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Natural Soap: Coffee & Clove

Name: Natural Soap: Coffee & Clove
Brand: Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve
SKU: sjava
Price: 11.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)

A boldly exfoliating soap made with real coffee grounds, bamboo charcoal, and a warm, spicy essential oil blend. Enriched with shea and cocoa butters, this scrubby bar delivers a deep, satisfying clean with a rich lather — ideal for hands that work hard and skin that enjoys a little grit.

Size:

Full Bar 5.6 oz

Travel Size Bar 1.7 oz

$11.95

Bundle & Save 10%

Product Overview

Good For: Exfoliation • Normal to Oily Skin

Coffee & Clove was originally created as a hardworking hand soap — and it still shines there — but many people quickly discovered it’s just as satisfying in the shower. This is not a delicate bar. It’s bold, scrubby, and unapologetically effective.

The lather is rich and creamy, carrying freshly ground coffee, charcoal, and botanicals across the skin with a noticeable grit. As you wash, the exfoliation feels purposeful and invigorating — especially welcome after gardening, cooking, or working with your hands.

The blend of coffee, charcoal, and essential oils helps lift away lingering kitchen and workshop odors, leaving hands feeling clean and refreshed, with richness from the butters keeping the experience balanced.

The aroma is warm and unmistakable. Freshly brewed coffee anchors the scent, while clove and anise add spicy depth and comfort. It’s the kind of fragrance that feels grounding and familiar — like a well-worn workspace or a favorite mug in the morning.

This is a soap for people who like their cleanser to do something. Strong, practical, and deeply satisfying, it earns its place by the sink, in the shower, or wherever hard work happens.

Note: Because of its scrubby texture and bold essential oil blend, this soap is not recommended for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Ingredients Behind the Feel

Every ingredient in this soap is chosen for a reason. Thoughtfully combined, they work together to create something richer than a simple cleanse — a carefully crafted bar that goes beyond ordinary soap.

Highlights of this recipe:

Freshly Brewed Coffee & Ground Coffee Beans — Provide exfoliation and a rich, familiar aroma.
Essential Oil Blend — A bold, aromatic mix of anise, warm clove and cinnamon, and crisp herbal notes from eucalyptus and rosemary.
Activated Bamboo Charcoal — Adds a fine mineral grit and contributes to the bar’s deep-clean feel.
Unrefined Shea & Cocoa Butters — Balance the scrubby elements with richness and comfort during cleansing.

Aroma, Texture & Lather Notes

Aroma: A warm, spicy, and invigorating blend with sweet, licorice-like undertones, bright citrus lifts, and herbaceous freshness.
Texture: Firm bar with coarse coffee grounds and fine charcoal throughout.
Lather: Rich and creamy, designed to carry heavy exfoliation evenly across the skin.
Exfoliation: Scrubby — from coffee grounds and charcoal.

👉 Learn more about our Aroma, Texture & Lather notes

Formulation Notes

Made with REAL freshly brewed coffee, not coffee fragrance oil
Generously superfatted to balance exfoliation
Made for hardworking hands, but no rules against using it head to toe
Not recommended for sensitive or reactive skin
Naturally scented with certified organic essential oils

Bold scrub. Warm spice. Built for hands that work hard.

How To Use

What Should I Use With My Natural Soap to Clean My Body?

organic-natural-soap-lather The purpose of soap is to combine with oil and dirt on the body, which allows water to wash it away. The method you use to cleanse your skin is really a personal preference. We thought we would share just a few examples.

Bar Bathers rub the bar directly on their skin to create a creamy lather. Massaging the velvety lather into your skin before rinsing allows you to experience the best moisturizing properties of the soap. This is definitely the best way to use exfoliating soaps.

Hand Latherers create lather in their clean hands and use the lather to massage and wash the skin. This gentle, mild cleansing method may be good for those with sensitive skin.

Washcloth Washers use a washcloth to lather up. Washcloths are made out of lots of different textile textures, from soft cotton to agave fibers, and can provide very gentle to intense exfoliation. Be sure washcloths are laundered and dried often.

Puff Polishers use a mesh puff that works up a foamy, bubbly lather, even with hard water, to wash and gently exfoliate the skin. Poofs make natural soap last longer but can harbor bacteria, so rinse thoroughly after use and replace every few weeks or clean per manufacturer's instructions.

Loofah Latherers love their loofahs that exfoliate and help increase circulation. Whole loofahs can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so be sure they dry out properly after use and replace them every two months. If you would like something less abrasive, check out our Bath & Body Accessories.

Soap Sackers place their soap into a nylon soap bag. The fibers have a smooth texture for gentle cleansing. Soap sacks can be used for whole bars of soap or scraps that would normally be thrown away.

There is a large variety of bathing accessories available. If using any accessory, never share them with others and replace or clean them often.

FAQs

Effective, Feel Good Ingredients

The goal is simple: to Harness the Power & Simplicity of Nature® to cleanse, soothe, heal,  and protect your skin and hair!

Our unique formulas rely on moisturizing oils and butters, healing botanicals, and pure essential oils. We choose every ingredient with one end-result in mind….the BEST possible natural skin care for YOU!

Featured Ingredients

Organic Coffee Beans*

Organic coffee brings more than a great aroma. Rich in antioxidants and naturally occurring caffeine, coffee helps gently exfoliate, boost circulation, and refresh tired skin. Used whole, brewed, or infused in oil, it adds energy, smoothness, and a revitalizing touch to skin and hair care. *Fair Trade Certified Read More

Bamboo Charcoal

Bamboo Charcoal is a highly adsorptive ingredient used to deeply cleanse skin and scalp. Its porous structure helps bind oil, debris, and surface impurities, supporting clearer-looking skin and refreshed hair. We use it in products designed for oily, acne-prone, or buildup-prone skin and scalp. Read More

Organic Anise Essential Oil

Anise seed essential oil has a sweet, licorice-like aroma that helps cleanse skin, discourage acne-causing bacteria, and ease muscle tension when diluted. Emotionally balancing and mildly sedative, it calms anxiety, quiets mental clutter, and supports deeper, more peaceful rest. Read More

All Ingredients

Organic Coconut Oil*

Organic Canola Oil

Organic Palm Oil (Sustainable)

Distilled Water

Organic Coffee Beans*

Sodium Hydroxide^

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Castor Bean Oil

Organic Cocoa Butter*

Organic Virgin Shea Butter*

Bamboo Charcoal

Organic Anise Essential Oil

Organic Clove Bud Essential Oil

Organic Lemon Essential Oil

Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

Organic Cinnamon Essential Oil

Organic Cornstarch

Organic Eucalyptus

Organic Cinnamon

Organic Cloves

Organic Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE)

Contains both brewed coffee and ground coffee

*Ingredient is Fair Trade Certified

^Used in the saponification process to turn oil into soap and glycerin. None remains in the finished product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Wash Your Hands To Help Stay Healthy

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that for good hand hygiene all you need is plain soap and water.

Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community.

Five simple and effective steps can help reduce the spread of illness so you, your family, your friends and the general public can stay healthy.

Hand washing is a win for everyone . . . except for the germs!

CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective hand washing was developed based on data from a number of studies.

Wash often and follow these five steps every time you wash your hands!

1. Wet your hands with clean, warm running water and apply soap.

When dealing with cold and flu viruses, as you wash your hands the soap molecule burrows its way into the fatty envelope of a virus and literally pulls the virus apart.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.

Soap and friction help lift dirt, grease, and microbes—including disease-causing germs—from the skin so they can be rinsed down the drain.
Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin.
The entire hand should be scrubbed. Microbes are present on all of the wrinkly surfaces of the hand, especially under the nails.
How long are 20 seconds? About the amount of time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
The ideal length of time for handwashing can depend on other factors for example, if hands are very dirty or if you are caring for someone is ill.
Evidence suggests that washing hands for about 15-30 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

If you are using a public restroom use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after hands have been rinsed.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

To date, studies have shown that there is no added health benefit for consumers (this does not include professionals in the healthcare setting) using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients compared with using plain soap.

Information is taken from the CDC.gov website

Read our blog "Simple Soap Can Help Decrease the Spread Of Viruses"

View Answer Page

Why Choose Chagrin Valley Natural Soaps

Aren't all handmade natural soaps the same? . . .

The answer is NO!

Saying a soap is "handmade" says nothing about quality of the ingredients or the knowledge and skill of the soapmaker!

Chagrin Valley is not just another soap and skincare company. We are committed to healthy skin, healthy people and a healthy planet.

We are a USDA Certified Organic Company specializing in luxurious, organic, handmade natural soaps and shampoo bars rich in natural glycerin for healthier skin and hair.

It's all about the ingredients! Inspired by our love of nature, we use organic herbs, seeds, flowers, vegetables, fragrant spices, fruits, pure essential oils and purifying clays for their exceptional skincare benefits and to provide natural color, aromatherapy, texture, or gentle exfoliation. Nothing artificial, nothing synthetic, no GMO’s, just natural wholesome ingredients.

Chagrin Valley's Natural Soap & Shampoo Bars Are...

all natural
made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients
handcrafted in small batches using the old-fashioned Cold Process Method
made with sustainable and fair trade ingredients
certified cruelty-free
free of detergents
free of synthetic fragrances
free of synthetic colors
free of artificial preservatives
free of artificial foam boosters
free of alcohol and petroleum products
free of synthetic additives
free of GMOs
biodegradable
mild and nourishing
rich in natural glycerin
magnificent long-lasting lather
cured for 8 to 10 weeks

Our soap making process uses only natural and organic ingredients. Why add artificial ingredients to a handmade product?

"Are All Handmade Soaps The Same?"

"12 Reasons to Use Natural Soap"

View Answer Page

Don't I need to use antibacterial soap to protect my family from germs?

The Short Answer

NO! Adding antibacterial chemicals to soap does not keep your family safe from germs.

I understand why folks (especially those with children) are choosing products labeled “Antibacterial,” hoping to keep their family safe in the war against germs.

According to Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

"Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water.

In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.”

Simply washing your hands with old-fashioned natural soap and water rids your skin of most fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Soap does not kill germs, it surrounds them and carries them away.

The Long Answer

Please read our blog: Antibacterials: More Harm Than Good!

View Answer Page

Why isn't the USDA Organic or OEFFA Organic Logo On This Product?

USDA Organic Certification was created for food production (not the personal care industry) and as a result is based on organic farming and agriculture standards.

The list of allowable non-agricultural ingredients (like clay, salts, mud, etc) is based on raw materials used in farming. Agricultural ingredients have a biological origin and are made up of carbon. Non-agricultural ingredients have a non-biological origin.

For example, ingredients that come from plants and animals are agricultural, whereas salts, clays, baking soda, pumice, and water are non-agricultural.

Since clays like kaolin and bentonite have farming/agricultural uses, they appear on the list. Unfortunately, ingredients like Pumice, Dead Sea Mud, and Bamboo Charcoal are not used in farming or food production and thus do not appear on the list. Sometimes an ingredient, such as Magnesium Hydroxide, appears on the list but can only be under certain circumstances. Magesium hydroxide can only be used as a nutrient supplement for animals.

Products that contain these ingredients like our Sensitive Skin Deodorants, Clay Facial Masks, and Bamboo Charcoal, Loofah Pumice Foot, and Dead Sea Mud soaps, as well as our Mud & Clay and Rosemary Mint Charcoal Shampoo Bars cannot display any organic symbol or even state that they are organic.

Since we are a certified organic company, we must follow the rules of the USDA. Even though these products are made with certified organic ingredients that meet the same rigorous standards as those required for our "Organic" products, we cannot call them "organic." Sadly if you are not a USDA Certified Organic company, you can do whatever you want :-(

For more detailed information, please read our blog, "What Do All of the Organic Labels Mean?"

View Answer Page

Why Does the Smell of Natural Soap and Shampoo Bars Made with Essential Oils Change?

My natural soap bar doesn't smell the same as the last one

We sometimes receive emails that go like this:

I just reordered [some soap]. It is my favorite bar but it does not smell the same. Did you change the recipe?
This name of this bar is "lavender . . . " but I smell more of the other essential oils than lavender. Why do you call it lavender?

The good news is that when you purchase natural soap from an organic skincare company, it is scented with only pure essential oils.

The bad news is that when you purchase natural soap from an organic skincare company, it is scented with only pure essential oil.

The scent of an essential in any totally natural product can and will change over time and from batch to batch.

Essential Oils are a Natural Ingredient

Essential oils come from nature. The quality and scent of essential oils are affected by yearly weather conditions and varies from crop to crop and region to region.

This makes it very difficult to produce finished products in which the scents are always exactly the same.

Most commercial soaps (and skincare products), even some of the "natural" ones that contain some essential oils, are made with at least some synthetic fragrances oils, nature identical oil, or natural fragrance oil. Using any synthetic fragrance ensures a more consistent scent.

Essential oils are temperamental to work under any circumstance. But while a natural essential oil scent blend may change a bit in a cream or oil, these blends are especially unpredictable when making cold processed natural soap.

After all my years of soap making in never ceases to amaze me just how much the actual soap making process changes the scent of an essential oil blend.

View related natural skin care blogs

Natural Soap and Essential Oils

Why We Use Only Real Plant Essential Oils?

Natural Fragrance Oil? . . . Really?

Why Are Synthetic Fragrance Oils So Popular?

View Answer Page

What Do The Different Organic Symbols Mean?

We use two different organic symbols on our website.

Each symbol has a unique definition!

Organic Labels

The "certified organic" labeling has been developed by the USDA and refers to organic claims and labeling on food and personal care products in the United States. The USDA has very strict guidelines for the percentage of organic ingredients necessary to receive organic certification. Other countries have their own certification procedures, requirements, and standards. Labeling criteria and allowable ingredients differ from those in the US.

The USDA Organic Logo Label can be used on products that meet the standards of the first two tiers of the organic labeling system in which 95 - 100% of the ingredients are certified organic.

Most of our non-soap products fall into this category and display the USDA logo!

OEFFA is a USDA accredited organic certification agency The Certified Organic by OEFFA label is used in our company for two reasons . . .

Soaps and Shampoos: These products contain at least 8% of the sodium hydroxide due to the process of soapmaking. Our "organic" soap is about 87% to 92% organic, but the USDA standard states that a product must be made of 95-100% organic ingredients in order to bear the USDA Certified Organic seal shown above. We are also not allowed to use the words "organic soap" on the label.

Wildharvested Ingredients: When using any agricultural ingredient (any ingredient that has a biological origin) that is not certified organic the same labeling rules we use for soap apply.

The USDA rules for proper labeling state that the products may display the certifying agent's logo but not the USDA organic logo. Our USDA certifying agency is OEFFA (The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association). Their logo is displayed on our "organic" soaps and shampoos.

Why do some soap companies use the word "organic" on their labels--even though it is against the rules? Click Here to Read More about Rules for Organic Labeling of Soap!

Unofficial Labels

We sometimes use an unofficial symbol for products made with "natural" ingredients that do not meet the criteria for either label above. You may see this type of symbol on products, like the Dead Sea Black Clay, Bamboo Charcoal, and Loofah Pumice Foot Soaps and our Mud & Clay and Rosemary Mint Charcoal Shampoo Bars.

Organic certification is based on organic farming and agriculture standards. As a result, the list of allowable non-agricultural ingredients (like clay, salt, mud etc) is based on raw materials used in agriculture or food production. Unfortunately, ingredients like some Clays, Pumice, Dead Sea Mud and Bamboo Charcoal are not used in farming or food production and thus do not appear on the list.

Although it may seem long, this is really a very brief description. For more detailed information please read, "What Do All Of The Organic Labels Mean?"

View Answer Page

Biodegradable Natural Soap?

Are Chagrin Valley Natural Soaps and Shampoo Bars Biodegradable?

Yes, they are!

Chagrin Valley natural soap and shampoo bars are made with natural and organic ingredients and are biodegradable when used properly.

They’re thoughtfully crafted to break down naturally in the environment, which makes them a responsible choice for everyday use and for outdoor adventures when used with care.

What Does “Biodegradable” Mean?

By definition, biodegradable means capable of being broken down by living organisms, such as naturally occurring bacteria, into simpler substances that are not harmful to the environment.

Natural soap made with plant oils, butters, and clays can biodegrade efficiently — but where and how it’s used matters.

A Note for Campers and Backpackers About Biodegradable Soap

Bringing a biodegradable soap on a camping or backpacking trip is a wonderful way to stay comfortable and refreshed outdoors. However, even biodegradable soap should never be used directly in lakes, rivers, or streams.

Biodegradable Camping Soap

You may see claims online suggesting that biodegradable soap or shampoo is safe to use directly in rivers and streams.

While these claims are often made with good intentions, they overlook an important part of how biodegradation actually works.

Here’s why:

The bacteria responsible for breaking down natural soap live primarily in soil, not water.

That means soap — even biodegradable soap — breaks down most effectively when it comes into contact with organic soil, not freshwater sources.

Even biodegradable soap will pollute lakes and streams if it is not used properly.

So while our soaps are biodegradable, they are designed for mindful outdoor use, not for bathing, washing dishes, or cleansing directly in natural water sources.

How to Use Biodegradable Soap Responsibly Outdoors

A few simple practices help protect waterways and support natural breakdown:

Carry water at least 200 feet away from lakes, rivers, and streams before using soap.
Use soap sparingly — a little goes a long way.
Always dispose of grey water into the soil, not into a water source.
Spread grey water over a wide area rather than pouring it all in one spot.
- You can gently scatter small amounts in an arc.
- Or pour the water into a small hole (similar to a cathole) so it can filter through the soil.

These methods help surround the soap with organic matter, speed up decomposition, and reduce runoff.

Is Natural Soap Really Better for Camping?

Yes — when used responsibly.

Many commercial soaps, body washes, shampoos, and dish detergents contain synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrances and colors, and chemical preservatives.

Since these ingredients do not break down quickly, traces can persist in the environment for many, many years and can have a potential negative impact on plants and animals.

A biodegradable natural soap made with plant-based ingredients breaks down more readily when exposed to soil bacteria, making it a far better choice for outdoor use — as long as it’s used thoughtfully and away from waterways.

A Simple Guiding Principle

Biodegradable doesn’t mean anywhere.
It means used with intention and respect for nature.

That philosophy is at the heart of how we make our soaps — and how we encourage them to be used.

There’s no substitute for nature. Together, we can protect it from impacts like overuse, trash, and harming endangered wildlife by following the principles of "Leave No Trace."

View Answer Page

Do Your Natural Soap And Shampoo Bars Have An Expiration Date?

The Short Answer

Yes And No!

Although handmade natural soaps usually get better with age, we recommend using our soaps within 12 months of purchase. Our scented soaps should be used within 3 months after removing them from the box.

Although the soaps will not be "spoiled" after that time, you may notice some changes as natural soap ages.

some natural colors may fade over time
the scents from pure natural essential oil scents will fade over time

The changes in color and scent happen even more quickly in our sample size bars.

These small natural soap bars have a much greater surface area to volume ratio which allows essential oils to evaporate from the surface more quickly. However, the scent may still be there when you lather up.

I have found some ancient bars hiding in my closet that years old. The scents were gone, but the lather was incredible!

The Long Answer

For a more detailed discussion please read our blog, "The Shelf Life, Color & Scent of an All Natural Soap."

How You Can Help Prolong Shelf-Life

Natural soaps need to breathe. Exposure to air promotes hardening of your soap and contributes to longer-lasting quality. Soap should be left unwrapped in their boxes or wrapped with breathable materials. Tight wrappers cause humid conditions by preventing evaporation of moisture.
Our soaps are packaged in breathable, recyclable, sustainable packaging! Keep your natural handmade soaps in a dry, cool place away from sunlight, excessive heat and humidity.
Our scented soaps, like Lavender Rosemary, can be placed in a muslin bag, old clean sock, or wrapped in a piece of cloth and put in your linen closet or dresser drawer to give a delightful fragrance to your linens and clothes while waiting to be used.

View Answer Page

Natural Soap: Coffee & Clove