What’s a Syndet bar? What’s in a soap bar?

Being a soap maker and artisan. We get asked a lot of questions about soap. What’s in soap, is natural Soap bad? What’s a Syndet bar? What’s in a Syndet bar?

We thought a brief explanation of soap and what it does might help to answer many of the questions we get asked. Soap is made by mixing an alkali (lye / caustic) with oil or fat in a process called saponification. This is a chemical reaction… the triglyceride oils / fats are hydrolyzed into free fatty acids, these then combine with the alkali to form crude soap, this is a mix of various soap salts, excess fat or alkali, water, and liberated glycerol (glycerin) as this is broken off from the triglyceride during the reaction process.

The glycerin is a useful by-product from soap production, which can be left in the soap to act as a softening agent, utilizing the high Glycerin content for additional processing and performance benefits. The fats or oils can range, so long as you have the correct ratio of hard to soft that enables the soap bar to physically form and set. This ratio can then be adjusted to give you a bar that lasts longer and doesn’t lather, or foams higher and dissolves quicker. We excel at adjusting and manipulating these ratios, creating specialty soaps. We can use a vast array of oils in our soap, however most suppliers will use a standard range of oils like:

VEGETABLE OILS

• Palm Oil
• Palm Kernel Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil

WHAT IS A SYNDET BAR 

The word “syndet” is derived from “synthetic” combined with “detergent”. Technically it refers to the binding that occurs between different detergents, also called surfactants or tensioactive agents. These detergents, which have an affinity for oils and repel water, surround dirt with small structures that are then removed by water. From a technical viewpoint, syndets admit the possibility of using additives (colorants and fragrances) that are not suitable for soaps due to the high pH environment.

SOAP VS. SYNDET

Syndets are recommended for cleansing sensitive skin and even baby skin, as they are far more gentle and skin-friendly than traditional soaps. But remember that the anionic surfactants contained in syndets may cause sensitization problems in reactive skins. Syndets might prove to be a source of irritation for a segment of the population. They also seem less likely to cleanse like traditional soap.

Syndet bars are made using blends of synthetic surfactants, they are a different product, formulation and chemistry to that of traditional soap. Syndet soap surfactants are derived from oils, fats, or petroleum products that are processed in a wide range of chemical processes other than traditional saponification.

These synthetic surfactants make syndet bars mild cleansing bars, often pH neutral these soap bases produce cleansing and mild soap bars. The most famous and in fact the first syndet soap bar was Dove® – launched in 1955.

Common ingredients in syndet bars

• Sodium cocoyl isethionate (the most widely used)
• Sulfosuccinates
• Alpha olefin sulfonates
• Alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate
• Sodium cocoyl monoglyceride sulfate
• Betaines

There are pros and cons for both types of soap, we can guide you as to what type of soap would work best dependent on the circumstance you need to use it for. Please reach out to us if you have questions by email at info@ahvidesigns.com or just give us a call.

December 1, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: Dry Skin, Ingredients, Sensitive Skin, SoapTags: acne, dark spots, fresh looking skin, Handmade Soap, health, Hyperpigmentation, Organic Soap, Sensitive Skin, Soap 1 Comment

Rules to live by

Rules to live by

I was speaking with my wife the other day and we were discussing some of the things we have learned about the business of soap making. We are fortunate to have had the knowledge of my wife’s grandmother bestowed upon us which encouraged us to get in the business. We know ourselves to be very lucky to have the business and soap expertise of my Father n law.

He taught me a great many things about life and business, and we are lucky to have such an accomplished man in our corner. Needless to say, I am learning every day. One principal I am learning that life and business have rules which cannot be circumvented. There are no shortcuts when comes to life and success.

My wife reminded me of a wonderful rule that we  go by in our soap making business, which she was taught by her grandmother  when she was just 3 years old.    My father n law reminded my wife the other day that in business if one takes shortcuts sure they will make money, probably a dollar. However If one  follows the rules and takes there time in decision making, then they will probably make a 1,000 dollars. So this is for you Pa, and once again thank you for all your wisdom.

The Rule goes something like this:

Your soap must ” look good enough  to eat, Smell good enough to buy, and don’t cheat cuz  your soap will not be right”!!  This is how we make soap on a daily basis and this is one of the rules we live by.

Please when you get a chance check out our 600 plus varieties of soap, you will be amazed.

November 5, 2016November 11, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: UncategorizedTags: Handmade Soap, Organic Soap, Soap Leave a comment

So what’s the deal with Antibacterial soap, does it really work?

Regular hand washing with non-antibacterial plain soap removes bacteria and viruses by physical means. Plain soaps helps remove loosely adherent bacteria and virus. Plain old soap and water is effective at removing surface dirt, grime and germs. This is because soap is a surfactant- a solution that lifts crud, bonds with it, and allows it to be rinsed away with water.

Natural Benefits of ingredients in handmade soap.

Antibacterial soaps do this as well, but are also promoted as “germ killing.” To do this, the antibacterial agent must be in contact with bacteria for approximately 20 seconds to be effective. Antibacterial soaps for household use generally contain the active ingredient triclosan at concentrations between 0.1% and 0.45% weight/volume. Triclosan has varying effectiveness across bacterial and fungal species, and is less effective against viruses.

Unfortunately, many people do not wash the required amount of time in order for the active agents in antibacterial soap to work. which potentially leads to bacteria with increased antibacterial resistance. There is also concern about the safety of some commonly used antibacterial agents (i.e. triclosan) because of their similarity to dioxins, and links to endocrine system disruption. Other concerns include the potential of triclosan to react with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas (a potential human carcinogen).

I’ll share the following that I found on Wikipedia: “A comprehensive analysis from the University Of Michigan School Of Public Health indicated that plain handmade soaps are just as effective if not more effective as consumer-grade antibacterial soaps with triclosan in preventing illness and removing bacteria from the hands.” Some experts are now recommending reducing or even discontinuing the use of antibacterial household soap.

In summation the benefits of antibacterial soaps over plain soap have not been clearly proven and the data on its potential risks are conflicting. The actual risks posed by these reactions, outside the laboratory setting, are currently unclear. Based on existing studies handmade organic soap seems to be just as effective, if not more effective as commercially made antibacterial soap.

October 10, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: acne, Anti-Aging, Combination | Oily, Dry Skin, Hyperpigmentation, Ingredients, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin Leave a comment

Handmade Soap vs Store Bought Soap; what’s the big deal?

Did you know there was a difference between store bought soap and handmade soap? Well you bet there is and this article will explain!

 

Handmade organic soap.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AMONG HAND-CRAFTED AND MACHINE MADE SOAP?

With well-known store sold soaps, corporations are spending thousands and thousands each year on misleading advertising and marketing, it’s understandable why a client may be confused. Traditional store bought or “industrial” soaps that may be categorized as “herbal” are virtually detergents that consist of chemical hardeners, foaming agents and synthetic fragrances.

Unlike the phrase “natural” or “Organic” which is regulated via the USDA, the phrase “natural” no longer comes with a hard and fast requirement or restrictive elements to it. As customers, we’re required to understand what we put in and on our bodies and the best way to do this is by way of studying the labels and asking questions.

And it’s no longer only well-known store-bought soaps that can be deceptive. Artificial fragrances are being put in a huge amount of handmade soaps so make no mistake, you need to ask questions. A fantastic way to recognize you are buying the real deal is to ask what approach the soap maker makes use of to make their soap, what elements they use and what they use to fragrance their soaps.

 #1: hand-crafted soap incorporates Glycerin.

Glycerin is a natural skin emollient (pores and skin softener) that draws water from the encircling air. Because of this, glycerin is prized in soaps, lotions and creams for preserving moisture in the skin for the duration of the day. Animal fats and vegetable oils contain among 7-thirteen% of glycerin as a part of their herbal chemical makeup.

Common shop-sold soaps have had all the glycerin removed and located into extra products along with lotions and creams. The motive is as an alternative of buying one product so as to clean AND moisturize, (including handmade soap) a client now has to shop for two products to serve the equal motive, thus, an increase in income for the company.

#2: actual homemade soap does not use “perfume”

The FDA does not require the ingredients used to develop an agency’s trademark “perfume” to be disclosed on the label. Because of this your “clean rain” or “cherry blossom” scented soap could comprise masses of harmful chemical substances without disclaimer. You would never know the soap is  blended with filler substances and chemical substances inclusive of Sodium Isethionate (a foam enhancer) and Dipropylene  Glycol (a chemical solvent…why it’s wanted…who is aware of) and then shaped into molds.

#3: hand-crafted soap is definitely super for your pores and skin!

Handmade   soap preserves the integrity of the oils/fats/butters. Coconut oil is going in, saponified (made into cleaning soap) coconut oil comes out. Shea butter goes in, shea butter comes out. Because of this, the oils/fat/butters hold their vitamins, minerals and pores and skin-loving features in the very last cleaning soap product.

A professional soap maker can modify their recipe to provide traits inside the soap clearly as opposed to adding chemicals to gain the equal goal. To make a more difficult bar of soap, add more tallow or olive oil. To make a thick-lathering soap, add some honey. Store-sold soap most likely has additions of artificial chemical substances to provide similar results and we feel, it really isn’t always needed.

But why take our word for it? The best way to find out is to try it for yourself. Check out our website at www.AhViDesigns.com, choose from over 600 varieties of soap. I will assure you, it will be well worth it.

 

 

 

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: UncategorizedTags: acne, beauty, fresh looking skin, health, Organic Soap, skin care, Soap Leave a comment

Why Use Natural Skin Care Ingredients?

100% All Natural Ingredients are better for your skin

The real advantage of using natural/organic over synthetic bath and body products is that they enhance the skin’s natural function; working in synergy with the skin by utilizing active ingredients that help optimize skin regeneration.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and research proves it is capable of absorbing up to 60% of the ingredients in the products we apply. The vast majority of bath and body products available today contain commonly-used synthetic ingredients such as Parabens and SLS; these synthetic ingredients have been recognized to cause irritation in some people and may have long-term damaging effects.

AhVi Fluer developed its range of products with hand selected blends of naturally derived ingredients and certified organic essential oils that have caring yet effective qualities.

An abundance of natural ingredients have been used in skin and hair care for many years, many of which are widely recognized for their genuine effectiveness in enhancing the health and vitality of the skin and hair.

Skin Types

Skin types include normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. Some people also have a combination of skin types in different areas of their skin. Your skin type can change over time. For example, younger people are more likely than older people to have a normal skin type.

Skin types vary depending upon factors such as:
• Water content, which affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity
• Oil (lipid) content, which affects your skin’s softness
• Sensitivity level

The Basics of Skin Care:

These tips will help your skin stay healthier no matter its type.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid direct sunlight    and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Don’t smoke.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wash your skin thoroughly every day with cold water and never wear makeup to bed.
• Moisturize your skin.

We hope that everyone understands the importance of knowing their skin type, so that we can care for our skin using natural/organic skincare products which will  help revitalize our skin and make us look magnificent.

Sign up for our Newsletter and leave a comment, you will get our FREE skin type quiz along with special offers for this month!

June 8, 2016June 8, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: acne, Anti-Aging, Combination | Oily, Dry Skin, Hyperpigmentation, Ingredients, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin 1 Comment

HYPER-PIGMENTATION – Dark Spots -Sun Spots

WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?

 

Hyperpigmentation is a general term encompassing all types of dark areas of skin. The condition occurs when the body produces too much of the skin pigment, melanin, in certain areas, causing those dark, blotchy patches.

The most commonly affected parts of the skin include the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. After the age of 30, hyperpigmentation can also show up as age spots on the hands and other areas of the body.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Treatment of hyperpigmentation typically starts with skin creams that help fade dark spots through exfoliation. These creams slough away the outer layer of skin, allowing new and lighter skin to show through underneath. Some of these creams include alpha hydroxy acids, as well as Retinol (a form of vitamin A). Many individuals with sensitive skin, however, may find these treatments too harsh.

Hydroquinone is a chemical skin lightener that is approved to fade dark areas by decreasing the production of the skin’s pigment cells. This ingredient is often found in lightening creams, and does work to fade dark spots over time, but can increase the risk of dermatitis and decreased skin elasticity, which can accelerate the look of aging.

A BETTER, GENTLER WAY

I believe that skin responds best when we treat it well. If we’re too harsh with acids or disrupt its natural processes with chemicals like hydroquinone, we’re likely to see it reacting in ways that don’t make us happy! Skin may be lighter, but it may also be thinner, duller, and less able to hold its shape.

Regular organic and natural treatment with ingredients that work with the skin, on the other hand, are more likely to help lighten dark spots and help skin to become as healthy as it can be. For those struggling with hyperpigmentation, I recommend our Premier Ressort line or our Riz Rubus line. Both lines are designed to deal with Hyperpigmentation andAnti-Aging.

May 18, 2016May 19, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: Anti-Aging, HyperpigmentationTags: dark spots, Hyperpigmentation, Sun Spots, Uneven Skin Leave a comment

Sensitive Skin: 4 Important Steps on Cleansing

Cleansing will be a challenge for those with sensitive skin or dry skin. Whereas washing and cleansing are absolutely necessary and vital for skincare, it can dry out or irritate the skin if it’s overdone. Individuals with sensitive skin react quickly to minor irritants, and sadly some soaps as well as the standard soap will contain several of them.

DON’T WASH TOO OFTEN:

Showering or bathing once daily ought to be sufficient for many individuals. This could vary for those that work labor jobs within the summer or have similar circumstance, except for most of the people that work in temperature controlled surroundings, the amount of dirt that accumulates is limited. Over washing usually dries the skin, leaving it susceptible to irritation and itchiness. For those with sensitive skin, this result is amplified.

DON’T USE HOT WATER:

Hot water is rough on the skin, and drains the MOISTURE. Long hot baths get the blood flow going, and additionally quickly weaken the skin, inflicting itchiness and irritation. Use lukewarm water to wash, or better, shower, and limit the length of time in the shower. Short, warm showers once daily or once in 2 days is best.

AVOID SCENTED SOAPS:

Many types of soap contain irritants. Scented soaps are particularly problematic for those with sensitive skin. Fragrances are the foremost common ingredients to irritate skin, and they are in soap as well as cosmetic products. Use liquid organic cleansers and delicate organic soaps, ideally ones that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

MOISTURIZE:

Moisturizing is vital to forestall dryness of the skin from being out of hand. Opt for moisturizers that are organic and fragrance free. Apply moisturizers directly after showering or bathing, before you dry off the skin fully. This can make sure that the moisture is locked in.

Try our 100% all natural line of products specifically made for sensitive skin and see for yourself.

April 22, 2016May 19, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: acne, Dry Skin, Sensitive SkinTags: Creams, healthy, Lotions, Sensitive Skin, skin, skin care 4 Comments

Our Ingredients – JoJoba Oil

    Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba oil) Surprisingly Jojoba oil is one of the few oils that is almost identical to our body’s natural oil, sebum. It comes from a shrub found throughout the southwestern states of the United States. In its pure form it is a golden-colored wax which has a multitude of beauty related benefits.

Jojoba oil is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and it is non-toxic. This is great for individuals like myself who have sensitive skin and who like myself have suffered from various skin conditions. Jojoba reduces swelling and it eliminates skin bacteria. It is great at helping to heal various skin conditions, such as, eczema, psoriasis and other bacterial infections.

It’s packed full of B-Complex vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iodine, copper, selenium and chromium. When used on the skin, it’s effective enough to subdue an oily complexion but is also hypo-allergenic on sensitive skin.

Jojoba oil can be used as a daily facial cleanser, Moisturizer, and body lotion. It has anti-microbial properties that can help fight acne and hinder the growth of whiteheads, blackheads and breakouts. As for scars it works wonders and helps reduce the scar appearance with its vitamin-E rich formula. It’s also been found to promote the healing of wounds and hinder their transformation into visible scars.

As you can see there are a plethora of reasons why we chose to use this wax in our all organic 100% Natural products. AhVi Fluer aims to provide the highest quality organic ingredients in our products at the best possible price to promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle.

Be sure to pick up any of our lotions, face creams, or face cleansers this way you can see the benefits for yourself.

April 20, 2016April 20, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: UncategorizedTags: acne, beauty, Creams, eczema, fresh looking skin, health, healthy, Lotions, psoriasis, scrubs, skin, skin care 1 Comment

Inspiration:

Being the only woman Co-Founder of AhVi Fluer my Husband asked me to write a post talking about my inspiration and why I wanted to resurrect my Grandmother’s beauty recipes. So here I am sharing my Inspiration which really is not that exciting, so I thought.

So what inspired me the most? Let me start by saying my husband had very dry skin with un-even tones throughout his complexion. I remembered this recipe that my grandmother used to make for that type of skin.  Also I knew my husband suffered from eczema and would easily breakout if I didn’t use the right ingredients.

I rolled up my sleeves and I went to work, I did some research and along with my grandmother’s lost recipe I came up with my own formula to soften and balance his skin tones. After about 2 to 3 weeks of using my organic recipe on his face, I noticed his skin complexion changed tremendously from when I first met him.

By using rice water and coconut oil I knew this would help and give him healthy, refreshed looking skin. Because of his sensitive and uneven skin tones I knew through research and my grandmother that Aloe Vera in combination with some other ingredients used as a face wash would help reduce irritation, soften and balance his skin tonality. Now, he can go a few days without using my products and still has soft, non-flakey skin.

As for me I grew up having a combination of bad acne and oily skin. I tried so many products out there and none of them seemed to work for my skin type. It seemed that all the products out there had so many chemicals and fragrances with no benefit at all, and worst yet it made my skin problem even worst.

I was encouraged by my husband’s results so I took on the challenge and came up with a product that worked for my skin type. One of our product lines is called the Rice line derived of course from rice. This face wash with rice and safflower oil as its primary ingredients helped calm my acne repair my dead cells and balance my pores to help keep them from producing too much oil.

I have been using this face wash for 4 weeks now and my skin has begun to clear up looking more light, healthy and radiant than ever before.  Organic ingredients have been the solution to younger healthier more youthful looking skin. Everything I use in our products is 100% natural handmade and pure organic, that’s why you will always see only a handful of ingredients on our labels.

Thank you for all the people that gave us a warm welcome and liked us on Facebook.  I wanted to share my experience and story of inspiration, I’m sure there are many women out there who would love to have  healthy, glowing, younger looking skin and I know AhVi Fluer products will give you the benefit to a new you.

I welcome all your comments, and please stay tuned we will be announcing our product line this week on Facebook.

April 5, 2016April 13, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: UncategorizedTags: acne, beauty, Creams, eczema, fresh looking skin, health, healthy, skin, skin care 1 Comment

The Secret to Amazing Looking Legs – Safflower Oil

If you do not understand what a Pentapeptide from antioxidant is and, frankly, you do not care — you only need your gator-dry legs to be soft and silky-smooth — look no farther than your kitchen cabinets. The solution lies in this bottle of safflower oil sitting on the shelf. This unsaturated oil, beloved by cardiologists for being sensible for your heart, is simply nearly as good for your skin, however from the skin in.

The oil that is pressed from the seeds of yellow safflowers could be a super moisturizer. “That’s as a result of it’s extremely high linoleic acid, a carboxylic acid that skin commonly makes to keep its moisture and barrier function intact, ” says NY City dermatologist  Amy Wechsler, MD. As a result of the body’s polyunsaturated fatty acid production gets sluggish with age, it helps to switch it from the skin.

“In theory, you may use olive oil, too, which is also high in linoleic acid. But you’d smell like a salad!” Wechsler says. At the side of being odorless, safflower oil has the benefits of being colorless and low cost. And that is not all. Safe enough for sensitive skin, it is so light that it’s massaged into the skin of newborn babies at some hospitals.

Although this natural oil is one among Wechsler’s favorite treatments for dry lower legs (where flakiness is particularly persistent), you’ll be able to use it body-wide — although not when you are in a rush, because it takes time to soak in. “Smooth it on in real time after a shower  to lock in the wetness your skin has simply absorbed. You’ll be able to even apply it on your face, as long you do not get it into your eyes.”

If you are not positive concerning moisturizing with pure vegetable oil, you’ll be able to find safflower oil in moisturizers, lip balms, and scrubs. “Look for a product that lists it among the primary 3 ingredients, which suggests it contains a high concentration of the oil,” says Dr. Wechsler.

Otherwise, simply pour some safflower oil into a little squeeze bottle and add it to your toiletries. Your legs will look amazing and will thank you for it!

April 4, 2016April 13, 2016 by AhVi Fluer Skincare & Soap Co. Categories: UncategorizedTags: acne, beauty, Creams, eczema, fresh looking skin, health, healthy, scrubs, skin, skin care 3 Comments