Does Fresh Intentions still donate to local non-profits? Which non-profits benefit?

Yes, part of the core values of our company includes giving back (intentionally) and doing so in a matter that can significantly help our community. In prior years, we donated soap for each bar purchased. Moving forward, we will be donating 10% of profits to local organizations, so we can serve additional non-profits. We will be choosing a non-profit each quarter and posting it on our social media. Please feel free to suggest an organization through our Contact page or social media.

Your ingredients say the bar soap contains lye (sodium hydroxide). Is that safe? Does that damage your skin?

Short answer - our soap is safe and good for most skin types.

Lye, which is sodium hydroxide, has been used since ancient Babylon and ancient Egypt to create soaps and cleaning products. Lye is required in the cold process method used by Fresh Intentions. In the cold process method, the correct ration of lye mixed with oils and fats creates a chemical reaction called saponification. At the correct ratio of our recipes, lye is transformed and does not remain in the final soap product. Uncured, raw soap is dangerous and can harm the skin, eyes, etc., like you may have seen on tv or movies.

Why does Fresh Intentions use the cold process method to make bar soaps?

Even though the cold process method for soap making does take longer and more work, our soap is made from hand-picked, natural oils and the soap is able to maintain more natural glycerin. This is good for your skin and helps the skin get clean without requiring harsh chemicals which often strip the skin of all oils or leave synthetics on your skin.

How long does it take to make the bar soap?

Each batch of Fresh Intentions’ soap takes a few hours to weigh, mix, and process. Then the batch must dry slightly before being cut. The bars are hand-cut and then dried for at least 4 to 6 weeks depending on the batch. This allows the saponification process to be completed and the excess moisture to evaporate. It leaves our customers with a more solid, longer lasting bar.

How do I make my soap last longer?

All handmade soap should be placed in a cool, dry location between uses to extend the bar’s life. Keeping a bar in a tray or shower ledge that does not drain will result in a mushy, melting soap bar. We recommend a soap saver bag found here or a tray where the soap can drain well.

Why doesn’t Fresh Intentions ship their products?

The cost, time, and environmental impact are factors in this decision making. Additionally, we hope individuals will locate small businesses in their surrounding communities that they can support.

Do you take any custom orders? How does that work?

Yes, we accept custom orders depending on the timing. Custom orders require 6 to 8 weeks of lead time. Please complete the custom order request form with details, and we will contact you within 48 hours. Delivery may be available for custom orders.

How can I pay cash for orders?

Please contact us to check-out and pay cash for your order. Use the Contact page or email dan@fresh-intentions.com for assistance.

Why does Fresh Intentions try to remain plastic-free?

Even when products may be slightly more in cost than plastic, there is typically an adequate alternative to plastic. We believe that these small changes to stop buying single-use plastics matters.

Does Fresh Intentions have any products with tallow or goat milk?

At this time, we do not have any products with tallow or goat milk. While animal fats and milk can be extremely nourishing to the skin, they require different recipes and processing.

Why do some soaps have essential oils and other than have fragrance oils? Are your essential oils from name brands?

Fresh Intentions sources pure, clean essential oils that meet International Fragrance Association guidelines for the amount used per ounce of base oil. We buy high-quality, tested essential oils to ensure a safe product for our customers. We do not use essential oils only from one manufacturer.
Many fragrance oils contain essential oils with mixtures of other compounds to produce a fragrance. Some scents cannot be achieved as well without fragrance oils, so we use both to provide our customers with different options.

I have heard fragrance oils aren’t safe. Why do some of your products contain fragrance oils?

The fragrance oils used by Fresh Intentions are carefully sourced and exceed Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) standards. The fragrances we use are manufactured without toxins, mutagens, and carcinogens. We will continue to evaluate the safest fragrance oils and use safe, pure essential oils when possible.

Where is Fresh Intentions located? Is there a store-front?

Fresh Intentions is headquartered from our home in Caledonia, MI (just south of Grand Rapids). We don’t have a store-front at this time but continue to work through potential locations and partnerships. Follow us on social media for any updates.

Please contact us with any other questions!