Posts Tagged ‘French soaps’

Christmas French Soap Gifts
October 11, 2022

Christmas French Soap Gifts

The festive season is nearly upon us again and we are getting ready for the run up to the big day with our Christmas markets.

Our Christmas Gift Boxes of artisan French soaps are designed to awaken, revitalise or relax plus a discovery box of smaller-sized soaps and a set of our purest candle-and-soap-gift-boxsoaps for those in need of some extra care. And a personalised gift box where you can choose that perfect Christmas gift for someone special – there is truly something for everyone.

We also have our wonderful French soap and candle gift sets. This wonderful combination of a Black Vanilla scented candle and either Olive or Lavender Best of Provence Soap is the perfect gift for Christmas.

To give you an opportunity to purchase these wonderful gift sets or select a personalised gift we will be in the following town and country markets over the next few weeks and we would love to see you!

If you can’t make it to any of these then either buy here or give us a call and we’ll be delighted to help you choose the perfect Christmas natural French soap gift for someone you love.

Christmas Markets

Chichester Pop-Up Market, West Sussex –  16th October 10 am – 4 pm

Ockley Village Hall, Nr Dorking, Surrey –  30th October 12 noon – 4 pm

Capel Market, Nr Dorking, Surrey –  19th November 12 noon – 4 pm

Grittenham Barn, Tillington, West Sussex –  25th & 26th November 10 am – 4 pm

Southwater, Nr Horsham, West Sussex –  26th November 12.30 pm – 4.30 pm

The Parrot, Forest Green, Surrey –  3rd and 4th December

Haslemere Christmas Market, Surrey – 4th December 10 am – 4 pm

The Three Crowns, Wisbourgh Green, West Sussex – 6th December  3.30 pm – 7.30 pm

Bat and Ball, Wisborough Green, West Sussex –  7th 4 pm – 9 pm & 8th December 10 am – 4 pm

The benefits of using an exfoliating soap bar
April 14, 2022

exfoliating-soap-barThe best way to clean and healthy skin is by investing in a high quality exfoliating soap that will treat your skin with care. The purpose of an exfoliating soap bar is not only to cleanse your skin but also to make sure that it keeps your skin free of bacteria that can cause skin irritations and spots.

How to choose the best exfoliating soap bar for you

It’s important to exfoliate your skin, but it is equally important to choose a soap that helps to promote a clear, refreshed and revitalised skin. So what should you look for when buying an exfoliating bar soap:

Ingredients

Choosing an exfoliating soap with the right ingredients for your skin type to gain the maximum benefits is top of our list. Some commonly used ingredients in an exfoliating soap are:

  • Oatmeal: Because oatmeal is one of the most natural and gentle exfoliants, it is one of the most widely used ingredients for exfoliation.
  • Seasalt: The coarse, granular texture of sea salt makes it a great choice as an exfoliant because it helps to remove dead skin cells revealing healthy, glowing skin.
  • Coffee: Ground coffee is full of antimicrobial and anti-aging qualities, which is especially good for acne.
  • Charcoal: Charcoal is known to be highly beneficial for oily skin and in treating acne as it aids in the removal of oil and toxins, drawing out impurities to unclog pores, leaving behind a fresh and clear complexion.
  • french-soap-papaya-exfoliating-soapFlowers & fruits: Certain types of flower and fruit extracts act as a gentle exfoliant when combined with plant oils.

Skin Type

Depending on your skin type you will require a different mix of ingredients to care for your skin.

Dry skin: A good exfoliating soap for dry skin is one that has moisturising agents such as plant oils and butters. These ingredients help cleanse the skin whilst keeping it hydrated. Our Papaya French soap, enriched with organic shea butter, has grains to exfoliate away dryness leaving moisturised baby soft skin.

Combination skin: A gentle exfoliating soap bar with a mix of plant oils and exfoliants is ideal for those with combination skin. Our Lavender and Almond Tandem soap has two different sides. The first side contains lavender essential oil, as well as the lavender flower for exfoliating. The other side is enriched with sweet almond oil, making the soap surgras, which means it is incredibly moisturising.

Oily skin: Oily skin needs an exfoliating soap and ideally be packed with ingredients which unclog pores and reduce the oil present on the skin. An ideal soap bar would be our Charcoal exfoliating and cleansing soap which removes oil and toxins, drawing out impurities and unclogging pores.

lavender-almond-tandem-soapWhat are the reasons for using an exfoliating soap?

An exfoliating soap has many uses and benefits:

  • Helps to get rid of dead skin
  • Cleanses the skin and removes dirt
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Opens pores and unclogs hair follicles
  • Helps improve the absorption of moisturiser into the skin
  • Helps in buffing the skin, leading to the reduction of visible signs of aging
  • Promotes detoxification by improving blood flow and circulation.

Exfoliating soaps help to cleanse your skin by removing dead skin cells, calluses and acne. They also improve uneven skin tone and keep it healthy. Regular exfoliation improves blood flow, removes bacteria and impurities present on the skin and keeps it odour-free. All our exfoliating French soap bars are 100% vegetal, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an exfoliating soap every day?

An exfoliating soap with ingredients that are gentle on the skin and keep moisture in the skin intact is suitable for everyday use.

Charcoal-exfoliating-soap-barAre exfoliating soaps good for the face and acne?

Yes, but only when used gently and correctly with an exfoliating soap with mild, non-irritating ingredients that will not over-dry the skin.

How often should I use an exfoliating soap?

If you have just started to exfoliate, it is recommended to start with using it once a week and slowly increase to 3 – 4 times a week.

What ingredients should I look for if I want to moisturise my skin as well as exfoliate it?

Ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and other plant oils in the soap helps to moisturise the skin whilst exfoliating it at the same time.

Why should you use a Sisal soap bag with your French soap bars
March 8, 2022

Natural Hemp-soap-bagSoap savers are handy to make your soap last longer. And, when used correctly in your shower, it will prevent the soap from becoming slimy or disintegrating completely.

Our favourite choice is a Sisal soap bag. This is because it is another easy-to-implement, long-lasting zero waste swap enabling you to help the world towards becoming as plastic-free as possible. Plus the additional advantages of a Sisal soap bag is that it provides exfoliation, and helps with improving your circulation. It also makes your soap bar foamier and last longer!

What is Sisal?

Sisal soap bagSisal is a natural fibre which is produced by the Agave plant. This fibre can be made into twine and rope. Due to its’ strength, Sisal is popular in coastal environments as saltwater or hard water will not break these fibres down.

Sisal fibres are ethically sourced, non-toxic, and safe for use on the body. And coming from a plant makes it sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The Sisal soap bag is made with natural bristles so it can be composted when it wears out.

Why use a ‘zero-waste’ Sisal soap bag?

1. It extends the life of your soap

sisal-soap-bagWith a quick soak under the water, your natural French soap produces a rich lather in your Sisal soap bag and the soap is contained without slipping from your grasp. And when your French soap bar is almost finished just pop the soap remnants into the bag with the next bar. They will bond together to become one and you can wash with the end of the soap comfortably.

2. It reduces soap waste

Soap dishes can be a magnet for soap scum and bacteria as after use, the soap is put back into the soap dish where it sits in residue water so as the soap dissolves it becomes a puddle of slime. By using a natural Sisal soap bag, the soap is suspended by its’ clever drawstring and dry’s out naturally between use so extending the life of your soap and preventing wastage.

3. Only the best exfoliation

The Sisal soap bag is a dual-action exfoliator. As an effective body scrubber but soft on the skin, it is an ideal way to get rid of dead skin. Use the soap bag to gently massage your body and the resulting lather works with the natural sisal bristles which are firm enough to slough off dead skin, without scratching, leaving your body smooth and invigorated.

Personalised-gift-selectionSo to sum up – the natural Sisal soap bag is a multi-tasking exfoliator, increases the life of your natural French soap bar and is plastic-free. This small accessory will reduce your carbon footprint making you squeaky-clean!

Give a French soap gift box this Mother’s Day
February 24, 2022

Mother’s Day is on March 27th this year, so, now’s the time to order the perfect Mother’s Day gift and surprise your dear maman with a luxurious pampering treat.

Pretty-SensationalWe’ve put together six gorgeous French soap gift boxes containing some of our favourite French market soaps and candles. Made by artisans in Provence from natural ingredients, each soap bar is wonderfully moisturising and lasts for ages. They’re triple-milled for extra luxury and purity too. Whenever your mother uses one she’ll be transported to the scent-filled Provencal countryside and reminded of your loving gift.

So which French soap or candle gift box would your mother love to receive?

Would your mum like a paradise holiday in a box. Our Pretty Scentsational Mother’s Day gift box brings together the lavender fields of Provence with the tropical flowers of Tahiti with soft scents to surround your mum with love. Enriched with essential oils loving wishes and washesthe soaps will leave her skin super soft too.

How about our fruity French soap selection, Loving Wishes & Washes? This gift box contains wonderful tangy natural French Market soaps like raspberry, watermelon and blackberry. All with mouth-watering scents and nourishing ingredients.

Or perhaps your mum appreciates the simple pleasures of life? The handcrafted slice of the traditional Savon Grand Mere soap? It has a uniquely rustic style and comes exclusively from one of the last old-fashioned Marseille soap-makers.

Candle-and-lavender-soap-gift-boxAnd finally we have our French lavender or olive soap and candle gift box. This wonderful combination of a Black Vanilla scented candle and Best of Provence Soap is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Our scented candle wax is 100% natural, a blend of coconut oil, soy and beeswax and contains at least 10% of creamy Black Vanilla fragrance. Perfect to infuse her room with the smell of love.

If you would prefer to have something bespoke then our personalised gift selection is the perfect. Simply choose any four soaps you think your mum would love most from the following ranges:

125g French Market soaps

1Personalised-gift-selection00g Organic Donkey Milk soap

125g Exfoliating soap bars

And the set includes a FREE natural sisal soap bag worth £2.50, for daily exfoliating.

So don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Order your gift box of natural and luxurious handcrafted French soaps and candles today to say thank you to your mum and show her how much you care for her.

Say “Je t’aime” this Valentine’s Day with a natural French soap gift box
January 10, 2022

Valentine's-DayShopping for the one you love? Then why not pamper them this Valentine’s Day with our fragrant natural French soaps handcrafted in Provence.

Our range of beautiful Valentine gift boxes is sure to suit every soap lover. You could pick a calming classic Lavender collection… or give the gift of TLC in our extra gentle soap collection. Or treat yourself too with the Sharing soap gift box!

There’s a thoughtful gift box of our most ultra-gentle natural French soaps to treat someone with sensitive skin; which includes Savon de Marseille and hydrating donkey milk soaps as well as a set of French soap bars to share and a box of all our cute and creamy French gift soaps. We’ve even tailored a box of French market soaps we think the men in our lives Sharing-gift-boxwill particularly love.

And finally, there’s our personal selection gift box giving you the opportunity to choose the fragrances that are personal to the one you love.

Whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing that all our handcrafted French soaps are triple-milled and enriched to create a divinely velvety lather to soften the skin. And they’re beautifully packaged in a recycled box too.

Plus, don’t forget if you spend £20 or more we’ll include a FREE heart gift soap and a FREE handcrafted, heart-shaped rustic soap dish made from real slate.

So come and discover our wonderful natural French soap gifts boxes for Valentine’s Day – Shop Now>

The benefits of Organic Donkey Milk soap
November 23, 2021

the-benefits-of-organic-donkey-milk-soapMany of you will have experienced things ‘out of the ordinary’ over the last year or so and put the reason down to the pandemic. Getting Covid-19 under control and keeping ourselves safe has required us all to make sacrifices and in some cases caused us to react physically and mentally to the demands that these measures have bought.

A friend of ours has a 4 year old little boy and like all children, he was shown how important it was to keep his hands clean by washing them regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

This impacted on him so much that he started to wash his hands far more than was necessary resulting in them becoming sore and bloody. We suggested that the family start to use our organic Donkey Milk soap. Within a few days of him using it his hands had become far less inflamed so that the healing process could begin. They are now fully recovered even though he is still washing his hands regularly.

So what is organic Donkey Milk soap?

Donkey milk soap is made with vegetable oils which are added throughout the saponification process. Once the soap has saponified and cooled, fresh organic donkey milk is added cold so that the soap retains all its beneficial and regenerative properties.

What makes it special?

Organic Donkey Milk contains very high concentrations of vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, and E and Omega’s 3 and 6.  In addition, it is high in natural sugars which helps produce a creamy, rich lather.

benefits-of-Organic-Donkey-milk-soapVitamin C, a powerful antioxidant helps fight environmental damage by neutralising free radicals before they cause damage to the skin.

Because donkey milk has a pH level that’s very close to that of human skin, it can help regulate the production of sebum, decreasing the chances of a skin breakout. And the proteins and fatty acids in donkey milk soap are also excellent for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier allowing the skin to heal and breathe.

A Powerful Anti-Ageing and Healing Ingredient

Organic Donkey milk has powerful anti-ageing and healing properties as it contains essential fatty acids. These fatty acids lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help to regenerate damaged skin. It is also effective in healing and soothing minor skin abrasions.

Moisturiser and Softener

Organic Donkey Milk soap is a powerful moisturiser, cleanser, and softener for the skin. With consistent use, it cleanses, softens and smooths, making it a very versatile part of your beauty routine.

Donkey milk has been used as a skin-nourishing and rejuvenating ingredient for thousands of years and is once again appreciated as a superfood and skin nutrient. It is said that Cleopatra bathed in donkey’s milk more than 2000 years ago, the Romans used it and the 19th Century French Bourgeoisie used it as a skin softener.

So if you have sensitive skin, or you tend to react to fragrances or the more fragranced soaps, our organic donkey milk soap is a natural alternative and won’t cost the earth.

Extra-gentle-soap-selectionOrganic Donkey Milk soap benefits in a nutshell

• Has a creamy lather. Donkey milk adds creaminess to the soap and the sugars in the milk create a wonderful bubbly lather.
• Hydrates and softens skin. Donkey’s milk has a pH level very close to the pH level of human skin, it helps to moisturise and keep the skin’s oils in balance.
• Reduces skin irritations. It is especially high in Vitamin A, which is crucial in repairing damaged skin tissue and maintaining healthy skin.
• Erases wrinkles in the skin. The product possesses an anti-wrinkle effect, helping to eliminate wrinkles and prevent these from appearing in the skin, face and neck.
• Helps regenerate the skin due to the presence of high levels of protein, phospholipids and ceramides, which has both soothing and restructuring properties.
• Provides natural anti-aging skincare. The rich composition of donkey milk with high protein levels of phospholipids and vitamins A, B, C, D and E make it excellent anti-aging, wrinkle treatment,
restructuring and regenerating the face with excellent results.
• It protects from the ever-present danger of bacterial infections.
• It helps heal eczema, neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
• It helps with skin allergies or acne.
• It is an alternative to cow’s milk for children with a milk protein allergy.

If you need any help choosing which organic Donkey Milk soap could be right for your skin then do give us a call on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Our Christmas natural French soap gift boxes are ready!
November 4, 2021

All-is-calm-christmas-gift-boxWe are so excited that the festive season is finally on its way and we are getting ready for our Christmas markets with the run up to the big day.

We have five festive gift boxes of artisan French soaps designed to awaken, revitalise or relax plus a discovery box of smaller-sized soaps and a set of our purest soaps for those in need of some extra care. And a personalised gift box where you can choose that perfect Christmas gift for someone special.

To give you an opportunity to purchase these wonderful gift sets or select a personalised gift we will be in the following town and country markets over the next few Comfort-and-joyweeks and we would love to see you!

If you can’t make it then either buy here or give us a call and we’ll be delighted to help you choose the perfect Christmas natural French soap gift for someone you love.

Christmas fairs and markets

Pure-delight-natural-french-soap7th November – Macmillan Craft Fair, North Hall, Loxwood, West Sussex 11am – 3 pm

20th November – WI Craft Fair, Alfold Village Hall, Alfold, Surrey 10am – 3pm

25th November – Park Mead School Christmas Fair, Cranleigh, Surrey 7pm – 9pm

26th November – Loxwood School Christmas Fair, Loxwood, West Sussex 4.30pm – 6.30pm

27th November – Christmas Fair, Southwater, West Sussex 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Awaken-the-senses28th November – Alfold FC Craft Fair, Alfold Social Club, Alfold, Surrey 1pm – 5pm

8th December – Bat and Ball pub Wisborough Green, West Sussex 4pm – 9pm

9th December – Bat and Ball pub Wisborough Green, West Sussex 10am – 4pm

 

Christmas is coming to the French Soap Store
September 15, 2021

We’re putting the finishing touches to our festive soap bar gift sets and starting to feel all Christmassy here at the French Soap Store. We’ve got some fabulous treats in store for you!

Have you started planning your gift list yet? Our traditional French soap bars will make perfect presents to give your loved ones, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Here are eight reasons to give our natural French bar soap gifts this Christmas.

Natural-French-soap1. Our handcrafted soap is 100% natural.

Our traditional, handcrafted soap bars contain no worrying chemicals, artificial ingredients or fillers; just skin-loving oils, therapeutic plant-based ingredients and sublime natural aromatic extracts. (Read more: What is natural soap and why should you use it?)

2. High quality bar soap is a luxurious treat

There’s something truly pleasurable about using a fresh bar of pure traditionally made soap with its uplifting fragrance and the feeling of the creamy nourishing lather it creates on contact with water. Our traditional handcrafted soaps from Provence are a real delight for the senses.

Plastic free July3. Our soap bars are eco-friendly

Our natural French soap bars are sustainable, entirely plastic free and kind to the planet. Handcrafted from natural ingredients in the traditional way, with no unnecessary waste, the solid soap bars are a perfect gift for anyone who wants to cut back on all the single-use plastic in their bathroom. (Read more: Three top reasons to switch to solid natural soap bars).

4. Natural French soap is a useful gift

Traditionally-made natural French soap is a thoughtful, original gift that will be well-received, especially as everyone is handwashing more frequently these days. Our soap bars are so gentle, attractive and deliciously-scented they are guaranteed to be used and enjoyed.

5. We have soap bar gifts for every budget and every body

Our natural and sustainable French market gift soaps are the perfect size for stylish stocking fillers and little treats; while our luxury sets of different soap bars are the ultimate pampering treat for someone special.

6. Natural solid soap is a gift that keeps on giving

Our traditional French market soaps don’t just look and smell gorgeous, they last a lot longer than ordinary, mass produced soaps. The organic shea butter in many of our soaps gives the bars extra structure and longevity too.

7. You’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers

By choosing our natural French soaps you’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers in Provence, who operate small businesses like ours. You’ll also be buying something made with loving care and passion using centuries-old ancient and natural processing methods.

Gift-box8. Have your soap bar gifts delivered for you

Simply order your natural soap bars here online and we’ll arrange the delivery for you. There’s no better way to delight friends, family and relatives than by surprising them with a gift of traditional French soaps sent straight to their door. It shows that even far away, you’re still thinking about them and sending loving thoughts and wishes.

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to introduce your friends and family to all the benefits of natural solid soaps traditionally handmade by artisans in Provence. We look forward to bringing you all our festive gift ideas soon.

STOP PRESS

French-soap-storeCome and see us…

We are going to be at some magical Christmas fairs and craft markets this year. Check back to this blog to find out where we’ll be and do come and visit us, it will be lovely to meet you. We’re really excited at the prospect of setting up our stall again with all our fabulous French market soap bars, guest soaps and festive gift sets.

Loxwood Village Fete success!
August 23, 2021

French market soapsWe just wanted to say a very BIG thank you to everyone who came on Saturday and supported the Loxwood Village Fete, and to all who bought some of our fabulous French soaps!

Our stall had all the usual goodies including our natural French and market soaps, gift and guest soaps and Écolier oval soap bars.

We were delighted to see everyone stocking up and the weather was kind to us too!

Loads more choice with our gorgeous natural French soaps from Provence.
August 19, 2021

We are delighted to announce the addition of more wonderful, nourishing, super-smelling, natural French soaps!

Our new arrivals include some really fruity characters, Orange, Lime, Pineapple, Apple, Grape and Papaya French market soaps. These authentic 125g artisan French soaps are made with nourishing plant oils, organic shea butter and fragrances from Grasse.

240g wall mounted rotating french soap on a rope roseNew additions to our ever popular ‘Savon de écolier’ or school soap on a rope oval bars include Marine, Grapefruit and Rose. These oval soap bars are handmade in Marseille and can be used with a rotary wall-mounted soap holder or hung in the shower on the attached rope which helps the soap dry between uses, making it last much longer.

Finally not forgetting our luxurious organic donkey milk soap, enriched with fresh milk from farms in Donkey Milk French Soap lotus blossomProvence. The new addition is a Lotus Blossom fragrance. Organic Donkey milk is mild and full of nutrients that soften and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.

And don’t forget our special offer, buy 5 French market or donkey milk soaps and get a 6th one free, is a great way to stock up and save. Or get 15% off your total order of any combination of our fantastic French soaps with the code SUMMER15 at checkout.

French-soap-offer