Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions that our valued customers want to find out about. Please take a look here to see if we have answered any questions you might have before purchasing.

What is soap?

Soap is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs when an alkali (lye) and a fat or oil (base) mix together. This chemical reaction is called saponification.

Can I make soap without using lye?

No. If it does not contain lye, it is not soap. Remember that lye is no longer in the soap after it’s been cured for 4-6 weeks. So when you receive your soaps, they will be lye free.

How should the soap be stored?

Handmade soap should be stored in a cool, dark and dry location such as a cupboard until it is ready to be used. It is best to not wrap or pack cold process soaps tightly as they will continue to lose moisture as time goes on and you do not want to trap the moisture against the bars.

Why is my soap dissolving so fast?

Soap naturally wants to dissolve. When left to sit in water, the soap will swell, become soft, and develop a jelly like exterior.



In order to get the most out of your soap, allow it to dry between uses. Do not leave it in a location where it will have a constant stream of water flowing over it such as near the shower head. Place the soap at the opposite end of the tub to let it dry out between showers. When bathing, do not leave the soap to float around the tub and at the sink, be sure your soap dish is able to drain any excess water.

Where do we source our ingredients?

Our sea moss is sourced from the Caribbean, mainly from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica or Grenada. Our sea moss is wild crafted and of the highest quality. Our oils and butters are sourced in the UK and Africa. Before buying, we ensure we do our research about the company so that we know we are only getting the best. We mostly get our herbs from the Caribbean (Jamaica as well as St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and very reputable places in the UK. Again, we only purchase quality assured ingredients so that we are satisfied that we are buying and using the best.

How long should handmade soap last if not opened?

Cold process soap will get your hair clean, but it's far more alkaline than your hair and scalp. As a result, your hair may be left feeling dull and heavy after repeated use. We recommend using an apple cider vinegar rinse alongside cold process soap if you choose to wash your hair with these bars!

Yes! All ours products are completely vegan.

Our brand is a natural wellness brand, which means that we only use high quality natural ingredients. Therefore, we only use essential oils because of their natural fragrance. They have antimicrobial properties not to mention the therapeutic properties, which also links nicely to our wellness brand.

Since it's high in minerals and vitamins, it can be soothing for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sea moss can also be useful to people who suffer from acne or oily skin.

At Purple and Gold, we opt for renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials like cardboard, paper, glass, or compostable plastics to minimise waste and pollution. Some of our packaging is reusable. This allows for customers to reuse multiple times, encouraging you to minimise single-use packaging and adopt more sustainable practices.

At the moment, we only ship within the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

We aim to deliver your products within 3-5 working days.

Yes, we're certified! We are proud that our handmade soaps fully comply with all legislation governing the manufacture of cosmetics in the UK and Europe. Our products are independently lab tested and certified as safe for use. Our labels use the appropriate latin-style INCI naming standards for ingredients.

INFORMATION FOR ALL

Important Notice

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have any health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider before using any of our products.