AICIS Requirements: One of the requirements of AICIS registration is that I make no claims of cosmetic effects such as moisturising, exfoliation and skin care. Therefore, where appropriate, I’ve described the basic actions of certain ingredients, rather than their cosmetic benefits.

Saponification is the chemical process of converting oils to soap.

Curing involves the evaporation of water and subsequent hardening of the soap. Most soaps require 6 weeks to cure.

Poppy Seeds: Some of my soaps contain poppy seeds. These seeds provide a mild scrubbing action that makes the skin feel alive.

Coffee Grounds: Prepared with the home coffee machine from locally roasted beans, coffee grounds provide an extra-mild scrubbing action, and leave an air of Cappucino for several hours! They can also cause a slight coffee colouration in the bath water. It is natural, but can be a little unsettling at first!

Ground Pumice: is a light and porous lava rock which when ground can be used as a polish, exfoliant and abrasive. I use this in the gardener's soap alongside poppy seeds which both help to remove that ground-in dirt.

Activated Charcoal: Used in many industries for its adsorption properties, activated charcoal has a negatively charged porous texture that attracts (adsorbs) positively charged toxins and chemicals.

Colloidal Oatmeal: a very fine oatmeal powder that is considered an emollient which soothes or softens the skin.

Oatmeal: this is partially ground oatmeal with small flakes that can give you the 'skin alive' feel.

Artisan Range Soaps: are produced by the age-old cold process method. The oils are mixed and lye is added to cause saponification. All my soaps have some of the original oils left over to stop the skin feeling squeaky clean.

Natures Range Soaps: are produced by the age-old hot process method. The saponification occurs during the production process and I add Shea Butter at the end as the "skin feel-good factor".