Scents of Croatia soap collection

After I came with the Icelandic soap collection, many people asked me if I would have a soap collection dedicated to Croatia. I am Croatian, so it seemed logical to have soap designs inspired by your country. It should be easy, right?

Well, it took me 2 years to finalise the products. I couldn't decide on designs, scents, or ingredients, but most of all I struggled with how to fit all the natural beauties of Croatia into 4-5 soaps. After months of thinking and changing, I had it. Creating this line of soaps was so personal for me and I wanted to show what my country means to me through my memories. Memories of islands, sea, forests and rivers. Happy memories. And to evoke your memories of carefree vacations somewhere warm. Maybe in Croatia.

When I was growing up in the 90s, there were so many products with cool, retro graphic designs—especially sweets and chocolates. So I wanted the packaging of Scents of Croatia to have that nostalgic, retro vibe with bold colours, graphics and fonts. It brings summer memories of the slow life, when you used to spend the whole day on the beach, swimming, playing cards, and eating watermelons, nectarines and slance with tomatoes. 

That's how I came up with the names Otok (an island), Rijeka (a river), Šuma (a forest), and Bena (my dog's name). Here you can read more about each soap and the inspiration behind the design, scents, and overall concept. 

As with all Soypa products, the soaps from this collection are handmade, plant-based and plastic-free. The base of these soaps are 5 different plant oils (olive*, coconut*, castor*, apricot oil, shea butter*), calendula extract, Adriatic sea salt, mix of 3 essential oils and mineral pigments and clays. I include sea salt in every soap we make, bringing a little piece of the Adriatic Sea to you with every use.

I macerate dried calendula flowers from my own and my father's garden for four weeks to extract the full benefits of this remarkable plant. Calendula has long been used in Croatian tradition for its healing properties, and this process allows me to preserve the natural goodness of the plant, honoring the time-honored herbal practices passed down through generations. By incorporating calendula into my soaps, I pay homage to the traditional knowledge of women in Croatia and the Balkans who crafted remedies from nature long before modern medicine.

OTOK
(an island)

You might be wondering what  Otok represents. There are over a thousand islands along the Croatian coast and they're a huge part of our identity. Life on islands hasn't always been easy, so loads of the Croatians who have emigrated around the world have come from Croatian islands.

I was lucky enough to grow up on one of them, on the island of Brač. That's where I took my first steps and made some of my most important childhood memories. Croatian islands are hidden gems and I always advise people to visit. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches there.

RIJEKA
(a river)

I'm afraid to let you know that this soap is not inspired by the city of Rijeka, but by the many Croatian rivers that play an important role in the everyday life of the people who live close to rivers.

There are about 130 to 150 rivers and streams in Croatia. While only about 28 of these are considered major, many smaller rivers are still important for Croatia's water supply. But rivers are more than just water flowing through the landscape—they are lifelines, deeply connected to the identity, traditions, and everyday life of the people who live near them.

This soap is inspired by the beautiful Zrmanja River, a place that shaped my childhood. I grew up by its banks, spending spring days in the hills looking for the first flowers to bloom — violets, cyclamens, and others. In the summer, I used to go for long swims in the clear water, read books, and have a great time with my friends.  I even saw dolphins on a few mornings when I was walking my dog, Bena.

Some of my fondest memories are from the 1st of May, a national holiday when we would gather with family and friends for barbecues near the waterfalls. We'd sit together, sing, laugh and enjoy the stunning beauty of Zrmanja and the soothing sound of the powerful water cascading down the falls. 

This soap reminds me of home, adventure and our deep connection with nature. Rijeka soap is scented with a calming blend of lavender, rosemary, and amyris essential oils. The design depicts the journey of a meandering river, slowly carving its path through a limestone canyon as it makes its way toward the sea.

ŠUMA
(a forest)

You might be surprised to learn that Croatia has a lot of forests. In fact, forests cover nearly a third (32%) of a country. The country has many different types of forests, including both coastal and continental regions, and is home to a variety of native tree species, such as oak, beech, and pine.

When someone mentions a forest, two memories instantly come to my mind. The first is walking through a pine forest on a summer day, the sound of crickets filling the air, and the scent of pine needles beneath your feet. You’re on your way to the beach, the scent of the forest mixing with the salty sea breeze, and the beach is just a glimpse away. Life feels perfect, and you can't wait to dive into the refreshing sea.

The second memory is from our trips to Lika, where we would forage all kinds of wild plants—wild strawberries, mushrooms, elderflowers, rosehips, and many more. The peacefulness of the forest is unlike any other. All you can hear is the rustling of leaves and your thoughts. Finding these plants is always a bit of an adventure, as you never know what you’ll come across. Even though you remember last year’s spots, they’re never guaranteed. 

I’ll never forget the time we stopped for a break and stumbled upon a forest full of wild strawberries. It was unbelievable. They were so sweet and delicious that they made you want to cry. Those trips were our forest therapy, surrounded by fresh air and the joy of preserving nature's bounty for the winter.

Šuma soap is inspired by the smell of Croatian forests, with scents of spruce, cedarwood, and a hint of clary sage. The design is like a misty pine forest, offering a calming experience of a walk in the forest. The strong, woody smell and tree design bring the peaceful atmosphere of the forest to your daily routine.

BENA
(name of our previous dog)

The name Bena has a bit of a playful and humorous tone in Croatian. It's often used as a nickname or playful term to describe someone a bit silly, stubborn, or acting in a lighthearted, mischievous way. It’s a fun, endearing term you might use when someone is being a little clueless or stubborn in a harmless, charming way. For me, naming my dog Bena was a reflection of her quirky personality—she’s full of character, with a bit of mischief, always keeping things interesting and entertaining.

Dedicated to my beloved Bena, a Belgian Malinois who passed away recently, this soap celebrates the charm of two iconic Croatian dog breeds. Bena was my first dog, and I wanted to preserve her memory with this special design. When you open the soap, you’ll find her photo on the box.

With notes of petitgrain, lavender, and ylang-ylang, combined with Adriatic sea salt and calendula extract, this blend reflects the vibrant and spirited energy she brought to our lives. A tribute to the love and joy we shared, this soap keeps her memory alive in a special way.

The soap features two Croatian breeds – the Dalmatian, known worldwide for its striking black spots on a white coat, and the Croatian Sheepdog, with its adorable black curly fur, a breed that dates back to the early settlers of Croatia. Inside the box, you'll find a surprise — one of these two breeds is hidden within the design. Angelina, my current dog, is likely a Croatian Shepherd mix, which adds another layer of connection to this collection. 

I hope that as you use this soap, it brings back cherished memories, just as creating it has brought me comfort. May the scents and design evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, allowing you to experience the same joy and warmth that inspired me to make them.

Yours, Anđela