Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Dreamscape Bathworks FAQ page! We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about the handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, and other natural bath products and accessories we sell. Whether you’re curious about the soap making process, the ingredients used, how to care for your products, or the benefits of choosing natural skincare, you should find everything you need right here.

At Dreamscape Bathworks, we’re passionate about providing products that are as safe and sustainable as they are luxurious. If you don’t see your question answered below, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help!

1. What is the difference between handmade soap and store-bought soap?

Handmade soap is crafted using natural oils, butters, and lye, retaining glycerin, which hydrates and nourishes the skin. Store-bought soaps often contain synthetic detergents and lack glycerin, making them harsher on the skin.

2. What is cold process soap making?

The soap bars we offer use the cold process soap method. Cold process soap making is a traditional and natural way to create soap by mixing oils or fats with Sodium Hydroxide (aka Lye), which is a type of alkaline solution. When these ingredients combine, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs, which transforms the oils and lye into soap and glycerin—a natural moisturizer.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

Mixing Ingredients: Natural oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter) are blended with lye and water at room temperature. This creates the base for the soap.
Adding Creativity: Before the soap thickens, colorants, essential oils, or natural exfoliants (like oatmeal or dried flowers) are added for scent, appearance, and texture.
Pouring and Molding: The mixture is poured into molds to give the soap its shape.
Curing Time: Once the soap is set, it’s removed from the mold and left to cure for 4-6 weeks. This curing period allows the soap to harden, making it longer-lasting and milder for your skin.

Cold process soap is prized for its gentle, luxurious qualities because it retains glycerin, a natural byproduct that hydrates and nourishes your skin. Plus, it’s made without synthetic detergents, giving you soap that’s better for your skin and the environment!

3. How is hot process soap different from cold process soap?

Hot process soap is cooked to speed up saponification, making it ready to use sooner. Both the cold and hot methods produce high-quality soap, but cold process allows for more intricate designs.

4. Why do handmade soaps need to cure?

Curing allows the water in the soap to evaporate, making the bar harder and longer-lasting. It also ensures the lye is fully neutralized, resulting in a gentle and effective soap.

5. What does “trace” mean in the soap making process?

In soap making, trace is the point at which the oils and lye in a mixture have emulsified and are no longer able to separate:

Appearance: The mixture will thicken and become creamy, and you'll no longer see streaks of oil.
Consistency: The mixture will have reached a certain consistency, and you can lift the stick blender out of the batter and "trace" your initials into the top.
Separability: The mixture has become soap and will not separate back into oil, lye, and water.

There are different degrees of trace, including light, moderate, and heavy:

Light trace: The batter is almost liquid and is good for swirling or making other designs.
Moderate trace: The batter is ready to pour into a mold.
Heavy trace: The batter is thick and resistant to changing shape, making it difficult to pour into a mold.

6. What are the benefits of using essential oils in soap and bath products?

Essential oils provide natural fragrances and therapeutic benefits. For example, lavender soothes and calms, peppermint invigorates, and tea tree oil offers antibacterial properties.

7. What natural ingredients are commonly used in bar soap and bath bombs?

Some popular natural ingredients include:

Coconut Oil: Cleanses and hydrates.
Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and softens skin.
Essential Oils: Provide natural fragrance and aromatherapy benefits.
Oatmeal: Soothes irritation and exfoliates gently.
Aloe Vera: Cools and calms skin.

See our ingredients page for more information about specific ingredients used in our soap.

8. What makes a good natural exfoliating soap?

Natural exfoliating soaps include gentle, plant-based ingredients like ground oatmeal, coffee grounds, poppy seeds, or other natural ingredients like dried botanicals, sea salt, or clay. These provide a light scrub to remove dead skin cells while nourishing your skin.

9. Are natural soaps good for sensitive skin?

Yes! Natural soaps avoid harsh chemicals and artificial additives, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Ingredients like shea butter, oatmeal, and coconut oil are soothing and nourishing for delicate skin.

10. What are bath bombs, and how do they work?

Bath bombs are fizzy, spherical bath additives made with ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. When dropped into water, they release a bubbly fizz along with soothing fragrances, colors, and skin-nourishing oils.

11. How long do handmade soaps and bath bombs last?

Our handmade soaps typically last 4-6 weeks with regular use, depending on storage and how they’re kept dry between uses. Bath bombs are best used within six months to retain their fizz and fragrance.

12. How do I store handmade soap to make it last longer?

Keep your soap in a dry, well-ventilated area between uses. Use a soap holder or soap saver with drainage to prevent it from sitting in water, which can cause it to soften and dissolve faster. Dreamscape Bathworks has a great Alder Soap Bar Holder that will make your soap last.

13. How do you ensure your products are eco-friendly?

Our products are made with biodegradable ingredients and sustainable practices. We use minimal, recyclable packaging and source raw materials responsibly to reduce our environmental footprint.

14. Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes, Dreamscape Bathworks’ products are 100% cruelty-free, and most are vegan, made without any animal-derived ingredients like tallow (animal fat), milk or honey.

We do offer some soap that has goat milk, honey, and yogurt, so please check the ingredients to ensure you are aware of all the ingredients.

15. Why are natural soaps and bath products more expensive than commercial ones?

Natural soaps and bath products are handcrafted in small batches using premium ingredients like plant-based oils, butters, and essential oils. They lack cheap fillers and synthetic chemicals, making them a higher-quality and more sustainable choice for your skin.

Dreamscape Bathworks believes you’ll find that our high-quality bath products are sold for a competitive price. We offer large discounts for multiple item purchases and for bundled items.

Curious about something we haven’t covered? Contact us and let us know—we’re happy to answer your questions and share more about the magic of natural, handmade products!