The Ingredients, Unpacked

At BAREly Yours, our one true mission is to strike the perfect balance between cleansing and moisturizing all while categorically rejecting synthetic additives and incorporating only the bare minimum. 

In the spirit of transparency and knowledge-sharing, here is a run-down of our base ingredients in every bar of soap we make.


Olive Oil, aka Liquid Gold

Olive oil creates a mild, moisturizing soap that is gentle on skin. Rich in antioxidants like Vitamins A and E, it helps to protect and nourish, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin. Unlike harsher cleansers, it moisturizes without stripping the skin's natural oil.


Coconut Oil, the lathering oil

Coconut oil is highly valued in soap making for creating a rich, creamy lather and a firm, long-lasting bar. The oil also possesses strong cleansing properties and is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, making it a powerful cleanser.

 

Shea Butter, Mother Nature’s conditioner

Shea butter is highly prized for its emollient properties, which impart deep, luxurious moisture to a finished bar of soap. It enriches the lather with a creamy, conditioning quality that helps leave skin feeling soft and supple. The fatty acid profile of shea butter also contributes to a harder, longer-lasting bar that nourishes without feeling greasy.


Lye, aka NaOH

Lye is an essential, highly alkaline ingredient that reacts with fats and oils in a process called saponification, transforming them into soap. This chemical reaction neutralizes the caustic lye, consuming it completely, so no active lye remains in the finished, safe product. Without lye, the fats and oils would not turn into soap.


Distilled Water

Water's main purpose in soap-making is to dissolve the lye, as lye cannot react with oils directly. The amount of water used impacts the soap's consistency, curing time, and hardness, since all the water must evaporate for the soap to harden. Using distilled water prevents the introduction of impurities found in tap water.

 

Essential Oils

Natural essential oils are 100% plant-derived and offer natural aromatherapeutic benefits. They are made using a variety of extraction methods, most commonly steam distillation and cold-pressing. They appeal to consumers seeking authentic, natural, and holistic products for their inherent qualities.

 

With that said, fragrance-free formulations are also a hallmark of natural soaps designed for sensitive skin. Synthetic fragrances can often lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. By opting for fragrance-free options, our customers can minimize the risk of adverse reactions while still enjoying the benefits of natural ingredients. BAREly Yours is proud to carry a line of unscented soaps for those who seek an uncomplicated, minimalistic cleansing ritual.

 


Some of our soaps incorporate botanical add-ins for their inherent properties that are beneficial to skin health.

 

Turmeric, the golden spice

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is derived from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. Turmeric is filled with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can improve skin health and appearance


Neem, the village pharmacy

The bark, wood, sap, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and oil of the neem tree are used for varied medicinal purposes. Hence, the nickname. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic qualities make it particularly suitable to fight common skin conditions like acne and eczema.


Oatmeal, a natural emollient

Colloidal oatmeal can work as an exfoliant, sloughing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. It can moisturize, and reduce inflammation. People often use it as a home remedy for dry, itchy, or irritated skin.


Hibiscus, the natural Botox

The natural acids present in Hibiscus help to purify your skin by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover. Hibiscus has a great reputation for increasing skin elasticity and keeping skin hydrated.


Indigo, a super herb

Beyond its role in textile dyeing, indigo has emerged as an ingredient of note in skincare, revered for its soothing and nourishing properties. The plant is prized for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, providing long-lasting relief, especially for those with sensitive skin.


Milk, an age-old beauty remedy, turns vegan

Scientific evidence supports the numerous benefits of plant milk particularly concerning skin health. Plant-based milks offer a compelling alternative for individuals seeking to support healthier skin.