Ida's Soap Box

Most people think of henna as simply a hair coloring product. Although it may be best known for providing vibrant red color, henna is also great for hair care. Henna is a natural deep conditioner that coats the hair shaft, seals in moisture and natural oils, tightens the cuticle, enhances body, adds loads of shine and makes hair silky soft.

Has your bar of natural soap ever left the shower? If the answer is no, we think it’s time for it to explore! There are many places you can bring natural soap, and even people who have been using it for a long time may appreciate these ways to include more natural products into your traditional routines.

If you are asking the question: Do you use lye (sodium hydroxide) to make Chagrin Valley Natural Soap? The answer is... of course. No lye . . . No soap! If you are asking the question: Is there lye in a bar of Chagrin Valley soap or shampoo? The answer is "No."

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?