FAQ

Products & Ingredients

Are your products vegan? Yes, in the sense that I don't use any animal ingredients. Where a traditional recipe calls for it, like in the calendula balm, I use a plant-based alternative such as candelilla wax instead. I don't currently hold a formal vegan certification though, it's something I'd like to look into, but it's not affordable for a one-person shop just yet.

Are your products organic? Several of the key ingredients I use, like olive oil and shea butter, are certified organic, and this is marked on each product's ingredient list. That said, the products as a whole aren't certified organic. Full organic certification is a costly process, and it's not something I can take on right now, though it's on my list for the future.

Are your products suitable for sensitive skin? I started Soypa because I was looking for gentle skincare myself, without strong fragrances or ingredients that felt harsh. Many customers with sensitive skin tell me they get on well with the products, but everyone's skin is different, so I'd always suggest checking the ingredient list and doing a patch test if you're unsure.

What's the difference between cold process soap and regular soap? Cold process is a traditional soap-making method where oils and lye react at room temperature, with no added heat. Once poured into molds, the soap needs to cure for at least several weeks. During that time, water evaporates, the bar hardens, and the quality actually improves the longer it cures. Because nothing is heated away afterward, cold process soap keeps its natural glycerin, around 7% in my soaps, which helps hydrate skin. Commercial soap production often heats and strips this glycerin out to sell separately.

Why does each soap look different, even in the same collection? Every bar is hand poured and designed, using different pigments, herbs, and layering techniques depending on the soap. Design is actually the most time-consuming part of making my soap bars, some take over an hour on their own, not counting mixing or cleaning up afterward. That's also why no two bars ever come out completely identical.

Why do some of your soaps contain sea salt? The soaps in my Icelandic collection contain dissolved Icelandic sea salt from the Westfjords, one of the country's most remote regions. My Croatian collection uses Adriatic sea salt from Solana Nin instead, and my Netherlands-inspired soaps also contain it. It's part of what ties each collection back to the place that inspired it.

Do your products contain synthetic fragrance? No. Any scent in my products comes from essential oils or natural extracts, not synthetic fragrance, and is in line with the safety regulations of maximum allowed quantities.

Availability & Restocks

Why is a product sold out? I make everything myself, by hand, in small batches. Some products, especially cold process soaps, take several weeks from start to finish, so it's normal for things to sell out between batches.

How long does it take for a product to restock? It depends on the product, but cold process soaps typically take around four weeks. I restock as quickly as I can while still doing things the traditional way.

Can I be notified when something is back in stock? Yes. On any sold-out product page, you'll find a Notify Me button. Sign up there and you'll get an email as soon as it's available again.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship to? I ship within the Netherlands and to many countries beyond that. You can check availability for your country at checkout.

How long does shipping take? Most orders within the Netherlands arrive within a few business days. International shipping times vary depending on destination.

Is shipping free? Shipping is free within the Netherlands for orders over €40. For smaller orders and international shipping, costs are calculated at checkout.

How is my order packaged? I keep packaging plastic-free wherever I can, using recycled paper and minimal materials, and reusing some packaging. It's part of the reason Soypa exists in the first place.

Using & Caring for Your Products

How do I make my soap bar last longer? Keep it somewhere it can drain and dry between uses, rather than sitting in water. A draining soap dish makes a real difference, and cutting a larger bar into smaller pieces can also help it last.

How should I store the balm or lotion? Keep them somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. There's no need to refrigerate them.

How long do your products last? It depends on the product and how it's stored. Soap bars and shampoo bars typically last 1 to 2 years when kept dry between uses. Body lotion and face mist have water in them, so their shelf life is shorter, around 6 months to a year once opened. For the shampoo bars, I use Cosgard, an Ecocert-approved preservative, to help keep them safe and stable over that time.

How do I switch from liquid shampoo to a shampoo bar? It can take a week or two for your hair to adjust, especially if you're used to conventional shampoo. Stick with it through that first stretch, most people find their hair settles into it well after that.

Returns & Contact

What's your return policy? You can find the full details on the refund policy page.

How do I get in touch if I have a question? You can reach me through the contact page. This is a one-person shop with two jobs, so it can take 2 to 3 days to reply, but I'll get back to you.