Glossary

Alkali salts: A by-product of the soap making process. Alkali salts have a high pH and are harsh and drying to the skin. The cold process allows for alkali salts to be removed from the soap as the soap cures.

Aromachology: The study of the influence of odors on behavior. Aromachology may incorporate the use of synthetic fragrances as well as natural essential oils. Aromachology is focused on the psychology of scents and how they can affect the psyche. For example, one may feel comforted when smelling a hint of the perfume their mother used to wear, or nostalgic at the scent of their late grandfather’s pipe tobacco.

Aromatherapy: A form of alternative medicine that uses the naturally existing essential oils of plants for the purpose of positively affecting a person’s mood or health. Aromatherapy products have subtle effects on the mind, emotions and body that can help you feel more energetic, more calm and relaxed, or relieve feelings of nausea and headaches.

Castile: Originally referred to soap made with olive oil and lye. Now refers to any mild soap.

Cold process: The method of soap making that does not use heat. The cold process allows ingredients to maintain their structural integrity, retains glycerin and allows for the removal of alkali salts, resulting in a long-lasting, mild bar of soap. Cold process soap is also known as handmade soap, poured and cured soap, and farm soap.

Essential oils: The “blood” or essence of a plant derived from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots or grasses. Historically thought to have both medicinal and therapeutic properties.

Exfoliation: The process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells.

Glycerin: An emollient that exists naturally in vegetable and animal fats and is present as a by-product of saponification. Glycerin is hygroscopic which means it absorbs water from the air. Glycerin softens the skin by helping it attract and retain moisture.

Hypoallergenic: Having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.

Lye: Sodium hydroxide.

Natural: Existing in or produced by nature; not artificial.

Organic: Grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides that can harm people, animals and the earth.

Saponification: Combination of lye, fats, oils and water that produces soap.