Ida's Soap Box

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) reported on August 30, 2013, that independent testing revealed that cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), a cancer-causing chemical, was discovered in 98 shampoos, soaps and other personal care products sold by major national retailers.

Labor Day is so much a part of our culture that we rarely pause to consider its purpose and meaning. Labor Day is often more associated with fairs and a long weekend, than its original meaning -- a celebration of workers.

As Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve grew, we began shipping to countries all over this wide, wide world. We now have a world map in our shop with push-pins on each country to which we ship. I get so excited each time I place a new pin the map, but more importantly, the map has been a fascinating study in geography.

Human skin is really amazing and has many functions. From the day we are born, it is our first line of defense against germs, prevents excessive water loss from our bodies, insulates us from heat and cold, and helps regulate our body temperature. Our skin is so sensitive that we can feel the weight of a fly.