Frequently Asked Questions

About Naked Blends

Naked Blends Products are made in Reidsville, North Carolina. Naked Blends is an independently owned small business, and our products are made by hand in small batches with a hands-on approach from formulation through production and testing.

Naked Blends products are made in small batches with carefully selected ingredients and a lot of hands-on care. We make our products ourselves rather than purchasing finished products for resale, which allows us to stay closely involved in the ingredients, formulations, and making process from beginning to end.

We also thoroughly test our products ourselves before offering them for sale. We pay attention to how they look, feel, smell, and perform so we can make adjustments and continue improving our products.

Because everything is handmade, small variations from one batch to another are a natural part of the process. We believe those little differences are part of what makes handmade products special.

Each product listing also provides specific information about its ingredients, scent, size, and intended use so you can make an informed choice.

You can expect handmade personal-care products that are formulated, made, and tested with care. Every Naked Blends product is made in small batches, and I formulate and make the products myself from start to finish.

Naked Blends offers a variety of handmade personal-care products, including cold-process soaps, shampoo and conditioner bars, hair oil, skin oils, lotions, beard oil, beard balms, lip balms, shave soaps, lotion bars and sticks, soap-infused sponges, and other specialty products.

Each product is developed with its particular ingredients, texture, scent, use, and overall experience in mind. I also extensively test each product through hands-on use before offering it for sale, paying attention to how it looks, feels, smells, lathers, applies, and performs.

Ingredient transparency is also important to us. Every product listing includes a complete ingredient list so you can see exactly what is in the product before you buy it.

Because our products are handmade in small batches, slight variations in color, texture, pattern, shape, or appearance are a normal part of the process. To us, that’s part of the charm of something made by hand rather than mass-produced.

Yes. Every Naked Blends product is made in small batches.

Making products in small batches allows us to stay closely involved in the formulation, making, testing, and preparation of each product. It also means we can pay attention to the details of each batch rather than producing products on an industrial scale.

Many of our products are 100% natural, but not all are. Some products contain plant-derived or naturally sourced ingredients along with other cosmetic ingredients needed for the formulation.

Our more specialized products, such as shampoo and conditioner bars, lotions, and other emulsified or preserved products, may require additional cosmetic ingredients to achieve the desired texture, performance, stability, or shelf life.

We provide the complete ingredient list for every product so you can make an informed choice based on what is in the specific product.

At Naked Blends, “inspired by nature” reflects our love of natural ingredients, botanical ingredients, nature-inspired scents and colors, and the simple appeal of handmade personal care. Many of the ingredients we use are naturally sourced or plant-derived, but that does not mean every ingredient or every product is considered 100% natural.

For example, our Revive shampoo and conditioner bars use plant-derived surfactants. These ingredients originate from plant-based sources but are processed for use in cosmetic formulations, so we do not describe the finished products as 100% natural.

We use “inspired by nature” because it honestly reflects our approach without suggesting that every product is made entirely from natural ingredients.

Yes. Many Naked Blends products contain plant-derived ingredients, and the majority of our products are made with ingredients we consider 100% natural.

Some of our more specialized formulations also use ingredients that originate from plants or other natural sources but are processed for use in cosmetic formulations. Examples include certain surfactants, emulsifiers, fatty acids, thickeners, and other formulation ingredients used in products such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

Being plant-derived does not necessarily mean an ingredient is considered 100% natural after processing. We use these ingredients for specific formulation purposes, such as cleansing, conditioning, emulsifying, thickening, stabilizing, or preserving a product.

Some Naked Blends products use synthetic cosmetic ingredients because they serve specific purposes that help create a stable, functional formulation. This is particularly important for products such as shampoo and conditioner bars, lotions, and other specialized formulations.

We choose ingredients based on the needs of each formula rather than requiring every product to follow the same ingredient approach. Some products are 100% natural, while others combine natural, plant-derived, and synthetic cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrance oils allow us to create a wider variety of scent profiles than we could achieve using essential oils alone. Some Naked Blends products are scented with fragrance oils, some with essential oil blends, and some have no added fragrance.

The fragrance oils we use are paraben-free and phthalate-free. Each product listing identifies the ingredients and provides specific scent information so you can choose the type of fragrance you prefer.

Yes. Naked Blends products are made without parabens.

Yes. The fragrance oils we use are phthalate-free.

We offer both scented and unscented products. Our scented products may be scented with essential oil blends or fragrance oils, depending on the product.

Some products have no added fragrance, meaning we do not add essential oils or fragrance oils for scent. However, the natural ingredients themselves may have their own mild scent.

Each product listing identifies the ingredients used and provides specific scent information.

If you prefer products without added fragrance, you can browse our Unscented Products category for the current selection.

Each product listing includes its complete ingredient information in the description. We encourage customers to review the ingredient list for the specific product they are considering, especially if they know they need to avoid a particular ingredient.

No. We do not test our products on animals. We personally evaluate our products through hands-on product testing before offering them for sale.

Some of our products contain animal-derived ingredients such as goat’s milk, honey, beeswax, or lard. For example, goat’s milk and honey are used in our Goat Milk and Honey Soap, honey is used in our Oatmeal Honey Soap, and beeswax is used in some lotion bars, lotion sticks, and lip balms. Please check each product listing for specific ingredient details.

Choosing Products

We offer a variety of unscented products across our collections. Because our selection is extensive and can change, please visit our Unscented Products page to see the current options.

Everyone’s skin is different, and an ingredient that works well for one person may not work well for another. Many of our products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, but individual sensitivities vary. If you have sensitive skin or known ingredient sensitivities, review the complete ingredient list for the specific product before use.

If you have a known sensitivity, we recommend choosing products that do not contain the ingredient you need to avoid and considering a patch test before regular use.

We offer several products with exfoliating ingredients, including products made with ingredients such as pumice, salt, coffee, and sugar.

Because our selection can change, visit our Exfoliating Products page to see the current products.

We offer several products made with activated charcoal, including:

Because our selection can change, visit our Charcoal Products page to see the current selection.

We offer several products made with turmeric, including:

Because our selection can change, visit our Turmeric Products page to see the current selection.

We offer several products with fruity and floral scents, including:

Because our selection can change, visit our Fruity & Floral page to see the current selection.

We offer several products with sweet and warm scents, including:

Because our selection can change, visit our Sweet & Warm Scents page to see the current selection.

Handmade Soap

Naked Blends began because I was looking for personal care products I could actually use. I have very sensitive skin, and I struggled to find store-bought products that worked for my needs without having to settle for ingredients or formulations I didn’t want. I started making my own soap and other personal care products so I could have more control over what I was using.

What started as something I made for myself eventually became something family and friends started requesting, which led me to turn Naked Blends into a business.

Today, I formulate and make our products myself from scratch in small batches. I develop each product with sensitive skin in mind and carefully select the ingredients used in each formulation. I also extensively test every product through hands-on use before offering it for sale, paying attention to things like how it looks, feels, smells, lathers, and performs.

Ingredient transparency is another important part of Naked Blends. Every product listing includes a complete ingredient list so you can see exactly what is in the product before you buy it. I believe you should not have to guess what you’re purchasing or search through unclear ingredient information.

Because our products are handmade in small batches, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, or appearance are a normal part of the process. To me, that’s part of what makes handmade products special: each one is made with care by a real person rather than produced by the thousands in a factory.

Naked Blends offers a variety of handmade soaps, including scented and unscented bars, exfoliating soaps, charcoal soaps, turmeric soaps, specialty soaps, decorative soaps, shaving soaps, and other unique soap designs. Our selection changes over time, so the best way to see what is currently available is to browse the Soap collection.

Our soaps are made using a blend of oils and other commonly used cosmetic ingredients. These may include coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, aloe, coffee, clay, charcoal, indigo powder, turmeric powder, essential oils, and fragrance oils. Every product listing includes a complete ingredient list so you can see exactly what is in the product before you buy it.

Yes. Lye is used in the soapmaking process to convert oils into soap through saponification. Once that process is complete, the final product does not contain active lye. Some soapmakers use pre-made “melt and pour” bases, which are also created using lye. We make our soaps from scratch to maintain control over our ingredients and process.

Traditional soap is naturally alkaline rather than having the same pH as human skin. Our soaps typically test at approximately pH 9, although the exact result can vary by recipe and batch. pH is an inherent characteristic of traditional soap and can vary somewhat by formulation.

Some of our soaps are scented with synthetic fragrance oils, others with natural essential oils, and some are unscented. Each product listing clearly identifies all ingredients so you can choose what works best for you.

Everyone’s skin is different, and sensitivities can vary from person to person. We recommend reviewing the full ingredient list for each product before use. If you have known sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test first.

The lifespan of a bar of soap can vary widely depending on how it is used and stored. To extend the life of your soap, store it on a well-draining soap dish and avoid standing water.

As a general estimate:

  • One person may get approximately 15–30 showers from a bar
  • For hand washing, a bar may last around 4–8 weeks

Actual longevity depends on several factors:

  • Frequency of use: More frequent use will shorten lifespan
  • Number of users: More users = faster use
  • Lathering method: Washcloths or heavy lathering use more product
  • Water hardness: Hard water can reduce lather and increase wear
  • Storage: Keeping soap dry between uses helps it last longer

To help extend the life of your soap, proper storage is important. For bar soaps, keep them in a dry area away from standing water. Use a well-draining soap dish or a hanging mesh soap bag.

Traditional handmade soap and commercial cleansing bars can be made using different ingredients and processes. Naked Blends traditional soaps are made through saponification, where oils and an alkali such as sodium hydroxide are combined to create soap. Some commercial cleansing bars are formulated primarily with synthetic detergents rather than traditional soap.

Because our soaps are handmade in small batches, natural variations can occur. This is a normal part of the process and does not affect the quality or performance of the product.

No. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is no evidence that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water for everyday use.

The Working Bar Soap is a specialty handmade soap created for shoppers who want a more scrubby soap experience. Our Working Bar formulas use ingredients such as pumice, coffee, and charcoal to give the bars their distinctive scrubby texture.

Its texture and formula are different from many of our other handmade soaps, which are available in a variety of formulas, scents, and ingredient combinations for different preferences and uses.

Soap Infused Sponge

A Soap Infused Sponge combines cold processed soap with a natural sponge to create a convenient two-in-one bathing product. Naked Blends Soap Infused Sponges contain approximately 6 ounces of soap and are designed to be used, rinsed, and hung between uses.

A Soap Infused Sponge combines soap and a sponge in one product, while a traditional soap bar consists of the soap itself. The sponge creates a different washing experience and can be hung between uses.

Wet the Soap Infused Sponge, gently squeeze or work it in your hands or against the skin to create lather, rinse after use, and hang it to dry between uses.

Allow the Soapy Sponge to drain and dry between uses. Hanging it by the attached rope helps keep it out of standing water and allows air to circulate around the sponge. Keep out of reach of children.

Hair Care

A shampoo bar is a solid form of shampoo designed to cleanse the hair and scalp without liquid packaging.

No. Our shampoo bars are not soap-based. They are formulated as syndet (synthetic detergent-based) cleansing bars, which are designed specifically for hair care. They are made with surfactants commonly used in cosmetic hair care products to cleanse the hair and scalp.

A conditioner bar is a solid form of conditioner used after shampooing to help soften and manage the hair.

The Revive Shampoo and Conditioner Set includes the Revive Shampoo Bar and Revive Conditioner Bar. The Revive Hair Care Set includes those two products plus Revive Hair Oil. If you want the shampoo and conditioner only, choose the Revive Shampoo and Conditioner Set. If you want the complete three-product hair-care set, choose the Revive Hair Care Set.

wet shave

Wet shaving is a traditional shaving method that uses water along with products such as shaving soap or shaving cream and a razor. Many traditional wet shavers also use a shaving brush to create and apply lather.

Wet shave soap is a type of soap formulated for use in traditional shaving routines. Naked Blends offers shaving soap in different formats, including shave soap pucks and shave soap in a reusable ramekin.

Shave soap is formulated and presented specifically for use in a traditional shaving routine, while regular handmade soap is intended primarily for cleansing. Naked Blends offers both types of soap.

Yes. We offer shave soap refills for customers who already have a Naked Blends shaving soap ramekin.

The shave soap ramekin includes shaving soap in a reusable ramekin. The refill is replacement shaving soap intended for use with the ramekin, allowing you to replenish your shave soap without purchasing another container.

Beard Care

Beard oil is designed to be applied to facial hair and the skin underneath to help condition and soften the beard.

Beard balm is a styling product designed to help condition the beard and provide light hold.

Beard oil is lighter and focused on conditioning, while beard balm has a thicker texture and includes styling properties.

Application amount matters. Using a small amount is usually enough for most beard types.

Lip Care

Our lip balms are made with a blend of oils, butters, and waxes (beeswax or candelilla) commonly used in cosmetic lip care products. Please refer to each product listing for full ingredient details.

Lip balms can soften or melt when exposed to high temperatures. To help protect the balm’s texture and consistency, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in a hot car or other hot location.

Because of the risk of heat-related melting during transit, we do not ship our lip balms during the hottest summer months. This helps ensure they arrive in the condition they were made to be in.

Some Naked Blends lip balms are made with beeswax, while others use candelilla wax instead.

Because formulas can vary by product, please check the individual product listing for the complete ingredient list.

Our lip balms are unscented and have no added fragrance, essential oils, or lip balm flavoring. Some of the natural ingredients used in our formulas may have their own mild scent, but we do not add ingredients specifically to give our lip balms a fragrance or flavor.

This makes our lip balms a good option for shoppers who prefer lip care without added fragrance or flavoring.

Lotion Bars & Lotion Sticks

A lotion bar or lotion stick is a solid form of moisturizer designed to be applied directly to the skin. Lotion bars are stored in a reusable tin, then removed and rubbed into the skin by hand. Lotion sticks are inside a roll-up tube and are applied with the tube, making them less messy.

Apply directly to skin using body heat, then massage in until absorbed.

They can soften in high heat. Store in a cool, dry place when possible.

Some people may notice a richer feel at first, which softens as the product is worked into the skin.

Gifts

Many Naked Blends products make thoughtful gifts for people who enjoy handmade personal care, interesting scents, or small-batch products. Gift options include handmade soaps, soap combinations, hair-care sets, skincare products, and other product sets. The best choice depends on the recipient’s preferences, such as their favorite scents and whether they prefer scented or unscented products.

Visit our Gifts page to see signature soap boxes, curated bundles, and ready‑to‑give wrapped gift sets.

We offer a variety of giftable product sets, including signature soap boxes, curated bundles, and ready‑to‑give wrapped gift sets. Because our selection changes, please browse our Gifts collection for current gift options.

We offer several gift options under $25, including handmade soap bundles and other small-batch personal care products.

Two of our most popular gifts are:

Both bundles make thoughtful gifts for someone who enjoys handmade soap and small-batch personal care products.

For more gift options and the most current pricing and availability, visit our Gifts collection.

Handmade soap makes an easy gift for someone who enjoys small-batch personal care products. Depending on the recipient’s preferences, you could choose an individual soap, a combination of soaps, a Soapy Sponge, a shaving product, or another set that includes handmade soap.

Yes. Many Naked Blends products are not designed specifically for one gender. Gift choices can be based on scent, product type, and the recipient’s personal preferences rather than gender.