Frequently asked questions
It's always good to know!
DO YOU USE PALM OIL?
No, I don't use palm oil, due to the well documented concerns over its environmental impact.
All my soaps contain olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter from sustainable sources, certified Ecocert.
I also choose my suppliers carefully. I'm happy to work with La Goutte d'Or here in Quebec for most of my oils, as they recover and reuse the packaging.
My dream would be to be able to use locally sourced oils and butters only, but unfortunately Canada's climate doesn't yet lend itself to shea butter or coconut production.
WHAT IS A CASTILLE SOAP?
Castille soap is the name given to soaps produced with only olive oil, water and sodium hydroxide.
It was originally produced in the Castille region of Spain and its use was reserved to Spanish royalty.
This soap produces less lather than other types, but cleans equally well, and is recommended for people with sensitive skin.​
WHAT IS SUPERFAT?
Making soap requires combining a specific amount of an alkali (sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda) and oils or fats. To ensure that no unreacted sodium hydroxide remains, soap makers like to include an excess amount of oils when formulating the recipe. These oils or fats remain in the final soap and have the added benefit of bringing skin care properties to nourish and hydrate.
ARE YOUR SOAPS SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Yes, these soaps are perfectly suitable for sensitive skin. Opt for the sensitive skin selection, which contains sweet almond oil, as well as calendula flowers, aloe, or oat. Avoid the novelty range, as these are scented with fragrance oils that can sometimes be more irritating.
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ESSENTIAL OILS OR FRAGRANCE OILS?
Here are my reflections on this complex topic:
While essential oils are natural, they still need to be used with care. In some cases, they can cause skin irritation, trigger respiratory issues, or contribute to hormone-related symptoms.
I’m also mindful of their environmental footprint. For example, it takes around 400 kg of rose petals to produce just 100 g of essential oil, and about one tonne of leaves to yield 100 g of Melissa oil. The distillation process itself requires significant amounts of energy and water. In addition, certain plant species — including sandalwood and rosewood — are increasingly at risk due to overharvesting.
For these reasons, I’ve chosen to use paraben- and phthalate-free fragrance oils for some scents.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and all of my soap ingredients are clearly listed so you can make an informed decision.
CAN I RETURN A PRODUCT?
All sales are final. No returns accepted.
Orders cancelled within 12 hours will be refunded, minus the processing fee.
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR PRODUCTS?
You can find the whole collection here on my web site! Alternatively in Quebec city Accueil - L'escargot gourmand (lescargotgourmand.ca) or Boutique Couleurs
I also the supply the artisan section for The National Assembly Boutique
You can always visit my workshop and discover all the soaps on appointment
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs vary depending on your location and range from $10 to $20
DO YOU SELL SOLID SHAMPOO?
Yes, I have a small selection of shampoo bars which are not soap! Read my blog to fi