FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ASHABON
What makes Ashabon different from other liquid soaps?
Ashabon is handcrafted in Portugal using a traditional method that dates back centuries. Instead of industrial detergents, we make real liquid Castile soap from organic plant oils and potash lye derived from wood ash. The result is a gentle, biodegradable soap that cares for both your skin and the environment.
What is Castile soap?
Castile soap is a true soap made entirely from organic oils rather than synthetic detergents. Traditionally it was made with olive oil, producing a mild, nourishing cleanser suitable for everyday use.
Is Ashabon really handmade?
Yes. Every batch is slowly cooked over many hours, carefully monitored by hand, and bottled in small batches. We believe traditional craftsmanship creates a better soap than mass production.
Ingredients
What ingredients do you use?
Our soap contains only carefully selected ingredients:
– Organic olive oil
– Organic coconut oil (Premium formulas)
– Organic castor oil (Premium formulas)
– Potash lye made from wood ash
– Spring water
– Pure essential oils (in scented varieties)
Nothing more than what is needed.
What ingredients do you NOT use?
You’ll never find:
– SLS or SLES
– Synthetic detergents
– Parabens
– Silicones
– Artificial fragrances
– Artificial colours
– Petroleum ingredients
What is potash lye?
Potash lye is potassium hydroxide used for making liquid soap. Traditionally it was produced by filtering rainwater through hardwood ashes. We continue using this traditional approach rather than relying on industrially manufactured sodium-based soap.
What is wood ash lye?
Wood ash lye is the traditional alkaline solution obtained by leaching hardwood ashes with water. Historically it was the original ingredient used by soap makers long before commercial chemicals became available.
Is there any lye left in the finished soap?
No.
During soapmaking the lye reacts completely with the oils in a process called saponification. The finished soap contains no active lye—it has been transformed into soap and natural glycerin.
Does your soap contain natural glycerin?
Yes.
Unlike many commercial soaps where glycerin is removed and sold separately, our soap naturally retains the glycerin created during the soapmaking process.
SKIN & HAIR
Is Ashabon suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes.
Our formulas are free from harsh detergents and unnecessary additives, making them suitable for many people with sensitive skin. We also offer an Unscented version for those who prefer no essential oils.
Can I wash my face with it?
Absolutely.
Our soap gently cleanses without leaving synthetic residues. Because everyone’s skin is unique, we recommend trying a small amount first if you have very sensitive facial skin.
Can I wash my hair?
Yes.
Our Premium Body & Hair Castile Soap has been developed specifically for hair and body. Many people enjoy the clean, lightweight feeling it provides.
Why doesn’t it make huge bubbles like supermarket shampoo?
Because foam is not the same as cleaning power.
Commercial shampoos often contain synthetic foaming agents designed to create lots of bubbles. Real soap produces a softer, creamier lather while cleaning just as effectively.
Does more foam mean better cleaning?
No.
Foam mainly creates the feeling of cleaning. What actually cleans is the soap itself. Rich bubbles are often created by synthetic additives rather than the cleansing ingredients.
Why does natural soap sometimes feel different?
Natural soap works with your skin rather than coating it with silicones and synthetic conditioners. After a few uses many people notice their skin feels naturally clean instead of artificially soft.
HOUSEHOLD USE
Can I really use one soap for everything?
Yes.
Ashabon is designed as an all-in-one soap suitable for:
Hands
Face
Body
Hair
Shaving
Dishes
Kitchen surfaces
Bathrooms
Floors
Camping
Laundry (light washing)
Pet washing (where appropriate)
Is it safe for camping?
Yes.
Because our soap is readily biodegradable, it’s an excellent choice for camping and outdoor adventures.
SUSTAINABILTY
Is your soap biodegradable?
Yes.
True Castile soap made from organic oils breaks down naturally and has a much lower environmental impact than synthetic detergents.
Why do you use sugarcane bottles instead of plastic?
Our bottles are made from renewable sugarcane rather than fossil fuels.
They are:
– Fully recyclable
– Durable
– Lightweight
– Lower carbon footprint
– Suitable for refilling many times
Why not glass bottles?
Although glass seems environmentally friendly, it isn’t always the greener choice.
Glass is:
Much heavier to transport
More energy-intensive to produce
More likely to break
Less practical in bathrooms and festivals
More expensive to ship
Our sugarcane bottles reduce transport emissions while remaining fully recyclable and refillable.
Can I refill my bottle?
Yes.
Refilling is one of the foundations of Ashabon. We encourage customers to reuse their bottles again and again, reducing waste and unnecessary packaging.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Is your soap antibacterial?
Soap naturally removes dirt, oils and many microorganisms by lifting them from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Proper hand washing with soap remains one of the most effective ways to maintain good hygiene.
Is your soap pH neutral?
No.
True soap naturally has a mildly alkaline pH, typically around 8–9. This is normal for real soap and differs from synthetic cleansers formulated to be pH balanced.
Does alkaline soap damage the skin?
For most people, no.
Healthy skin naturally restores its own slightly acidic surface after washing. Because Ashabon contains nourishing plant oils and natural glycerin, many people find it gentle enough for daily use.
Can children use it?
Yes.
Our Unscented soap is often the preferred choice for young children and those with very sensitive skin. As with any cleanser, avoid contact with the eyes.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Our Unscented soap contains no essential oils and is generally the simplest choice during pregnancy. If choosing scented varieties, consult your healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding specific essential oils.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Why do you use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
We choose pure essential oils because they come directly from plants and provide their natural aroma without synthetic perfume blends and no added chemicals.
Are the scented soaps heavily perfumed?
No.
We use relatively low amounts of essential oils, allowing the natural character of the soap to remain while offering a subtle, pleasant fragrance.
TRADITIONAL SOAP MAKING
Why do you still make soap the traditional way?
Because we believe slower is better.
Traditional soap-making preserves craftsmanship, allows greater control over every batch, and creates a product made with care rather than speed, using only natural simple ingredients.
Why does your soap sometimes vary slightly in colour?
Natural ingredients change with the seasons.
Olive oil, essential oils and even wood ash can vary slightly from batch to batch. These small differences are a sign of authentic handmade production rather than factory standardisation.
Why is handmade soap more expensive than supermarket soap?
Industrial soaps are designed for mass production using inexpensive synthetic ingredients.
Ashabon is handcrafted in small batches using organic oils, traditional methods, renewable packaging, and a slow cooking process that can take over 30 hours. You’re supporting craftsmanship, sustainability, and a product made with care rather than compromise.