Hey there, soap lovers! If you’ve ever wondered why a handmade bar feels worlds apart from the mass-produced options lining grocery shelves, you’re in the right place. At Lickskillet Soap Co., we’re passionate about crafting soap the traditional way—here’s how our small-batch approach creates something truly special.
1. Ingredients Matter: Nature vs. Synthetic
Commercial Soap:
Often contains synthetic detergents (like sulfates) for quick lather
May include preservatives, artificial fragrances, or fillers to cut costs
Frequently removes glycerin (a natural humectant) to sell it separately
Handmade Soap (Like Ours):
Starts with natural oils and butters (olive, coconut, shea) for gentle cleansing
Retains glycerin, which helps skin stay moisturized
Uses goat milk from local Illinois farms for creamy texture and nutrients
Adds botanicals (like kaolin clay) and phthalate-free scents for sensory joy
Why it matters: Handmade soap skips the “mystery ingredients” and prioritizes skin-friendly components you can pronounce.
2. The Art of Time: Cold-Process Goat Milk Soap vs. Factory Speed
Commercial Soap:
Made in high-speed factories with synthetic bases
Often “hot-processed” to accelerate production
Minimal curing time = shorter-lasting bars
Handmade Soap:
Crafted using the cold-process method, where oils and lye saponify naturally
Cured for 6 weeks to create a harder, longer-lasting bar
Develops a milder pH over time, gentler on skin
Our twist: At Lickskillet, we let every batch cure patiently in our central Illinois studio—no shortcuts, just old-fashioned care.
3. Small Batches, Big Heart
Commercial Soap:
Uniform bars cranked out by machines
Prioritizes quantity over uniqueness
Handmade Soap:
Hand-poured and hand-cut for rustic, one-of-a-kind bars
Small batches mean attention to detail (think: swirls, layers, or oatmeal textures)
Seasonal creations reflect nature’s rhythms—like summer citrus or autumn spices
Lickskillet’s touch: Every bar is a tiny work of art, inspired by our Midwest roots and local ingredients.
4. Skin Love vs. Stripping Sensations
Commercial Soap:
Can leave skin feeling dry or tight due to harsh detergents
Foam-heavy lather often comes from synthetic additives
Handmade Soap:
Goat milk’s natural fats create a luxurious, creamy lather
Plant-based oils cleanse without stripping skin’s natural moisture
Gentle enough for daily use but feels indulgent
Our promise: While we don’t make health claims, our customers rave about how their skin feels after using our soap—soft, not squeaky.
5. Community & Craftsmanship
Commercial Soap:
Made anonymously in global factories
Environmental impact? Often an afterthought
Handmade Soap:
Supports local economies (we source goat milk from Swisher Hill Farm, 30 miles away!)
Eco-friendly practices: recyclable packaging, minimal waste
Connects you to the maker’s story (hi, I’m Tara—I pour every batch myself!)
Why Choose Handmade? It’s More Than Just Soap
When you pick up a Lickskillet bar, you’re choosing:
Transparency: No hidden chemicals—just honest ingredients.
Ritual: Turn daily cleansing into a sensory escape with rustic textures and natural scents.
Legacy: Soap-making as it was meant to be: slow, thoughtful, and human.
Ready to Feel the Difference? Ditch the detergent bars and treat your skin to something crafted with care. Explore our small-batch goat milk soaps—where central Illinois tradition meets everyday luxury.
Handmade with heart, not machines. That’s the Lickskillet way.
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