I admit it: I’m a perfect fool for a good back massage. Many of my friends agree, but some bemoan the mess made by massage oils, which can leak from bottles or run where you don’t want them to. Kettlepot Soap has found a better way: they offer massage bars. Think of these as massage oils in a solid form. They’re round, decorative disks (with a moon-and-star design on the front) that melt on contact with skin. They provide plenty of “slip” for a good massage. And, because the various oils and butters used don’t sink into your skin immediately, you’ll just have to be brave and let someone massage your back for a little longer! If you’re not into back massages, these bars make fine moisturizers, too.
But Kettlepot Soap isn’t just a one-trick pony. They offer Lip Lotion (also a solid, in a convenient tube), bar soap, sugar scrubs, and their Eucalyptus Mint Magic Liquid Soap. I haven’t tried the latter, but it contains several oils that are natural antibiotics. You get the benefit of a soap that combines mildness with antibiotic qualities, without the hazardous chemicals so prevalent in other brands (those chemicals aren’t good for you or for our ecosystem). What’s even more unusual is that the Eucalyptus Mint Magic soap doesn’t start with a purchased, pre-made soap base; it’s made from scratch.
It’s common for manufacturers of soaps, lotions, and the like to offer their products in a choice of fragrances. But how many allow you to choose the fragrance you’d like in your massage bar or lip lotion AND have such a wide range of scents from which to choose? You have to see Kettlepot Soap’s roster of fragrances, which is so wide-ranging it had to be split into two sections. Some are adaptations of popular scents in other companies’ products, but many I’ve seen nowhere else. I love the Mandarin Orange and the Dreamy, Creamy Coconut, as well as the Ruby Red Grapefruit and Vanilla Bean. But if you’re fond of florals, perhaps the Black Orchid or Lily of the Valley would suit you better. Woodsy scents, more masculine fragrances, herbals the choices go on and on.
All products made by Kettlepot Soap can be scented with either essential oils or fragrance oils. I did not realize there was any significant difference between the two. However, it was explained to me that essential oils are extracted from plants, while fragrance oils often contain essential oils but will also contain synthetic fragrance components. Some people are concerned about the use of synthetic fragrance ingredients and might prefer products with essential oils instead. Conversely, others have allergies to particular plants, and they might opt for products with fragrance oils. So it’s nice to have the choice.
The soaps here are well-suited to gift-giving. For instance, find the bar soaps; take a look at Pixie Dust or Hocus Pocus or Berry Blast. Lots of splashes of color, along with some uncommon scents. Available soaps change frequently, depending upon what’s been sold, what’s curing, and sometimes, the season. There are even Sampler Packs in several sizes. And I like the idea of these body care products for bridal showers and favors. It’s something a little different, and you’ll have no doubt about whether the favors will be enjoyed and appreciated.
Ingredients in these products that above a 4 in EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database:
Massage Bar: fragrance* (8)
Bar Soap: fragrance oil* (8)
Lip Lotion: zinc oxide (4 to 10, depending upon product use)
Note: Lip Lotions may contain cosmetic grade colorant, an optional ingredient; Skin Deep has no rating for this.
*The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Read more here.