Ida's Soap Box

Are you looking for natural soaps made with real organic ingredients? Sadly, reading labels provides little help and can be very confusing. Soap is a special case when it comes to labeling—it seems there are no rules. The FDA does not require the ingredients to be listed on a bar of soap and these days the word “natural” has little meaning and the word “organic” has been hijacked as a marketing tool. So how can you make good choices?

Truth in labeling is important to Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve. Educated, informed consumers make the best choices. We Make Our "Organic" Soap and Shampoo as Organic as Possible. Since it is impossible to make real soap without lye and organic lye does not exist, there is no such thing as a "100% organic" soap or even "organic" soap based on the three-tier system of the USDA National Organic Program.

I love your products. I first discovered them a few years ago when I discovered solid shampoo bars, and was looking for ones without sodium lauryl sulfate and added chemicals (and ones that weren't as expensive). Today, I am hooked on your products and the few times I've had to go back to regular shampoos and conditioners, my hair has been a disaster.

The versatility of vinegar has been known for thousands of years. The Babylonians were the first to flavor vinegar with herbs and spices and in 400 B.C. Hippocrates described its medicinal properties. From skin and hair care, to the kitchen and cleaning cupboard, vinegar is one of the most useful products to have in your home, especially with the addition of therapeutic and/or flavorful herbs.