This tale is not of cowboys and cornfields, but of a remarkable ingredient that has long graced the world of skincare – lard. Now, don’t let the humble origins of this simple ingredient fool you. Many people picture lard as just a greasy substance of artery-clogging fat, but this misconceived notion cannot be farther from the truth. Picture it: a concoction of lard, skillfully rendered from the finest pork fat, transformed into a luxurious elixir that can work wonders for your skin. Intrigued yet?
As a seasoned soap artisan who has danced with oils and mixed potions of botanicals, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation that lard can bring to the soap-making stage. You see, this isn’t just about slathering pig fat on your skin – it’s about understanding the science behind the fatty acids, the alchemy of crafting a bar that’s gentle yet effective, and the journey of discovering the perfect remedy for skin that craves a little extra care.
I recall a customer, let’s call her Jane, who sought solace for her sensitive skin. She had traversed the realms of commercial skincare, only to be met with disappointment and rashes. With a hint of skepticism, Jane approached my humble company asking for a recommendation. Her curiosity piqued, she shared her skin struggles, those tales of itchiness and irritation that had become a daily saga.
I sent her a sample of our natural, handcrafted soap that included lard in the base formula. Weeks later, a beaming Jane sent us an email and in it she said “After I started using your soap I immediately began to feel the difference in my skin.I was not itchy after the shower and my rash calmed down dramatically”.
So, this year we embarked on a journey into the realm of 100% lard soap. Lard is a staple component in most of our soap formulas, but we wanted to see how a bar of soap would feel when it was made with 100% lard. This story is a tale of nourishment, healing, and the profound connection between the Earth’s offerings and our own well-being. As we delve into the wonders of this unassuming ingredient, you’ll discover how lard soap isn’t just a bar of cleanser; it’s a testament to the marriage of tradition and science, a harmonious symphony that can bring your skin to its happiest, healthiest state.
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter – the beauty of lard. This isn’t a fleeting trend or a passing fancy; it’s a choice rooted in centuries of wisdom. Lard isn’t just a mere ingredient; it’s a symphony of fatty acids, a composition that mimics the natural oils found in our skin. As a soap maker who has dedicated years to understanding these intricate nuances, I’ve witnessed how lard brings forth a dance of hydration, nourishment, and a touch of indulgence to the canvas of our skin.
Now, let’s take a moment to unravel the science behind the remarkable fatty acids that make lard a skincare superstar. Lard is a symphony of three key players: oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids. Oleic acid, with its moisturizing prowess, creates a barrier that locks in hydration, leaving your skin feeling as supple as a well-nurtured garden. Stearic acid adds a touch of luxury, aiding in the creation of a rich lather that glides effortlessly across your skin, washing away the day’s weariness. And then we have palmitic acid, a dependable friend that offers stability and longevity to your soap, ensuring it stays fresh and effective, like a steadfast companion on your skincare journey. These acids, they come together in harmony, crafting a soap that cleanses without stripping, moisturizes without heaviness, and pampers your skin with a touch of nature’s finest.
We recently created a soap using 100% lard as our base oil formula. This limited gem was named “The Smell of Freedom.” and was created exclusively for Soap of the Month Club members. This soap was an experiment of both formula and scent. The beautiful scent speaks to your senses – the crisp aroma of fresh grass dancing harmoniously with the sweet allure of apples. It is fresh, fruity and envelops the simplicity of running free through a fresh cut orchard.
“The Smell of Freedom” is more than just a soap; it’s a rendezvous with opulence. Crafted with only lard, lye, and our custom fragrance, it’s a testament to the purity and power of these simple ingredients.
We learned a ton while crafting this bar of soap. While it’s a dream to experience on your skin, it does have its quirks in the soap-making process. You see, lard has a unique personality – it’s a bit of a challenge to work with due to its hardness. This means we had to craft “The Smell of Freedom” in small, carefully tended batches, And oh, the cutting! Timing is of the essence; we’ve learned that the first three hours after birth are when this soap must be cut, lest it becomes as hard as a diamond. It is for this reason that this bar of soap will not grace our store as a regular attendee. We simply cannot make this bar of soap in mass batches.
What we will likely duplicate though is the unique look and smell of this soap, but using our base soap formula which is much easier to work with in large batches. You will likely see the revised “The Smell Of Freedom” soap on our shelves in the near future.
If you are interested in experiencing the small batch soaps that we create exclusively for our Soap Of The Month Club, click here to learn more.
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