Soap making is an ancient craft that dates back thousands of years, with civilizations from Babylon to Ancient Egypt creating soaps using natural fats and ashes. Over time, the process has evolved, but the essence of using high-quality, natural ingredients remains the same. At Hudson Valley Skin Care, we are committed to preserving this time-honored tradition while ensuring our soaps nourish your skin with the best ingredients possible.
Why Cold-Process Soap?
All of our soaps are made using the cold-process method. This means that we blend natural oils and butters with lye to create a chemical reaction called saponification, where the liquid mixture turns into a solid and heats up, creating an exothermic reaction. From there, the soap is sent into our curing room, where it sits for 4 weeks, and then it is cleaned, packaged, and sent to your doorstep.
Unlike commercially produced soaps, which often contain detergents and synthetic additives, cold-process soap is a natural way to create a pure, gentle, and highly moisturizing bar of soap.
Why We Choose This Method
- Preserve Nutrient-Rich Ingredients – Because the process avoids high heat, the oils, butters, and additives retain their skin-loving benefits.
- Naturally Moisturizing – Cold-process soap produces glycerin as a byproduct, which helps to hydrate the skin. Many commercial soaps remove the glycerin, leading to a drying effect.
- No Harsh Additives – Our soaps are free from synthetic detergents, surfactants, preservatives, and artificial hardeners, making them a safe and effective choice for all skin types, especially sensitive and people who have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Customizable & Handcrafted – Each batch is carefully crafted with love, allowing us to create unique scent blends and skin-nurturing formulations.
Ingredient Breakdown: Locally Sourced & Potent
Each of our bar soaps are handcrafted using natural, locally sourced ingredients from the Hudson Valley, ensuring a nourishing and gentle cleanse for all skin types. Our thoughtfully formulated base combines high-quality plant oils and rich butters to create a bar that is both moisturizing and long-lasting.
Our signature formula includes:
- Organic Shea Butter – A deeply moisturizing ingredient packed with essential vitamins A and E, shea butter helps to nourish, soften, and protect the skin. Its rich emollient properties create a creamy lather that leaves skin supple and smooth.
- Coconut Oil – Known for its cleansing properties, coconut oil effectively removes dirt and impurities while maintaining hydration. It contributes to a firm, long-lasting bar and enhances the lather for a luxurious washing experience.
- Castor Oil – This nutrient-rich oil is key to achieving a creamy, stable lather. It also helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, making the soap extra gentle and suitable for daily use.
- Cold-Pressed Sunflower Seed Oil – Sourced from the Hudson Valley, this antioxidant-rich oil is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It supports skin health by providing deep hydration and protection against environmental stressors.
- Honey – A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin, honey helps to soothe and nourish dry or sensitive skin. Locally harvested from the Hudson Valley, it adds a touch of gentle hydration while enhancing the soap’s natural conditioning properties.
Together, these ingredients create a bar that is gentle yet effective, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and soft after each use.
Explore Our Soap Varieties
We offer five different types of handcrafted soaps, each designed to suit a variety of preferences and skin needs.
Classic & Aromatic Bar Soaps
For those who love timeless, beautifully scented soaps, our classic collection features:
- Lavender – A floral, herbal, and woodsy favorite.
- Green Tea & Bergamot – Earthy, fresh Green Tea meets the delicate citrus of Bergamot.
- Citrus – A bright and uplifting blend of Orange, Lime, and Red Mandarin.
- Grateful Hippie Patchouli – A rich, musky, and sweet bohemian blend.
- Peppermint – Light, refreshing, and cooling—perfect for an invigorating wash.
- Sandalwood – Deep, earthy, and warm with a luxurious feel.
- Oh My Oatmeal – A cozy blend of Cinnamon and warm Vanilla.
Goat Milk Bar Soaps
Goat Milk is known for its skin-soothing and nourishing properties. Our Goat Milk soaps include:
- Lavender Geranium – A gentle blend of floral Lavender and fresh Geranium.
- Fragrance-Free – Free from fragrance and essential oils, perfect for sensitive skin.
Drunken’ Old Goat Milk Bar Soaps
Made with locally sourced Beer and Goat Milk, these soaps are rich in hops, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.
- Honey Ale – A crisp, fruity scent with warm Honey notes.
- Cheers for Beers – Bright, citrusy Grapefruit inspired by a refreshing IPA.
- Oatmeal Stout – Sweet and warm with notes of Oatmeal, Orange Peel, Butterscotch, and Vanilla.
Exfoliating Bar Soaps
For those who love a deeper cleanse, our exfoliating soaps include:
- Gotta Grow Gardening Soap – A heavy-grit exfoliating bar with fresh Mint and zesty Grapefruit.
- Coffee & Cream – Medium-grit exfoliation with freshly brewed Coffee, Sugar, and Cream, blended with locally sourced Coffee.
Goat Milk Shaving Soaps
For those looking for traditional shaving soap, we offer:
- Bay Rum – this classic blend of Sweet Rum and warm Vanilla is blending with clay to exfoliate and get a smooth, clean shave.
- Fragrance Free – Free from fragrance and essential oils, perfect for the most sensitive skin.
No matter your preference, we have a soap that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, nourished, and beautifully scented.
Experience the Difference
At Hudson Valley Skin Care, we believe in creating products that are as good for the earth as they are for your skin. By using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods, we ensure that every bar of soap provides the best possible care for your skin. Try one (or a few) of our handcrafted soaps today and feel the difference!
