FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ALL NATURAL?

I use natural ingredients where possible, including essential oils and plant- or clay-based colourants. A small number of my products contain skin-safe, phthalate-free fragrances and/or skin-safe synthetic pigments.  
Products such as my shampoo and bubble bath bars contain surfactants, which are plant derived but not strictly natural.
Regardless of whether an ingredient is “natural” or not, it is always used in accordance with “safe usage” guidelines, and I would not include any ingredient that I would not comfortably use on myself or my family.    
 

• DO YOUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN PRESERVATIVE?

 Whilst not needed in a bar soap, preservative is an absolute necessity in products such as lotion as its high water content and near-neutral pH would otherwise make it the perfect environment for bacteria and mould growth. You don’t want that and neither do I!
 

• DO YOUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANIMAL INGREDIENTS?

None of my bath and body products contains animal ingredients. I’ve been vegetarian for 25+ years, so this subject is a lot more important to me than a simple marketing gimmick. Some of my bears and bags contain fibre (wool, mohair).
 

• DO YOUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN PALM OIL?

No!

• ARE ANY OF YOUR PRODUCTS TESTED ON ANIMALS?

No - willing human volunteers only!
 

• WHAT SORT OF PACKAGING DO YOU USE?

Packaging varies depending upon product, but I try to ensure that all packaging is sustainable - i.e. can be reused or repurposed, easily recycled or even composted. My soap bars come with a recycled paper 'cigar band' label. My bath bombs, shampoo & conditioner bars, and bubble bath are wrapped in cellophane that is able to be broken down in a home compost bin - simply wet and scrunch the wrapper before you dispose of it. Liquid soap, lotion and salts come in glass bottles or jars that can be washed and reused as you see fit; salts are also available in compostable Earth Bags - just make sure you remove the tin tie first. I am in the process of transitioning from recyclable plastic lip balm tubes to cardboard tubes that can be recycled or composted at home. 

• ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVE SKIN?

I do not disclose exact formulations, but each of my products has a full list of ingredients available here on the website and on the product label. Please be aware that I use a variety of ingredients, including nut oils, and whilst I take all due care, I cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination.
I try to ensure that all of my products are gentle and safe for sensitive skin but I cannot guarantee that they will be suitable for each and every person. I offer several products free from colour and fragrance; these are a good starting point. If you do have concerns, it is advisable to patch test a small area of skin (inner arm or wrist) prior to general use.
As with any other skincare product, avoid contact with eyes and discontinue use if any irritation develops.

 In the unlikely event that you do experience an adverse reaction to a product, please stop using the product IMMEDIATELY and seek medical advice if needed. Please notify Bubbles, Bears & Other Wares as soon as possible and if you can, supply a photograph of the product label along with when and where you purchased the product. 

• WHY ARE MY SOAP BARS DIFFERENT SIZES OR COLOURS?

Although I aim for consistency, all my products are handmade in small batches and trimmed by hand. For this reason, there may be some minor variations in weight, colour and scent between each batch.

• WHY IS MY SOAP TURNING BROWN?

​Some soap may discolour to a dark brown over time - this is perfectly normal and caused by the vanilla content in certain blends. It does not affect the quality of the soap. 

• HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SOAP?

Handmade soap contains much higher levels of glycerin than commercial soap - while wonderful for your skin, this means that it will attract more water than commercial soap & will break down faster if allowed to remain wet. To prolong the life of your soap, store in a dish with good drainage between uses. The same goes for your shampoo and conditioner bars.

• DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM ORDER OR WHOLESALE?

Both! Please send an email to [email protected] (minimum order quantities apply)

• I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS...

Please get in touch!