Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use hand soap?

Most soaps that are mass-produced are made from harsh detergents, hardening agents and other chemicals. Real handmade soap is made from raw ingredients that include different oils, lye and water.  Handmade soap is mainly glycerine, which is the natural by-product of the soap making process (saponification). Glycerin is an excellent moisturiser and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple and not dry and irritated like mass produced bars that strip skin of its natural oils.

What are saponified oils?

Saponified oils are basically oils that have been converted to soap. Saponification is a simple chemical reaction where an acid (oil) reacts with an alkali (lye) to make salt (soap) & water. Glycerine is an additional by-product of this reaction. The lye is completely neutralised and none remains in the final product.

How do I care for handmade soap?

Handmade soap has a high glycerine content, which is great for your skin – but it also means the soap requires a place to dry out between uses to ensure it does not break down quickly. To get the most out of your soap, do not let your soap drown in water, use a soap saver bag, store your soap in a dry place and use your fresh new soap within six months of purchase.

How do I use the soap saver bag?

Place your soap in the soap saver bag and pull the drawstring closed. Wet the soap and bag and lather up. When done hang up the bag with the soap inside, to allow it and your soap to dry between uses. In addition to prolonging the life of your soap, a soap saver bag will add a gentle exfoliating scrub. Soap savers are great for using up soap ends.

What is the cold process method for making soap?

The art of cold processed soap making dates to the Babylonian era. This method of soap making relies on the chemical reaction that takes place rather than by an external heat source.  The reaction is simply between the oil and lye to produce soap and glycerin. It is one of the only two ways to make real soap and not the process used to make commercial bars. The process reserves the benefits of the plant derived oils and butter. Another benefit of this method is that there is more freedom to design and handcraft amazing soaps that are unique and good for your skin.  Cold process soap making is a longer process compared to commercial soap making, especially the soap cuing time of several weeks. This is the reason why cold processed handmade soap is often more expensive compared to commercial soap. Additionally, cold processed soap retains all the glycerin which is not the case with commercial soaps.

What is curing and how long do you cure your soap for?

Curing is the process that allows the excess moisture in soap to evaporate, leaving a harder and longer-lasting soap. Soft uncured soap can disintegrate quickly when wet and also have impaired lather. Our soaps have been cured for a minimum of 6 weeks before they are sold to produce the gentlest soap possible.

Why don’t you use palm oil in your soaps?

Palm oil is one of the most popular vegetable oils used by humans, so no doubt you have almost certainly eaten or used palm oil on a regular basis. Many foods, cleaning products and personal care products all contain palm oil. The demand for palm oil has greatly increased. Most of the palm oil is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, and although it has helped the economies in these countries it comes with a cost to the environment. An increase in palm oil plantations has resulted in clearing of tropical rainforests and causing resident species such as elephants, orangutans and tigers to lose their habitat.

What are the dimensions of your soaps?

Sapun Collective soaps are handmade made in small batches and may vary slightly in size. Each full size soap weighs approximately 100 grams. The dimensions of the 100 gram soap is approximately 80mm x 55mm x 22mm. The sample 25 gram soap is approximately 40mm x 55mm x 11mm.

What payments do you accept?

We accept PayPal and all credit card payments via our online shopping cart. Credit card surcharges apply.

Are your products vegan friendly?

With the exception of our Goats milk soaps, our products are vegan friendly and do not contain animal  derived ingredients. Our products are not tested on animals and we will not knowingly use ingredients from suppliers that have been party to animal testing.

Can I buy your soap as a gift for someone, and do you gift wrap?

Yes you can buy our soap as a gift for someone special. Simply include the details of the recipient during checkout including the shipping address and we will make sure your gift is delivered successfully. Our soaps are wrapped and presently nicely. Please contact us at the time of purchase if you would like your order specially gift wrapped. We will try to accommodate your request.

How do you charge me for my subscription?

Once you have purchased your first subscription using our online shopping cart, our team will be in contact with you to organise a suitable payment method to be used for your next soap delivery in 3 months’ time. 

Can I cancel my subscription service?

Yes, you can do this at any time by sending an email to info@sapuncollective.com with your name and cancel my subscription in the tittle, as long as the email is received before your order is dispatched.

Do I need to register to make a purchase?

No, you do not need to register to make a purchase. You can simply, checkout as a guest. If you are planning to purchase a subscription or would like to keep track of your orders, make future orders easier, then you are free to register and subsequently log in as required.

Do you use discount codes?

From time to time, there are discount codes that will be advertised via this website and or social media that can be used at checkout. 

When will I receive my soaps?

Please visit the shipping section of this website for information about shipping. Soaps purchased as a subscription are delivered every 3 months. The first package is sent out 2-3 business days from purchase and every 12 weeks from then on.

How much is the shipping fee?

We apply a flat rate shipping fee of $10 for all Australian orders regardless of size or location and use a range of couriers and Australia Post services. IF your order is only made up of a sample pack, the shipping rate will reduce by over 50% as the package is able to be sent using regular post services.

Can I choose which soap products I get in my subscription service?

Unless there are allergy or health requirements, soaps in the subscription service are sent at random from the Sapun Collective range. We hope that this will allow you to try out different scents and soap properties. We will endeavour to send out a different mix each time so that you get to try them all. If you would like a specific soap to be included (for example, you would like a soap for your pet) in your next delivery, please email us and we will try and accommodate your request.

Do any of the soaps cause photosensitivity?

Essential oils can cause photosensitivity. Essential oils in the soap, however, are found in small, appropriate amounts that will not cause any phototoxic harm.

What packaging do you use?

Each full-size soap is wrapped in minimal plastic for hygienic reasons with an accompanying recycled, uncoated cardboard sleeve. Depending on the size of the order, your soaps will be wrapped and packed in a box or bag with supportive material to minimise movement during transit. Sapun Collective tries to recycle packaging materials when able to. We ensure that even if the outside may look rough, the inside products will be safe and fresh.

How do I track my order?

When you place an order, you will receive an automatic confirmation that your order has been received as well as a further email with the tracking information you need to be able to see where your delivery is. If you need any help with this, feel free to contact us.

Do you wholesale your products?

Due to the small batch sizes and the nature of our business, Sapun Collective are not providing wholesale products at this time.

Do you test on animals?

Not at all.  All the recipes for Sapun Collective products are trusted methods of natural, traditional cold process soap making, and tested on friends and family.

Is there any potential to have a reaction to Sapun Collective soaps?

Sapun Colletive soaps are made using the traditional cold process method, which means that our soaps cure for a minimum of 4 weeks before they are sold to ensure they are at the correct pH for the skin. There are ingredients listed on each Sapun Collective soap. We recommend that you read these to ensure an allergic reaction does not occur, and test on a small patch of skin to make sure this soap is right for you. If a reaction does occur, discontinue use. Some essential oils, such a Peppermint or Teatree, can cause a slight tingling sensation. If this is uncomfortable, discontinue use.