Frequently asked questions
It's always good to know!
Do you use palm oil?
No, I dont 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.
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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.
DO YOU SELL SOLID SHAMPOO?
Yes, I have a small selection of shampoo bars which are not soap! Read my blog to fi
ESSENTIAL OILS OR FRAGRANCE OILS?
Here are my thoughts on this prickly subject:
Essential oils may be natural but they must be used carefully as they can contribute to skin irritation, respiratory problems and even hormone-related symptoms..
I'm also concerned by their environmental impact. Firstly, did you know that it takes 400kg of rose petals to produce 100g of essential oil or 1 tonne of leaves to produce 100g of Melissa oil. Secondly there's a huge amount of energy and water consumption for the distillation process. Thirdly, a number of plants are now endengered because of their over exploitation, such as sandalwood and rose wood.
That is why for certain fragrances I have chosen to use fragrance oils, which are paraben and phtalate free.
The final decision is up to you, and my soap ingredients are clearly identified.
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 Papillote & Cie - Depuis 1982. Prêt-à-manger, boucherie, café et boutique. (papilloteetcie.ca)
You can also 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