different and the percent of liquid used varies, the amount of water that evaporates over time and the bar size will also vary.

The average weight of Chagrin Valley full-size natural soap and shampoo bars is about 5.2 to 5.6 ounces after 10 weeks of curing. The average full-bar dimensions in inches are approximately 3.75 x 3 x 1.

Our Mini Bars of Soap and Shampoo (Loofah Foot, Pet Bars & Camping) weigh approximately 3 to 3.6 ounces.

Our Natural Soap and Shampoo Trial Size Sample Bars weigh approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces.

Summary of the variation in weight

Our soaps are a handmade product
As our curing bars sit and wait for a new home, they will continue to lose water weight and shrink a bit
Since all of our recipes are different, the amount and type of liquid used to make each recipe differ and the more liquid used in the recipe, the more they will shrink as they cure
In Winter the dry heat will often cause bars to shrink a bit more
No plastic wrapping
The good news is that the older bars will last longer and lather even better

Compare our bar size! Most handmade soap companies sell full size bars that are about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces. Our customers have told us that they like the larger size bars.

When you compare the prices of other soaps, please compare SIZE and ingredients as well!

For a great explanation of the process involved in making soap please read our blog, "How We Make Soap"

View Answer Page

Why Does the Smell of Natural Soap and Shampoo Bars Made with Essential Oils Change?

My natural soap bar doesn't smell the same as the last one

We sometimes receive emails that go like this:

I just reordered [some soap]. It is my favorite bar but it does not smell the same. Did you change the recipe?
This name of this bar is "lavender . . . " but I smell more of the other essential oils than lavender. Why do you call it lavender?

The good news is that when you purchase natural soap from an organic skincare company, it is scented with only pure essential oils.

The bad news is that when you purchase natural soap from an organic skincare company, it is scented with only pure essential oil.

The scent of an essential in any totally natural product can and will change over time and from batch to batch.

Essential Oils are a Natural Ingredient

Essential oils come from nature. The quality and scent of essential oils are affected by yearly weather conditions and varies from crop to crop and region to region.

This makes it very difficult to produce finished products in which the scents are always exactly the same.

Most commercial soaps (and skincare products), even some of the "natural" ones that contain some essential oils, are made with at least some synthetic fragrances oils, nature identical oil, or natural fragrance oil. Using any synthetic fragrance ensures a more consistent scent.

Essential oils are temperamental to work under any circumstance. But while a natural essential oil scent blend may change a bit in a cream or oil, these blends are especially unpredictable when making cold processed natural soap.

After all my years of soap making in never ceases to amaze me just how much the actual soap making process changes the scent of an essential oil blend.

View related natural skin care blogs

Natural Soap and Essential Oils

Why We Use Only Real Plant Essential Oils?

Natural Fragrance Oil? . . . Really?

Why Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils So Popular?

View Answer Page

Don't I need to use antibacterial soap to protect my family from germs?

The Short Answer

NO! Adding antibacterial chemicals to soap does not keep your family safe from germs.

I understand why folks (especially those with children) are choosing products labeled “Antibacterial,” hoping to keep their family safe in the war against germs.

According to Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

"Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water.

In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.”

Simply washing your hands with old-fashioned natural soap and water rids your skin of most fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Soap does not kill germs, it surrounds them and carries them away.

The Long Answer

Please read our blog: Antibacterials: More Harm Than Good!

View Answer Page

Do Your Natural Soap And Shampoo Bars Have An Expiration Date?

The Short Answer

Yes And No!

Although handmade natural soaps usually get better with age, we recommend using our soaps within 12 months of purchase. Our scented soaps should be used within 3 months after removing them from the box.

Although the soaps will not be "spoiled" after that time, you may notice some changes as natural soap ages.

some natural colors may fade over time
the scents from pure natural essential oil scents will fade over time

The changes in color and scent happen even more quickly in our sample size bars.

These small natural soap bars have a much greater surface area to volume ratio which allows essential oils to evaporate from the surface more quickly. However, the scent may still be there when you lather up.

I have found some ancient bars hiding in my closet that years old. The scents were gone, but the lather was incredible!

The Long Answer

For a more detailed discussion please read our blog, "The Shelf Life, Color & Scent of an All Natural Soap."

How You Can Help Prolong Shelf-Life

Natural soaps need to breathe. Exposure to air promotes hardening of your soap and contributes to longer-lasting quality. Soap should be left unwrapped in their boxes or wrapped with breathable materials. Tight wrappers cause humid conditions by preventing evaporation of moisture.
Our soaps are packaged in breathable, recyclable, sustainable packaging! Keep your natural handmade soaps in a dry, cool place away from sunlight, excessive heat and humidity.
Our scented soaps, like Lavender Rosemary, can be placed in a muslin bag, old clean sock, or wrapped in a piece of cloth and put in your linen closet or dresser drawer to give a delightful fragrance to your linens and clothes while waiting to be used.

View Answer Page

Is There Lye Your Natural Soap?

Is There Lye In Natural Soap?

If you are asking the question:

Do you use lye (sodium hydroxide) to make Chagrin Valley natural soap?

The answer is -- yes, of course.
No lye -- No soap!
All REAL soap is made with lye (sodium hydroxide mixed with a liquid).

Any skin or hair cleansing product made without sodium hydroxide is not soap, it is a detergent.

If you are asking the question:

Is there lye in a bar of Chagrin Valley Natural Soap or Shampoo?

The answer is "No."

When the chemical reaction of making soap, called saponification, is complete, the lye and oil molecules have combined and chemically changed into soap and glycerin.

If the soap is made properly, the lye is used up in the saponification process to turn oil into soap.

There is no lye present in the finished bars of soap or shampoo. While all real soap must be made with lye, no lye remains in our finished product after saponification (described below).

But, It Doesn't Say "Lye" or "Sodium Hydroxide" on My Soap Bar Ingredients

If it is real soap or contains read soap, it is made with lye!

Some commercial "soap" bars and all handmade soap bars are made with lye even though the words "sodium hydroxide" or "lye" do not appear on the labels. Does your bar of "soap" contain ingredients such as...

saponified oils: oils and butters are mixed with sodium hydroxide and a liquid (usually water).
sodium cocoate: the generic name for the mixture of coconut oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).
sodium palmate: the generic name for the mixture of palm oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).
sodium palm kernelate: the generic name for the mixture of palm kernel oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).
sodium tallowate: the generic name for the mixture of beef fat (tallow) with sodium hydroxide (lye).
sodium olivate: the generic name for the mixture of olive oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).

These words are not usually used to deceive consumers. But soap makers know that consumers are afraid of the word "lye."

At Chagrin Valley we believe that today's consumers are pretty savvy and the best practice is to educate.

View related natural skin care blogs

"Is There Lye in Natural Soap? Won't it Harm My Skin? Information about lye and the chemistry of soap making

"How We Make Soap"

View Answer Page

Biodegradable Natural Soap?

Are Chagrin Valley Natural Soaps and Shampoo Bars Biodegradable?

Yes, they are!

Chagrin Valley natural soap and shampoo bars are made with natural and organic ingredients and are biodegradable when used properly.

They’re thoughtfully crafted to break down naturally in the environment, which makes them a responsible choice for everyday use and for outdoor adventures when used with care.

What Does “Biodegradable” Mean?

By definition, biodegradable means capable of being broken down by living organisms, such as naturally occurring bacteria, into simpler substances that are not harmful to the environment.

Natural soap made with plant oils, butters, and clays can biodegrade efficiently — but where and how it’s used matters.

A Note for Campers and Backpackers About Biodegradable Soap

Bringing a biodegradable soap on a camping or backpacking trip is a wonderful way to stay comfortable and refreshed outdoors. However, even biodegradable soap should never be used directly in lakes, rivers, or streams.

Biodegradable Camping Soap

You may see claims online suggesting that biodegradable soap or shampoo is safe to use directly in rivers and streams.

While these claims are often made with good intentions, they overlook an important part of how biodegradation actually works.

Here’s why:

The bacteria responsible for breaking down natural soap live primarily in soil, not water.

That means soap — even biodegradable soap — breaks down most effectively when it comes into contact with organic soil, not freshwater sources.

Even biodegradable soap will pollute lakes and streams if it is not used properly.

So while our soaps are biodegradable, they are designed for mindful outdoor use, not for bathing, washing dishes, or cleansing directly in natural water sources.

How to Use Biodegradable Soap Responsibly Outdoors

A few simple practices help protect waterways and support natural breakdown:

Carry water at least 200 feet away from lakes, rivers, and streams before using soap.
Use soap sparingly — a little goes a long way.
Always dispose of grey water into the soil, not into a water source.
Spread grey water over a wide area rather than pouring it all in one spot.
- You can gently scatter small amounts in an arc.
- Or pour the water into a small hole (similar to a cathole) so it can filter through the soil.

These methods help surround the soap with organic matter, speed up decomposition, and reduce runoff.

Is Natural Soap Really Better for Camping?

Yes — when used responsibly.

Many commercial soaps, body washes, shampoos, and dish detergents contain synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrances and colors, and chemical preservatives.

Since these ingredients do not break down quickly, traces can persist in the environment for many, many years and can have a potential negative impact on plants and animals.

A biodegradable natural soap made with plant-based ingredients breaks down more readily when exposed to soil bacteria, making it a far better choice for outdoor use — as long as it’s used thoughtfully and away from waterways.

A Simple Guiding Principle

Biodegradable doesn’t mean anywhere.
It means used with intention and respect for nature.

That philosophy is at the heart of how we make our soaps — and how we encourage them to be used.

There’s no substitute for nature. Together, we can protect it from impacts like overuse, trash, and harming endangered wildlife by following the principles of "Leave No Trace."

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Natural Soap: Bay Rum Men's Soap