FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Solitude Soapworks different from other handmade soap brands?
We don’t just make soap, we craft small-batch, signature-scented experiences using natural ingredients and a whole lot of love. From wild-foraged chaga to birch sap, goat milk, and tallow, everything is chosen for both skin benefits and sensory joy. Our products are made in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks, and most of our scents are hand-blended and unique to Solitude Soapworks.
Is everything really handmade?
Yes! Every soap, body butter, scrub, spray, and incense stick is handmade by Jenn, founder, formulator, label-sticker, and scent blender. No big machines. No outsourcing. Just two hands and a lot of care.
Are your products safe for sensitive or mature skin?
Many of them are. Our skincare line was created with aging and sensitive skin in mind, using gentle ingredients like rosehip, chaga, watermelon seed oil, and bakuchiol. We also avoid harsh sulfates, synthetic dyes, and unnecessary fillers.
Do you use artificial fragrances?
Our scents are a mix of high-quality fragrance oils and essential oils. We don’t use anything overpowering, and most of our blends are carefully formulated to be complex but gentle. Our fragrances are phthalate and paraben-free, cruelty-free free and some are vegan. All are chosen for scent quality, skin safety, and staying power.
Do you offer vegan options?
Absolutely. While some of our soaps contain goat milk or tallow, we offer a full range of vegan products, including our body butters. Each product listing notes whether it’s vegan-friendly.
Do you test on animals?
Never. We test on willing humans — usually ourselves and our friends — not animals. We’re also an animal-loving household, so that’s a hard no from us.
Where are your products made?
Right here in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, in a tiny studio nestled in the High Peaks Region. Our surroundings inspire everything from the scent names to the ingredients we forage or source locally when we can.
Do you take custom orders or private label?
Yes! We offer private label, custom scent blending, and event favors on a limited basis. If you're looking for something special for your shop, wedding, or event, reach out via our contact form — we’d love to chat.
Where can I buy your products?
You can shop online right here on our website or find us in person at local farmers' markets and events throughout Essex, Clinton, and Franklin Counties in Northern New York. Check our Events page or follow us on Instagram for updates on where we’ll be next.
How should I store my soap to make it last longer?
Keep it dry between uses! Use a soap dish that drains well, and avoid letting it sit in standing water. Handmade soap lasts much longer when it’s allowed to dry out fully.
How do I use your solid lotion sticks?
Our solid lotion sticks are ultra-moisturizing and easy to use. Just glide the stick over warm skin — hands, heels, elbows — and gently rub it in. They melt on contact and absorb quickly without leaving you greasy. Perfect for dry skin on the go.
How long do your incense sticks and cones burn?
Our incense sticks burn for 40 to 60 minutes depending on airflow and placement. Cones typically burn for 20 to 30 minutes. Always burn in a well-ventilated area on a heat-safe surface.
What's the best way to layer your skincare products?
Layering is key! Here’s how we recommend using our skincare products for best results:
Morning Routine:- Cleanse with your favorite gentle cleanser
- Apply toner or hydrosol
- Use our Vitamin C Serum
- Follow with Hydrating Face & Eye Gel
- Apply Solitude Radiance Bakuchiol Face Oil
- Finish with either our Ceramide Cream Gel or Watermelon Seed Oil Moisturizer
- Top it off with SPF 30 or higher
- Cleanse skin
- Toner or hydrosol of choice
- (Optional) Vitamin C Serum
- Hydrating Face & Eye Gel
- Solitude Radiance Bakuchiol Face Oil
- Moisturize with Ceramide Cream Gel or Watermelon Seed Oil
When should I use your body butters and body oils?
You can use them anytime your skin needs a moisture boost, but they give you the most bang for your buck right after a shower or bath. Apply while your skin is still damp to help lock in all that hydration and leave your skin feeling soft, nourished, and pampered.
Quick Help
Do you accept returns?
Due to the personal nature of skincare, all sales are final. That said, if something isn’t right, reach out — we want you to be happy and we’ll always try to make it right.
When will my order ship?
Most orders ship within 3–5 business days. During busy seasons or market weekends, it may take a bit longer, but we promise it’s worth the wait.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this time. We currently ship within the United States.
What if my order arrives damaged?
We pack with care, but sometimes things happen in transit. Snap a pic and email us at hello @ solitudesoapworks dot com we’ll take care of it.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s placed?
If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we’ll do our best. Email us as soon as possible with your order number and the change you need.