Rocky Top Soap Shop

Do you have oily skin? Were you a fan of my Fuller’s Earth soap? Well, this is a much improved formula for oily skin types. Based upon a customer’s request, I have made a soap with activated charcoal, fuller’s earth clay and hazelnut oil. Both the activated charcoal and fullers earth clay are wonderful at absorbing excess oils and toxins. Hazelnut oil is a natural moisturizer, astringent and is especially beneficial for sensitive, oily skin. I think it will be perfect for those random breakouts that leave me feeling like a teenager again.

I have wanted to make a pumpkin soap for some time now. However, I didn’t know exactly how to go about putting my own twist on this well represented idea. I felt like an unscented pumpkin soap really needed something extra while still keeping it simple. So, I decided to go the literal route and include as many pumpkin products in this soap as possible. This soap recipe includes organic pumpkin puree, pumpkin seed oil, and pumpkin butter. What has resulted is very unexpected. This soap leaves your skin so soft. It is unlike any soap I have made. It’s silky smooth lather is Totally Pumpkin.

Pumpkin seed oil is wonderful for your skin. it has essential fatty acids (both omega 3 and omega 6), it’s packed with vitamins (A, E, C, K) and minerals (manganese, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous). This makes it a perfect choice for mature skin types, though I feel anyone would benefit.

 The cucumbers were grown from seed using organic and sustainable farming practices (just like everything else in my garden). The yogurt is 100% certified organic (of course).

I have used a hefty portion of avocado oil in this soap to make what I feel is the perfect facial bar. Avocado oil is packed with vitamins A, E (both powerful antioxidants) and vitamin D. It is easily absorbed into the skin and is helpful to sun damaged or mature skin types.  This makes a great facial soap!

Burdock root has been used also as a skin remedy for acne, and rosacea. Its oil has been used in years past in treatment of the scalp, promoting healthy growth of hair and also supplying healthful aid to the sebaceous glands.

Rose hip oil is beneficial to all skin types. Easily absorbed by the skin, it readily helps to rehydrate dry skin. It is known to be helpful for all different skin conditions including eczema, scars, sunburn and wrinkles. I have also included wheat germ oil, but that’s not why I have fallen in love. It’s the color. I love the deep purple that was achieved by using a rose hip tea.

We have been making this particular salve for years. Although we have experimented with other combinations in the past, this is the one that stands out as the most versatile and we always make sure to have it on hand. We think it’s the best combination for everything that we need a salve to do. Originally formulated by Rosemary Gladstar, this recipe has been around since the 70’s and has stood the test of time. Comfrey, calendula, and St. John’s wort work in perfect harmony. We find this simple salve useful for all manner of bumps, burns, bites and scrapes.

Plantain has a rich history of use as a topical application. It has been used for centuries for a wide scope of skin irritations such as inflammation, small cuts and bruises, sunburn and eczema to name a few. It is considered by many herbalists as a panacea.

I absolutely love calendula. It is hardy, beautiful, beneficial in the garden as an insect repellent and an amazing herb for your skin. The bright yellow blooms make me smile from Spring through Fall. When I decided to make this soap again, I know that it needed something else, and lavender was an easy choice. I think these herbs make a great pair. I have infused the olive oil used in this soap with calendula and lavender and also used a calendula and lavender tea for the lye solution. This soap does have a gentle scent of both of these herbs.

Back by popular demand!

This dynamic duo has been used externally to help relieve psoriasis, eczema, cuts, wounds and varicose veins.

However you choose to spend your time outdoors I think that you will find this salve to be useful. Arnica is an herb that is used for swelling, bruises and muscle aches.  It will come in very handy after a long day of gardening and will be in our first aid kit when we go hiking in Acadia National Park.

Please note that this salve is only intended for topical use.  Ingestion of arnica can be poisonous in large doses.