• Why handmade soap?
• Did you know that commercial soap bars are actually synthetic detergents containing petrochemicals? Petrochemicals are derived from the waste of the crude oil and natural gas industry. In addition, these products are often overloaded with synthetic fragrances and preservatives due to their offensive smell. It is a known fact that detergents are toxic to fish and wildlife. Considering your skin will absorb around 60% of what is applied directly into the bloodstream, the choice is clear. All-natural soap is better for your health and the environment. Fruta Soap Company's soaps are made only with all-natural ingredients, are biodegradable and are true soaps - no added funny stuff.
• Are your products organic?
• Almost all of our products contain at least one organic ingredient with a few products labelled as 100% organic. Since we believe in having local suppliers, not all of our product ingredients are organic because they simply are not available. We do use fresh ingredients that contain no preservatives. Preservatives are by nature poisonous, and have more to do with profit, supply chains and convenience than healthy hair and skin, or the environment. Of the 70 products we make, about two thirds are unpreserved. To achieve this, we use fresh ingredients and minimal amounts of water. Liquid products containing water require some preservative due to the bacteria potential of the environment. Using preservatives gives products greater practicality, allowing for longer shelf life and room temperature storage.
  
  Be sure to look at the label to know when it was last made. We only sell our preserved products for up to 4 months after they are made, and their total shelf life is 14 months.
  
  Fruits and vegetables are most nutritious for the body and skin when they are fresh, whole and unprocessed because this is when they contain the most vitamins, minerals and enzymes. This is also when they are gentlest on the skin, for optimal healing, soothing and nurturing.
• Are your products safe for people with allergies?
• While we know that natural is the best choice, there is the challenge of allergies. Natural ingredients such as nourishing nut oils can be dangerous to those with food allergies. For those people who are afflicted with allergies, we advise you to read our labels thoroughly. We disclose all our elements on the labels so you know what goes into all of our naturally based products. If you are sensitive or allergic to anything included in our elements list, it makes sense to avoid using that particular product. Some of our products contain nut oils, but not all of them do. We are a small company and therefore, we use the same equipment to make all our products. All equipment is thoroughly cleaned in between each batch; however traces of the ingredients may remain and may trigger a reaction in extreme allergy cases.
• What ingredients are used for the bright colours?
• We use natural colorants derived from plant extracts including beta-carotene, chlorophyll, grape seed extract, annatto seed, beet root, etc.
• What does the vegetable oil in these products consist of?
• The vegetable oil blend we use contains a mixture of Canola and Cottonseed oils. It is a locally sourced product and as well, it is very resistant to rancidity. This blend (like coconut and olive oil) is not pore clogging. Below are some of the reasons why we chose this particular combination of oils. The vegetable oils below impart an abundant lather to a firm textured soap. Combines with our coconut and olive oils to leave a deeply moisturizing, rich lathering, high glycerine content in all of our soaps.
  
  Canola Oil’s high monounsaturated fat content makes it a great emollient that is suitable for all types of creams, lotions and moisture soaps. Its light texture and scentless character complements other skin care ingredients and essential oils, while its naturally occurring vitamin E adds to the conditioning effect. Canola oil is also very high in minerals, vitamins and is high in GLA essential fatty acids (which, when used externally, plays an important role in the regulation and restructure of the skin). Canola oil is second only to flaxseed oil as the highest vegetable source of the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Like flax oil, it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but in a different ratio (canola oil contains an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 2:1). It is primarily used in the culinary industry, but shows great promise as a skin care oil due to its great nutritional profile.
  
  Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant after the cotton lint has been removed. It is rich in palmitic acid , oleic acid , linoleic acid and 10% mixture of arachidic acid, behenic acid and lignoceric acid and it contains over 50% Omega-6 fatty acids. Cottonseed oil absorbs into skin at average speed, leaving skin supple and well moisturized.
• Do your products contain animal ingredients?
• Our products are 100% animal-free. That includes the use of beeswax, colourants such as carmine and lanolin.
• Do you use animal testing?
• No. We feel that not only is the testing of cosmetics on animals unnecessary and unethical, it's scientifically unreliable. We want to know that our products are safe for humans, so our products are rigorously assessed then tested by a panel of human volunteers. It helps that we prefer natural ingredients with a long history of cosmetic use.
• Why did I see a product online that wasn't at your shop?
• Sometimes we offer selected products that are only available online.
• Is there a required minimum order?
• You must make a minimum order of $10.
• Do you ship internationally?
• Unfortunately at this time we only ship within Canada.
• How long does it take to process my order?
• We strive for a 24 hour turnaround time on all orders placed during regular business hours. However this is based on the number of orders in queue. You can expect an order to be processed for shipping in 3 - 4 working days at the most. To quicken processing speed, please provide a daytime number at which you can be reached if there are any problems with your order.
• When will I receive my order?
• You can expect to receive your order within 2-14 days depending on when you ordered and your chosen shipping method.
• How do you ship orders?
• The shipping method is left up to you. We offer UPS, FedEx, or regular mail by Canada Post for your convenience.
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• We accept all major credit cards as well as payments made through PAYPAL. You need not be a member, there is no added cost, and the process is fully encrypted (SSL) and secure on their Shopping Server.
• What is your return policy?
• We know you will love our products! That's why we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact us within thirty days of the original purchase date to arrange for the return of the unused product and refund or exchange.
• Do you have a catalog?
• We do not offer a catalog to cut down on paper but do offer an online sale flyer. Sign up for our newsletter and we can send it to you by e-mail!