Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What other products do I need?
ANSWER:

The Gypsy Rose Lavender, Clay & Apple Cider Facial soap mixture is a multi-purpose product, you do not require any other facial cleansing product to remove your face makeup. Nor do you need additional moisturisers or toners. We do suggest however, that you use Gypsy Rose Rosehip oil to remove your eye makeup and  in drying weather can pat a light  moisturising film on face  after using facial soap mixture. 

QUESTION: Can I alternate between the three soap mixtures?
ANSWER:

Yes, you can alternate between the 3 soap mixtures depending on daily conditions. Or you can even combine the soaps for certain areas of your face; eg. use the Lavender, Clay and Apple Cider on oily,  acne -prone areas &/or T-zone, and the Paw paw,  carrot and orange on the outside dry areas of your face. 

QUESTION: How long will the product last
ANSWER:

The product will last approximately minimum 3-6 months with normal facial use  of once a day, as it does not dissolve easily. We suggest using the product, once a day in winter and twice in summer. It has been known to last over 6 mths.

QUESTION: How do I store the product?
ANSWER:

To store, use our soap storage tin for long lasting freshness. Cut 1/4 slice as needed using a separate piece for body and face. The tin will hold 2 soaps. 

QUESTION: What are Hydroxides?
ANSWER:

Hydroxides are usually sodium and/or potassium hydroxides, commonly known as soda lye, potash or caustic soda.  True soap occurs in plants such as Soapbark (Quillaja saponaria), Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) and Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) all containing main ingredient ‘Saponin’ which forms the foamy lather. The original recipe for soap was a fat (animal or vegetable) combined with ‘woodash’ (creating reaction of the alkalies in the ashes from a cooking fire) with water added to it (as a vehicle for the alkali).

The purist form of this process today would be a true premium ‘castille’ soap made on 100% olive oil, unfortunately very few remain true to the original historical formulations without the additives of synthetic surfactants etc.  Hydroxides is the synthesised version of this alkali and having a strong alkaline base that converts all those gorgeous cold -pressed oils,fruits,honeys & apple cider vinegar into a hard long lasting soap. Using a very low % of hydroxides and if the soap has been saponified and matured correctly the hydroxides are not present in soaps end result and contribute to a soap that leaves your skin soft. Without this ingredient and process your soap would be gone in 2-3 washes and would dry your skin out!

Saponification is a name also given to the above chemical alkali reaction. Saponified oils (i.e. coconut ) on other soaps ingredients list is simply a name now used for oils i.e. coconut oil that has undergone the above process with a synthetic alkali-being no more natural than a quality soap made using sodium and/or potassim hydroxides, commonly known as soda lye,potash or caustic soda. Commercial soaps can be not only too alkaline but these days also add all sorts of synthetic chemical cocktails to aid as preservatives, moisturising agents, anti-microbials & cleansers. This of course can be harsh and drying and has given the good old fashioned high quality ‘simple natural handmade processed’ soap of yesteryear a bad name.

QUESTION: Why are facial soaps so expensive, aren’t they just soap?
ANSWER:

All soaps are not created equal! Try our soap mixture, and you will instantly see the difference between the Gypsy Rose range of soaps, and others. If you use our soap mixture correctly – following the instructions on the “instructions for use tab” you will be amazed at the softness of your skin. You will feel the difference that our cold pressed oil combinations make to the suppleness and elasticity of their skin. Remember: all Gypsy Rose products are handmade and cured using quality cold-pressed oils and vinegars. 

QUESTION: Why do you use Palm Oil in your soaps and where do you source it from?
ANSWER:

We use palm oil, in our formula because:

1. It makes our product last-longer, having an environmentally friendly footprint.
2. It is sourced from ethical sources and  eco -friendly plantations.
3. It reacts with the other oils to create  the  optimal moisturising effect, as well as the 3 multi-purpose actions cleansing, toning & moisturising (exfoliating at the same time).

We source our Palm oil through an Australian company that has validated with us that our source is an active participant of the “Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)” RSPO is a not for profit association established under Article 60 of the Swiss Civil Code, and requires participants to stop deforestation through the conservation of High Carbon Stock forests including secondary forests by establishing mechanisms to trace the origin of the oil. Our Palm Oil is sourced only from well established 20yrs +) Palm Oil plantations that were converted from rubber plantations. There is no implications of present or planned destruction in these areas and none of them are located in Borneo or Sumatra.