What are the benefits of Ossie Naturals’ products?

In an age where mass-produced skincare products dominate the market, often laden with harsh synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and questionable chemicals, finding truly natural, skin-nurturing products can be challenging. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating an exceptional range of artisanal skincare products, each thoughtfully formulated with the finest natural ingredients to support your skin’s health and well-being.

Our commitment to traditional craftsmanship means we never rush the process. Our soaps, for instance, undergo an extensive curing period ranging from 4-6 weeks for our standard range to an impressive 3-12 months for our speciality soaps, such as our authentic Castile and traditional Laurel Berry Oil formulations. This patient, time-honoured approach allows our soaps to develop their exceptional qualities, producing bars that are extraordinarily mild, creamy, and long-lasting.

Each product in our range is formulated with specific skin concerns in mind. Our body butters provide deep, lasting moisturisation with carefully selected botanical oils and butters. Our facial oils blend precious plant extracts that work in harmony with your skin’s natural processes. Our bath products combine therapeutic benefits with luxurious self-care experiences. Whether you’re seeking relief from sensitive skin, managing dryness, addressing specific skin concerns, or simply desiring a more natural approach to skincare, our products deliver remarkable results.

What sets our products apart:

• Formulated with the finest natural ingredients
• Free from synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals
• Created in small batches to ensure quality
• Developed specifically for sensitive and problematic skin
• Rich in natural glycerine and skin-nourishing compounds
• Environmentally conscious packaging and practices
• Traditional methods are preserved for optimal results
• Suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive

By choosing our products, you’re not just selecting skincare – you’re embracing a philosophy of gentle, effective, natural care that respects both your skin and the environment. Each item in our range is created with purpose, patience, and passion, delivering the exceptional quality and results that only truly artisanal products can provide.

I have sensitive skin. Which products are suitable?

All our products are designed for sensitive or problematic skin, but we recommend starting with our unscented range:

Unscented Soaps:

• Laurel Berry Oil Soap
• Chamomile Soft Baby’s Soap
• Bee Balm Soap
• Calendula Soap

Unscented Products:

• Baby Bum Balm
• Nourishing Lip Balm
• Calendula Lip Balm
• Calendula Balm – Classic
• Calendula, Rosehip ad Sea buckthorn Balm
• Calendula, Rosehip ad Sea buckthorn Balm – Stick

Whilst these products are formulated for sensitive skin, we always recommend patch testing before regular use.

What oils do you use in your products?

Some of our formulations incorporate RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, and coconut oil and olive oil comprise almost all the bases of our soaps, along with Shea butter, kokum butter and Castor oil, but you can find them listed in every label of each product.

 Ingredients used in our Formulas:

Waxes, Oils and Butters

• Laurel Berry Oil
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• Chamomile Infused in Olive Oil
• Calendula infused in Olive Oil
• Shea Butter
• Castor Oil
• Beeswax
• Carnauba Wax
• Rice Bran Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Aloe Vera Butter
• Babassu Oil
• Palm Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Evening Primrose
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Squalane
• Rosehip
• Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Camellia Oil
• Pomegranate Oil
• Argan Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Kukui Nut Oil
• Neem Oil
• Hempseed Oil
• Lanolin
• Mango Butter

Other

• Cetyl Alcohol
• Allantoin
• Potassium Alum
• Arrowroot Powder
• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide (Natural white colour)
• Mica: Apple Shimmer (Natural green colour)
• Mica: Clementine Pop (Natural orange colour)
• Mica: Virtuous Violet (Natural violet colour)
• Potassium Hydroxide
• Sodium Hydroxide

Botanicals and Other

• Kaolin Clay
• Colloidal Oatmeal
• Honey
• Citric Acid
• Activated Charcoal
• Goat Milk
• Goat Milk Powder
• Coconut Milk Powder
• Coconut Milk/Cream
• Oat Drink
• Bees Pollen
• Propolis Extract
• Calamine Clay
• Brazilian Yellow Clay
• Calendula Petals
• Aloe Vera Juice

Essential Oils

• Lavender Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Rose Geranium
• Geranium Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Sweet Orange Oil
• Frankincense
• Cedarwood
• Ylan Ylang
• Bergamot (FCF/BGT Free)
• Vanilla Oil
• Clove Oil
• Peppermint
• Patchouli
• Lemon
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver
• Pine

For specific allergen concerns, please contact our Dungarvan team directly for detailed ingredient information.

What is Cold Process (CP)?

Cold Process (CP) is a traditional and artisanal method of soap making that we use to create our natural soap bars. Let us explain this fascinating process in detail:

The Cold Process Method:

Cold Process soap making is called ‘cold’ because no external heat is applied during the initial mixing process. However, the chemical reaction (saponification) naturally generates its own heat. This gentle method allows us to maintain the integrity of our carefully selected ingredients and their beneficial properties.

The Process Step-by-Step:
The basic steps of CP soap making involve:

1. Precise measuring of oils, butters, and sodium hydroxide (lye)
2. Carefully mixing the lye solution with water at specific temperatures
3. Blending oils and butters
4. Combining the lye solution with the oils when both reach optimal temperatures
5. Mixing until ‘trace’ occurs (when the mixture begins to thicken)
6. Adding natural essential oils, botanicals, or other beneficial ingredients
7. Pouring into moulds
8. Allowing the initial saponification process to complete (24-48 hours)
9. Cutting into bars
10. Curing for several weeks

Benefits of Cold Process:

We chose this method because:

• It preserves the natural glycerine that forms during saponification
• Essential oils retain their therapeutic properties better
• The resulting soap is more moisturising and gentler on the skin
• It allows for creative flexibility with natural ingredients
• The finished bars have a dense, creamy lather

Unlike commercial soap manufacturing, which often removes the naturally produced glycerine and adds synthetic detergents, our Cold Process method maintains all the natural goodness within each bar. This results in a genuinely natural product that cleanses effectively whilst being kind to your skin.

The Art and Science:

Cold Process soap making requires both scientific precision and artisanal skill. Each batch must be carefully formulated, taking into account the properties of different oils and their saponification values, whilst also considering the aesthetic and therapeutic qualities we want in the final product.

This traditional method allows us to create soap that not only cleanses but also nourishes your skin, providing a superior bathing experience compared to mass-produced commercial soaps.

Do your soaps contain Lye/Sodium Hydroxide?

All genuine soap requires sodium hydroxide (lye) in its production – this is simply part of the fundamental chemistry of soap-making. Let us explain this process in detail:

The Chemistry Behind Our Soaps:

Every real soap must start with lye (sodium hydroxide/NaOH/caustic soda). Any cleansing product made without lye is actually a detergent, not a true soap. Detergents often strip the skin’s natural oils, whilst proper soap nourishes.

The Saponification Process:

During soap making, three main things happen: First, lye (sodium hydroxide) combines with carefully selected oils and fats. Then, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs. This creates two new substances: soap molecules and natural glycerine (a beneficial humectant that helps keep skin moisturised).

Understanding Our Ingredients List:

You will see sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide listed in our ingredients because we believe in complete transparency about our soap-making process. For legal and labelling purposes, we must list these ingredients on the label, similar to how water must be listed, although neither remains in the final product after the saponification process. It’s important to understand that whilst these ingredients are essential to create soap, they are transformed during the saponification process and do not remain in their original form in the final product. The chemical reaction between the hydroxide and our carefully selected oils creates gentle, nourishing soap molecules and beneficial glycerine.

The Benefits of True Soap:

Unlike synthetic detergents, our properly made soaps retain natural glycerine, cleanse without stripping, maintain skin’s natural balance, provide gentle, effective cleaning, and support healthy skin function. Through the careful saponification process, we create soap that works in harmony with your skin, providing effective cleansing whilst maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.

Is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) safe for the skin?

This is one of our most commonly asked questions, and we’re delighted to provide a detailed explanation:

Saponification Process and Safety:
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda, is an essential ingredient in traditional solid soap making. Whilst NaOH is caustic in its raw form, it’s crucial to understand that it undergoes a complete transformation during the soap-making process. Through saponification (the chemical reaction that creates soap), NaOH reacts with oils and fats to create hard soap bars and beneficial glycerine. The final product contains no traces of the original caustic substance.

The Process Timeline:

Initial Reaction (0-24 hours):

• The most intensive part of saponification occurs
• NaOH actively combines with fatty acids from oils
• Most of the chemical conversion takes place
• Soap molecules begin forming

Complete Conversion:

• By 24-48 hours, the primary reaction is complete
• NaOH has been fully transformed into soap
• Natural glycerine is produced as a beneficial by-product

Curing Period (4-6 weeks):

• Further hardening of the soap bars
• Excess water evaporates
• The crystal structure develops
• pH levels stabilise
• Mildness improves
• Lather quality enhances

Safety Measures and Quality Control:
We implement rigorous safety protocols:

• Precise measurements using professional-grade equipment
• Carefully calculated superfat percentages for skin-friendly bars
• Regular pH testing throughout the curing process
• Multiple quality control checkpoints
• Independent laboratory testing
• Compliance with all UK and EU cosmetic regulations

The Final Product:
Our finished soap bars are completely safe because:

• Zero free NaOH remains in the final product
• The pH level is balanced and skin-appropriate
• Natural glycerine remains in the soap (unlike commercial detergent bars)
• Each batch undergoes a thorough safety assessment
• The bars are mild and suitable for regular use

Scientific Validation:
Our manufacturing process follows strict scientific principles, ensuring that:

• The saponification reaction goes to completion
• All NaOH is consumed in the reaction
• The resulting soap molecules are skin-compatible
• The final product meets all safety standards

For additional reassurance, every batch we produce:

• Is tested for pH balance
• Undergoes stability testing
• Is checked for proper cure
• Receives a certificate of analysis
• Is fully traceable

We maintain comprehensive documentation of our manufacturing process and safety protocols, and all our products are formulated to meet or exceed current UK and EU cosmetic safety regulations.

Is Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) safe for the skin?

This is an excellent and important question that we’re frequently asked. Let me provide a comprehensive explanation:

Saponification Process and Safety:
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is a crucial ingredient in the soap-making process, particularly for liquid soaps, but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t remain in its original form in the final product. During the saponification process (the chemical reaction that creates soap), KOH reacts with oils and fats to create soap molecules and glycerine. This fascinating chemical transformation means that the caustic KOH is completely converted and no longer exists in its original form in the finished product.

The Process Timeline:

• Initial Reaction (0-24 hours): During the first 24 hours of soap making, most of the saponification process occurs. The KOH actively reacts with the oils, transforming them into soap.
• Complete Conversion: By the end of this initial period, virtually all KOH has been converted through the chemical reaction.
• Curing Period: Whilst the basic saponification is complete within 24 hours, we still cure our soaps for several weeks to ensure:
  • Complete reaction of any remaining trace amounts
  • Optimal pH balance achievement
  • Water evaporation for a firmer, longer-lasting product
  • Development of a mild, gentle final product

Safety Measures and Quality Control:
To ensure absolute safety, we:

• Carefully calculate the exact amounts of KOH needed for complete saponification
• Test every batch for pH levels and residual alkalinity
• Allow extended curing time beyond the minimum requirement
• Conduct stability testing on all formulations
• Have all products independently safety assessed

The Final Product:
Our finished soaps are completely safe for skin use because:

• No free KOH remains in the product
• The pH is balanced and skin-appropriate
• Natural glycerine created during the process helps moisturise the skin
• Each batch is tested before release

For complete transparency, we maintain detailed documentation of our manufacturing process and safety protocols. Our products undergo rigorous testing to meet all UK and EU cosmetic safety regulations.

Are your soaps pH balanced?

Our soaps maintain a natural pH level typical of traditional handcrafted soaps. While slightly more alkaline than synthetic detergents, they’re gentler on skin due to their high natural glycerine content and nourishing oils. Rather than focusing solely on pH, we prioritise the overall nurturing effect on your skin.

Why do you need to cure the soap?

The curing process is a fascinating and essential part of our soap-making journey that goes far beyond simple drying. Let us explain why this crucial step makes such a difference to your final bar of soap:

What is Curing?

Curing is the process where we allow our freshly made soap to rest in a well-ventilated area for several weeks (typically 4-6 weeks minimum). Whilst the initial saponification process (the chemical reaction that creates soap) is complete within 24-48 hours, the curing period dramatically improves the quality and performance of the final product.

What Happens During Curing?

During this resting period, several important changes occur:

• Water Evaporation:

Fresh soap contains a significant amount of water, which gradually evaporates during curing. This process:

• Creates a harder, longer-lasting bar
• Concentrates the natural glycerine and beneficial properties
• Helps prevent the soap from becoming soft or mushy during use
• Crystal Structure Development:

The molecular structure of the soap continues to develop during curing:

• Soap crystals align and strengthen
• The internal structure becomes more organised
• This results in a better, more stable lather
• Mild and Gentle

As soap cures, it becomes milder and gentler on the skin:

• The pH level gradually stabilises
• Any minute traces of sodium hydroxide continue to react
• The overall soap becomes more balanced and skin-friendly
• Improved Performance

A well-cured soap offers superior performance:

• Creates a richer, creamier lather
• Lasts significantly longer in use
• Provides better cleansing properties
• Feels more luxurious on the skin

Why We Don’t Rush:

Whilst it might be tempting to use soap straight after making it, we believe in allowing nature to take its course. Just as fine wine needs time to mature, quality soap needs time to cure properly. This patience results in a superior product that offers better value for money and a more enjoyable experience for our customers.

This is why we never rush our curing process and why we maintain strict control over our curing environment to ensure optimal conditions for each batch of soap we produce. The result is a bar of soap that not only performs beautifully but also provides excellent longevity and skin-friendly properties.

Do you test your products on animals?

Ossie Naturals Company maintains a strict cruelty-free policy. We have never, and will never, test our products on animals. All our products are carefully monitored in our supply chain to ensure compliance with these standards. We work exclusively with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.

Why are your soap boxes larger than the soap?

Our handcrafted soaps contain natural glycerine, which can cause the soap to ‘sweat’ in varying temperatures. The slightly larger packaging allows proper air circulation, preventing any potential damage to the natural packaging dyes we use and ensuring optimal product preservation. This thoughtful design choice reflects our commitment to both product quality and environmental consciousness.

Why do you use Colloidal Oatmeal and Kaolin in your soaps?

We choose to include both colloidal oatmeal and kaolin clay in our soap formulations for their exceptional skin-loving properties and the remarkable benefits they bring to our natural soap bars.

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that has been specifically processed to retain all its beneficial properties. This remarkable ingredient helps calm irritated or sensitive skin, reduces redness and inflammation, and provides relief from itching and dry skin conditions. It creates a protective barrier on the skin whilst delivering impressive moisturising benefits through its beta-glucans that penetrate the skin and help lock in moisture. Additionally, colloidal oatmeal contains natural saponins that assist in the cleansing process without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Kaolin, also known as white clay or China clay, is one of the gentlest natural clays available and complements the properties of colloidal oatmeal perfectly. This mineral-rich ingredient gently draws out impurities from the skin and helps remove excess oil without over-drying. It provides mild exfoliation and helps unclog pores whilst balancing oil production and improving skin texture. Kaolin also enhances our soap’s performance by providing natural slip, increasing cleansing abilities, and creating a luxurious, creamy lather that lasts longer.

When combined in our soap formulations, these two natural ingredients work synergistically to create a superior cleansing experience. Together, they provide gentle yet effective cleansing whilst soothing and calming the skin. The natural exfoliation and optimal skin hydration they offer result in a luxurious bathing experience that exemplifies our commitment to creating effective, skin-friendly products using the finest natural materials available. Their inclusion in our formulations helps create soap that not only cleanses but also nurtures and protects your skin, making them essential components in our carefully crafted recipes.

Are your soaps safe for all skin types, even if I have sensitive skin?

We specifically formulate all our soaps with sensitive skin in mind, recognising that many people struggle to find gentle yet effective cleansing products. Our careful ingredient selection and meticulous manufacturing process ensure that our soaps are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and problematic skin.

Each soap recipe is thoughtfully crafted using skin-loving ingredients known for their gentle and nourishing properties. We select mild, natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, which helps soothe irritated skin, and gentle clays that cleanse without causing sensitivity. Our cold process method ensures that the natural glycerine, a beneficial by-product of soap making, remains in the final bar, providing additional moisturising properties that help maintain your skin’s natural balance.

We understand the importance of skin safety and take our responsibility seriously. That’s why all our formulations undergo rigorous safety assessments and comply with strict UK and EU cosmetic regulations. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only for its beneficial properties but also for its safety profile. Our manufacturing processes follow precise protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality products that you can trust.

For those with particularly sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing any new product on a small area of skin first, as individual sensitivities can vary. We also provide complete ingredient transparency, listing all ingredients clearly on our packaging, enabling you to make informed decisions about the products you use on your skin.

You can also find all the ingredients listed with detailed information for each product in our catalogue, where you can learn about the specific benefits that each ingredient brings to the formulation. This allows you to understand exactly what you’re putting on your skin and how each component contributes to the product’s effectiveness.

Why do you use honey in your soaps?

Honey is one of nature’s most remarkable ingredients, and its inclusion in our soap formulations is far from arbitrary. This golden elixir brings an impressive array of benefits that enhance both the soap-making process and the final product’s performance.

As a natural humectant, honey has an exceptional ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep your skin hydrated and supple during and after cleansing. This property is particularly beneficial in soap as it helps counteract any potentially drying effects of cleansing, ensuring your skin remains moisturised and comfortable. The natural sugars in honey also contribute to creating a richer, creamier lather that feels luxurious on your skin.

Beyond its moisturising properties, honey is renowned for its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities. These properties make it particularly beneficial for those with problematic or sensitive skin conditions. The natural enzymes and nutrients found in honey help to gently cleanse whilst promoting skin health, making our honey-enriched soaps especially suitable for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing solution.

From a technical perspective, honey adds another dimension to our soap-making process. It helps to accelerate the saponification process and contributes to the hardness of the final bar, resulting in a longer-lasting soap. The natural sugars in honey also undergo a process called caramelisation during the soap-making process, which can impart a gentle, natural warmth to the colour of the final product.

We specifically choose high-quality, natural honey for our formulations, ensuring that all these beneficial properties are preserved in our final products. The result is a soap that not only cleanses effectively but also nurtures and protects your skin, exemplifying our commitment to creating products that work in harmony with your skin’s natural processes.

Your products only use essential oils – why does the packaging mention “naturally occurring allergens”?

Essential oils, whilst completely natural, contain various compounds that regulatory bodies require us to declare on our packaging for consumer safety. These naturally occurring substances, known as allergens, are simply natural chemical components found within the essential oils themselves – they’re not additional ingredients or synthetic additives.

For example:

• Citrus essential oils naturally contain limonene
• Lavender essential oil naturally contains linalool
• Lemongrass essential oil naturally contains citral
• Rose and geranium essential oils naturally contain geraniol

Under UK and EU cosmetics regulations, we are required to declare these naturally occurring compounds in our ingredient lists when they exceed certain concentrations, even though they are inherent parts of the pure essential oils we use. This transparency helps individuals with specific sensitivities make informed decisions about their skincare choices.

It’s important to understand that these allergens are not artificial additions – they’re simply part of nature’s complex chemistry. Just as an orange naturally contains vitamin C, these essential oils naturally contain these compounds. Our commitment to using only pure, high-quality essential oils means these components are present in their natural, unadulterated form.

For those with particularly sensitive skin or known allergies, we always recommend:

• Reading the full ingredient list carefully
• Performing a patch test before first use
• Consulting with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns
• Contact us directly if you need more detailed information about specific products

We maintain complete transparency about our ingredients because we believe you have the right to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, whether it comes from natural sources or not.

I am sensitive to corn derivatives. What soaps can I use?

We understand how challenging it can be to navigate skincare products when dealing with specific sensitivities, and we believe in complete transparency regarding our ingredients.

In all our soaps, we use citric acid, which is manufactured through fermentation of carbohydrates containing raw materials like glucose syrup from maize (corn) as well as sugar from sugar beet. This citric acid plays a crucial role in our soap formulations as it helps to:

• Prevent soap scum formation
• Enhance the soap’s longevity
• Improve lather quality
• Stabilise natural fragrances
• Maintain optimal pH levels

For customers with corn sensitivities, we must be transparent: whilst the citric acid undergoes extensive refinement during its manufacturing process, and the final product contains minimal traceable amounts of the original source carbohydrates, we cannot guarantee our soaps to be completely corn-derivative free.

If you have a severe corn sensitivity, we recommend:

• Consulting with your healthcare provider before using our products
• Performing a patch test if your healthcare provider approves
• Contact us directly to discuss your specific needs, as we may be able to develop special formulations in the future
• Considering alternative cleansing options specifically formulated for corn allergies

We pride ourselves on being honest and accurate about our ingredients, ensuring our customers can make informed decisions about their skincare choices. If you would like to discuss this further or need help finding alternative products suitable for your specific sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

I have a coconut allergy. Are there any soaps that don’t include coconut derivatives?

We understand the challenges of navigating skincare products with a coconut allergy, and we take allergen concerns very seriously. Whilst coconut oil is a common ingredient in soap making due to its excellent cleansing and moisturising properties, we do offer several options specifically formulated without any coconut-derived ingredients.

Our coconut-free soap options include:

• Traditional Laurel Berry Oil Soap
• Pure Castile Soap (made exclusively with olive oil)
• Chamomile Soft Baby’s Soap

These soaps are carefully crafted using alternative oils and butters that provide similar cleansing and moisturising benefits without including any coconut-derived ingredients. Our Castile soap, for instance, is made using the centuries-old traditional method with pure olive oil, creating a gentle, nourishing bar suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

However, we must advise that whilst these specific products are formulated without coconut ingredients, they are produced in our workshop where we also handle coconut oil for other products. Whilst we follow strict cleaning protocols between productions, if you have a severe coconut allergy, we recommend:

• Discussing the use of any new skincare products with your healthcare provider
• Perform a patch test if approved by your healthcare provider
• Contacting us directly for detailed information about specific products
• Informing us of your allergy when ordering so we can take extra precautions in handling your order

For complete transparency, we maintain detailed records of all ingredients used in our products and are always happy to provide comprehensive ingredient lists for any of our soaps to help you make an informed decision about your skincare choices.

Your safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you find the most suitable products for your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you need any additional information or have specific concerns about our products.

I have a nut allergy. Are any types of nuts used in your soaps?

Yes, we do use various nut-derived ingredients in our soap formulations, and we believe it’s crucial to be completely transparent about this. Our products may contain the following nut-based ingredients:

Nut Oils and Butters:

• Almond oil
• Kukui oil
• Shea nut butter
• Kokum butter
• Mango butter
• Avocado butter
• Peanut oil

Seed and Fruit Oils:

• Grapeseed oil
• Apricot kernel oil
• Sunflower oil
• Sesame oil

It’s important to note that whilst nut allergies are typically triggered by specific proteins found in the nut flesh rather than the shells or oils, we understand that many individuals with nut allergies prefer to avoid all nut-derived products as a precaution.

Our Manufacturing Process:

• We maintain strict cleaning protocols between production batches
• We have isolation policies to minimise cross-contamination risks
• All our products are clearly labelled with their full ingredient lists
• We keep detailed records of all ingredients used in each batch

For customers with nut allergies, we recommend:

• Always check the full ingredient list before purchase
• Consulting with your healthcare provider before using any new skincare products
• Contacting us directly for detailed information about specific products
• Informing us of your allergy when ordering so we can take additional precautions

If you have a severe nut allergy, please contact us directly, and we can discuss which products in our range are specifically formulated without any nut-derived ingredients. Your safety is our primary concern, and we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your skincare choices.

Do your soaps & functional bars work with hard/soft water?

Yes, we’ve specifically formulated all our soaps and functional bars to perform excellently in both hard and soft water conditions across Ireland, the UK and beyond. This versatility is achieved through careful formulation and the inclusion of specific ingredients that help maintain optimal performance regardless of water quality.

A key ingredient in our formulations is citric acid, which plays a crucial role in managing the soap’s interaction with different water types:

In Hard Water Area:

In hard water areas, the citric acid acts as a chelating agent, binding with the calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water. This prevents the formation of soap scum (the chalky residue often seen in hard water areas), ensures a rich, creamy lather even in the hardest water conditions, and helps maintain the soap’s cleansing effectiveness.

In Soft Water Areas:

In soft water areas, the citric acid helps maintain the perfect pH balance, ensures the soap doesn’t become too ‘slimy’ (a common issue with natural soaps in soft water), stabilises the lather quality, and enhances the overall performance of the soap.

Our extensive testing across various water conditions ensures that whether you’re in a hard water area, or a soft water area, your soap will perform consistently well. You’ll experience the same rich lather, effective cleansing, and skin-nurturing benefits regardless of your local water quality.

Additional Benefits Across All Water Types:

• Improves the longevity of the soap bar
• Helps preserve the natural fragrances
• Maintains consistent performance throughout the life of the bar
• Ensures even dissolution of the soap

Are your soaps free from chemicals?

It’s important to understand that everything in nature, including water, is a chemical compound. However, we know that when people ask this question, they’re typically concerned about harsh synthetic chemicals and artificial additives that can irritate the skin. Let us explain our approach to soap making and our careful ingredient selection.

Our soaps are crafted using simple, time-honoured ingredients that have been trusted for centuries in traditional soap making. We carefully select natural botanical oils, butters, and essential oils, each chosen for their specific skin-nurturing properties. You won’t find any synthetic fragrances, artificial preservatives, harmful detergents, or artificial colours in our products. We believe in the power of wholesome, natural ingredients to create effective, gentle soap that truly cares for your skin.

To ensure our soaps are as mild as possible, we employ the traditional cold process method, enhanced with additional nourishing oils, butters, and carefully selected natural additives. This approach creates a soap that cleanses effectively whilst maintaining your skin’s natural balance, leaving it fresh, clean, and nourished after every use.

One carefully considered addition to our formulations is citric acid, a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits. We include this because it significantly enhances the quality and performance of our soaps in several ways:

• It acts as a natural chelating agent, preventing soap scum formation by binding with hard water minerals
• It helps maintain the soap’s clarity and quality
• It improves the lather quality and longevity of the bar
• It helps stabilise and preserve the natural fragrances
• It assists in maintaining an optimal pH level for skin

Every ingredient in our formulations serves a specific purpose, carefully chosen to create soap that not only cleanses effectively but also nourishes and protects your skin. We believe in complete transparency about our ingredients and processes, allowing you to make informed decisions about the products you use on your skin. Our commitment is to create soap that performs excellently whilst remaining true to our natural, skin-friendly philosophy.

What does “natural” mean?

In today’s beauty industry, the word “natural” has become increasingly ambiguous and often misleading. We believe you deserve complete clarity about what goes into your skincare products, which is why we maintain absolute transparency in both our packaging and our website listings.

Our commitment to genuine natural ingredients means we take pride in using only the highest quality, non-toxic, and biodegradable components in all our formulations. Our soaps are true soaps – not detergents – crafted through traditional processes that result in products that are not only kind to your skin but also environmentally responsible. They’re so pure and natural that you could safely use them whilst washing in a stream without any concern for marine life or ecosystem impact.

We understand that navigating the various standards and certification boards can be confusing for consumers. Different organisations often have varying criteria for what constitutes “natural” – some allowing products with as little as 1% natural ingredients to claim this designation. This is why we go above and beyond by clearly stating the percentage of all ingredients in our products. Whilst regulations require us to list ingredients using their Latin names, we always include the common English names alongside them for clarity and transparency.

In our range of products, we’re particularly proud to maintain the highest possible percentage of natural ingredients. We believe that when we say “natural,” it should mean exactly that – ingredients sourced from nature, processed minimally, and combined thoughtfully to create effective, gentle products that work in harmony with your skin and the environment.

Our definition of natural means:

• No synthetic fragrances or colours
• No harsh chemical preservatives
• No petroleum-derived ingredients
• No artificial foaming agents
• No hidden ingredients or unclear terminology
• Full disclosure of all ingredients and their origins
• Environmentally responsible formulations
• Biodegradable components

We stand firmly behind every ingredient we use and every claim we make about our products’ safety and efficacy. This commitment to transparency and genuine natural formulation is at the heart of everything we create.

Why do you use Roundtable Sustainable (RSPO) Palm Oil?

When Jesica founded Ossie Naturals in 2019, one of the most crucial decisions was regarding the use of palm oil in our formulations. Understanding the controversy surrounding palm oil in consumer products, and driven by a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility, Jesica conducted extensive research into this complex issue before making an informed decision about our ingredient sourcing.

From our very first batch of soap, we have maintained an unwavering commitment to sourcing all our oils from sustainable organic plantations. Specifically, for palm oil, we exclusively use RSPO-certified sustainable sources, ensuring our ingredients come from plantations that meet strict environmental and social criteria.

Yes, this decision significantly increases our production costs. However, we believe this is a necessary investment in our planet’s future. The reality is that palm oil remains the most efficient oil crop available, producing significantly more oil per hectare than any alternative. To replace palm oil with other vegetable oils would require approximately eight times more farming land, potentially leading to even greater environmental impacts and essentially shifting the problem rather than solving it.

This understanding has led us to take a balanced and pragmatic approach: supporting truly sustainable palm oil production while actively working to raise awareness about and oppose unsustainable practices that continue to damage ecosystems in various parts of the world.

Our use of sustainable palm oil also serves a crucial function in our soap formulations. It helps create the rich, creamy lather that our customers love, without resorting to harsh synthetic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulphate. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating natural, effective products that work in harmony with both your skin and the environment.

While the RSPO certification isn’t always visible on our product labels, you can find detailed information about our ingredient sourcing on each product page of our website. We believe in complete transparency about our choices and are always happy to discuss our commitment to sustainable practices with our customers.

By choosing RSPO-certified palm oil, we’re not just making soap – we’re taking a stand for responsible ingredient sourcing and supporting the transformation of the palm oil industry towards sustainable practices.

Are your products Vegan?

At Ossie Naturals, we believe in complete transparency about our product ingredients and their suitability for different lifestyle choices.

Our Options
Whilst the majority of our range contains ingredients derived from animals (such as beeswax and honey), we do offer select products suitable for vegans, including:
• Laurel Berry Oil Soap
• Castile Soap

Or you may want to check for yourself in our full range of Products.

Finding Vegan Products
To identify vegan-suitable products:
• Check the ingredients list on each product page
• Look for the ingredients in product descriptions
• Review the full ingredients breakdown before purchasing

Important Note
Most of our formulations contain animal-derived ingredients, which we carefully source with respect for nature and ethical practices. These ingredients, such as beeswax and honey, are integral to many of our traditional formulations.

Need More Information?
• Review individual product ingredient lists on our website
• Contact our customer service team for specific queries
• Use our website’s filtering system to search for vegan-suitable items

We’re committed to helping you make informed choices that align with your values. Each product page features detailed ingredient lists to help you make the right decision for your lifestyle needs.

Why did my order contain bubble wrap/plastic air packs?

At Ossie Naturals, we take immense pride in maintaining a plastic-free environment in almost all our operations, reflecting our deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Our standard packaging protocol exclusively uses eco-friendly materials: sturdy cardboard boxes, paper wrap, recyclable shredded paper, and corrugated cardboard – all of which are both biodegradable and easily recyclable.

However, if you’ve received an order containing plastic packaging materials, there’s a thoughtful reason behind this. Rather than sending any plastic packaging that we receive from our suppliers directly to the landfill, we make the conscious decision to upcycle it. When we receive deliveries to our workshop containing plastic bubble wrap or air packs, we carefully collect and reuse these materials in our outgoing orders. We believe this approach helps extend the life cycle of these materials and prevents them from immediately entering the waste stream.

Our packaging hierarchy is:

• First choice: Our standard plastic-free, biodegradable packaging
• Second choice: Upcycled packaging materials that would otherwise go to waste
• Rarely: New plastic packaging materials, or in this case, recyclable materials

We encourage our customers to continue this cycle of reuse by either:

• Reusing the packaging materials for their own shipping needs
• Passing them on to others who might need them
• Only disposing of them when they’re no longer serviceable

This approach aligns with our broader environmental philosophy: reduce, reuse, recycle – in that order. While we’re working towards a completely plastic-free world (or minimum plastic usage), we believe that responsibly reusing existing materials is preferable to sending them straight to landfill.

We appreciate your attention to our packaging choices and welcome any suggestions you might have for making our practices even more environmentally friendly. If you’d prefer to receive your orders without any upcycled plastic materials, please just let us know in the order notes, and we’ll ensure your package contains only our standard eco-friendly packaging materials.

Rest assured, we continue to work with our suppliers to reduce incoming plastic packaging, aiming for a future where upcycling plastic becomes unnecessary because plastic packaging no longer exists in our supply chain.

What should I do if I experience a reaction?

If you experience any irritation:

• Rinse thoroughly with cool water for 15-20 minutes
• Discontinue use immediately
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist
• For eye contact, rinse gently with lukewarm water
• Keep the product packaging for reference
  For urgent concerns, contact +353 (0)1850 24 1850 (Irish Poisons Information Centre).

How can I become a stockist?

We welcome partnership enquiries from independent retailers who share our values. Please contact our wholesale team through our contact form. We’ll provide detailed information about our wholesale programme, minimum orders, and trading terms.

For additional questions or specific product enquiries, please contact our customer service team through our contact form.

Do you make all your products in Ireland?

Yes, all Ossie Naturals products are proudly handcrafted in our dedicated workshop in Dungarvan, Ireland. Since our establishment in 2019, we have maintained our commitment to Irish manufacturing, ensuring complete oversight of our production processes and maintaining the highest quality standards.

Our Dungarvan workshop operates under strict Irish and EU manufacturing regulations and guidelines, allowing us to maintain complete control over every aspect of production – from the careful selection of raw ingredients to the final packaging of each product. This local production approach enables us to:

• Maintain consistent quality control
• Reduce our carbon footprint through shorter transportation distances
• Support local Irish suppliers where possible
• Respond quickly to customer feedback and market demands
• Ensure compliance with all Irish and EU safety and quality regulations

We take great pride in our Irish manufacturing heritage and continue to invest in our Dungarvan-based production facilities, ensuring that every Ossie Naturals product meets our exacting standards for quality and sustainability. Our location in Ireland allows us to maintain close relationships with our suppliers and customers, ensuring we can provide the best possible service and support to all our customers both in Ireland and beyond.