INGREDIENT GLOSSARY

Because of how the FDA regulates personal care products, any and all health benefits or claims must be taken as anecdotal. No product AVSC makes claims to cure or prevent any specific disease.

  • Lard/Tallow

    Animal fats sourced from pigs or cows, these fats have tremendous skin compatibility and are rich in vitamins and nutrients. We are currently in the process of transitioning to organic lard, and will be the primary reason for a coming price increase.

  • Fragrance

    Fragrance is a synthetic blend of aroma chemicals designed for scent retention and specific scent ranges that can't be found in nature. We always use phthalate free fragrance oils, and never exceed IFRA recommended concentrations to ensure safety.

  • Essential Oil

    EO is a natural oil derived from plants and resins, usually through steam distillation. EO's are very fragile in the soapmaking process, and do not transfer to the skin hardly at all. EO's can sensitize the skin, especially under constant exposure. Avoid while pregnant and keep away from pets and children.

  • Coconut Oil

    This oil comes from the "meat" of coconuts, and is used to bolster the lather in shaving soap.

  • Stearic Acid

    A naturally occuring fatty acid derived from animal or plant fats. Used to stabilize the lather in shaving soap.

  • Grain Alcohol

    Used as a distributor and diluter in Eau De Parfum and Eau De Toilette. Without dilution, fragrance is too aggressive and concentrated to apply directly to the skin.

  • Herbs and Powders

    Used primarily as an aesthetic. Peppermint powder, lavender powder, etc. These herbal powders add color and character to soap bars, with very little added to the scent of the bar.

  • Clay

    While clay is a natural exfoliant and light cleanser, we primarily add clay sometimes to protect essential oils and fragrance. Clay acts as a suit of armor for scent in the saponification process.

  • Mica Powder

    A blend of mica silicate found in granite and other rocks and colorful oxides. Not all mica powders use exclusively naturally occurring oxides, occasionally using lab-made mica mimics like fluorphlogopite.

  • Coffee

    Used as a natural colorant and loaded with antioxidants, we use coffee in soap primarily to shout out fellow small coffee businesses.