FAQ + Shipping Policies

What is cold process soap?

Cold process soap is the traditional way of making soap from scratch. Using this method, we can select each individual ingredient, giving us maximal control over the properties of the soap (color, scent, texture, lather character, conditioning vs. cleansing, etc.)

In cold process soap making, we combine fatty acids (oils) with water and lye (+/- additional additives like clay and essential oils).  A chemical reaction called saponification occurs between the oils and lye to create soap.  Chemistry meets art!  Lye (sodium hydroxide) is essential to making soap, and is completely consumed in the chemical reaction (saponification).  ****No lye is present in the finished soap product.

Click here (coming soon!) to see how a batch of cold process soap is created. 

 How long does your handcrafted soap last?

Our soap lasts approximately 4 weeks with proper care and normal use by one person.  Depending on frequency of use, and the number of people utilizing the soap, it may last longer or less than 4 weeks.  The current bar I'm using (bathroom sink), has lasted over 2 months.   

 How do I care for my handcrafted soap? 

Your soap will last longer if cared for properly.  Keep it out of direct streams of water, and facilitate drying in between uses with a soap lift (or something similar), that allows for the complete drainage of water in between uses. 

What kinds of ingredients do you use to make your soap?  

Our soaps are free from parabens and SLES.  We use only natural ingredients: oils (avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, Shea butter, etc.), natural clays from the Earth, oil infusions of botanicals and plants, sea salt, and essential oils in our soap.  

What are Limited Edition Soaps?

From time to time, we will offer limited edition soap.  These may be one time offerings that we do not create again, they may be offered seasonally, or they could become part of our permanent collection.  Stock up on your favorites while they last!  

Do you have a physical store where I can shop?

At this time, no.  All of our products are created in our soap studio, and shipped directly to you when you order online.  If we participate in an event/market, we will make an announcement to our mailing list prior to the event.  Make sure to join our mailing list!  We will not sell/share your information, and we promise not to overwhelm your email box with spam.  

 Can I pick up my order in person?

Please contact us if you are local to the Mankato, MN and surrounding area, and would like to pick up your order.  We have limited office hours by appointment only at this time, but regularly ship online orders.   

What are your shipping policies?  

Items ordered and paid for will ship within 1-2 business days, unless otherwise noted in description of the product. We primarily ship through the USPS.  Once your package has left Ishtahfeetah Soapery, and is in possession of the shipping carrier, we are not responsible for delivery delays or if a package is not deliverable due to address errors.  Please ensure your information and shipping address are correct before submitting your order. 

Orders shipped via USPS are insured up to $100.  If you would like to add signature confirmation service to your order (for an additional ~$3), please contact us.  This service adds an extra layer of protection for large orders, or if you've had packages stolen from your porch in the past.  Ishtahfeetah Soapery is not responsible for stolen packages that have been confirmed delivered to the address on record.  

We offer $5 flat rate shipping for all orders (excluding wholesale). 

Order cancelations:

If you need to cancel your order, please contact us immediately.  We work really hard to get your order to you as fast as possible, and we will not be able to cancel your order once it has shipped.  If the order has shipped, we cannot cancel it, or refund shipping fees, as those are paid directly to our shipping providers.

Returns + Exchanges: 

Due to the personal nature of our products, we cannot accept returns or exchanges, but may be able to work out another solution.  We want you to be 100% delighted with your purchase.  If there is an issue with your order, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your purchase, so we can make it right.

If there is damage to the product(s) during shipping, a missing item, or a defect in the product, please take a picture of the damage/defect/entire order received (if an item is missing) with the packaging, and contact us immediately.  

If you have any allergies/sensitivities, please review the ingredients of each product prior to ordering, and contact us if you have any questions.   

Please keep in mind, the products you're purchasing are handcrafted, and can vary slightly in design/color from batch to batch.