FAQ
We like to keep things simple.
Here are answers to some of the questions we're most often asked about our handmade soap and natural skincare, made in small batches in Tarbert, Argyll using plant oils, natural butters and essential oils.
Questions about handmade soap
- What makes handmade soap different?
- Why is handmade soap a good choice for dry skin?
- How long does a bar last?
- How should I store my soap?
- Can I use handmade soap on my face?
- Why does my soap look slightly different?
- What is soda ash?
- Are your soaps vegan?
- Do your soaps contain palm oil?
- Why do you use essential oils?
What makes handmade soap different from commercial soap?
Our handmade soap is made in small batches in Tarbert, Argyll using plant oils, natural butters and essential oils.
Unlike many commercial soaps, our bars are made using the traditional cold process method and are properly cured before they're ready to use. This creates a hard, long-lasting bar that cleanses gently while helping to retain the natural glycerine created during soap making.
We keep our recipes simple, using ingredients because they have a purpose—not because they sound impressive.
Why is handmade soap better for dry skin?
Many people with dry skin choose handmade soap because it is made with nourishing plant oils and natural butters such as olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter.
Every person's skin is different, so we can't promise a particular result, but many of our customers tell us their skin feels more comfortable after switching from commercial soap.
If your skin tends to be dry, our Triple Butter Soap collection is often a good place to start.
How long does a bar of handmade soap last?
Every bar is cured for several weeks before it leaves our workshop. During this time, excess water slowly evaporates, creating a firmer, longer-lasting bar.
How long your soap lasts depends on how often it's used and how it's stored, but allowing it to dry between uses will help it last much longer.
A well-draining soap dish makes a noticeable difference.
How should I store handmade soap?
Keep unused bars somewhere cool and dry until you're ready to use them.
Once in use, allow your soap to dry between washes by storing it on a soap dish with good drainage rather than leaving it sitting in water.
This helps the bar stay firm and last longer.
Can I use your handmade soap on my face?
Many customers enjoy using our soaps as part of their daily routine, including on their face.
However, everyone's skin is different. If you have particularly sensitive skin or an existing skin condition, it's always sensible to test any new product on a small area first.
Why does my soap look slightly different from the photographs?
Every batch is made, poured, cut and wrapped by hand.
Natural ingredients can vary slightly from batch to batch, so colours, swirls and patterns may not be exactly the same every time.
That's one of the things we love about handmade soap—every bar is unique.
Why does my soap have a white powder on the surface?
Sometimes handmade soap develops a harmless white powder called soda ash during curing.
It's a natural part of the soap-making process and doesn't affect how the soap performs. The bar is perfectly safe to use.
Are your soaps vegan?
Yes. Our handmade soaps are made using plant oils and butters and do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Are your soaps scented with essential oils?
Yes. We scent our soaps with carefully chosen essential oil blends rather than synthetic fragrance oils.
Each blend is chosen to complement the soap while keeping our recipes simple and true to our approach of using ingredients because they have a purpose.
Do your soaps contain palm oil?
No. We do not use palm oil in our handmade soaps.
Instead, we build our recipes using ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter.
Questions about whipped hand and body butters
- What is a whipped hand and body butter?
- What's the difference between body butter and body lotion?
- How do I use a body butter?
- Will it feel greasy?
- When is the best time to apply body butter?
- Why doesn't your body butter contain water?
- Are your body butters scented with essential oils?
- How should I store my body butter?
What is a whipped hand and body butter?
Our whipped hand and body butters are made with shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and vitamin E, whipped into a smooth, light texture that's easy to apply.
Because they're water-free, every jar contains only butters, plant oils, vitamin E and essential oils. We keep the recipe simple, choosing each ingredient because it has a purpose.
What's the difference between body butter and body lotion?
The main difference is that our body butters don't contain water.
Many lotions are made with a high percentage of water and therefore need preservatives to keep them stable. Our whipped body butters are water-free, so every scoop is made from butters and plant oils chosen for how they feel on the skin.
The texture is richer than a lotion, making it especially popular with people whose skin feels dry.
How do I use a body butter?
A little goes a long way.
Massage a small amount into clean skin, paying particular attention to dry areas such as hands, elbows, knees and feet.
The butter softens as it warms against your skin, making it easy to spread.
Will it feel greasy?
Our body butters are rich because they're made from natural butters and plant oils rather than water.
Apply a small amount and allow a few moments for it to absorb. Most people find a little is all they need.
When is the best time to apply body butter?
Many people like to apply body butter after a bath or shower while their skin is still slightly warm.
It can also be used whenever your skin feels dry and needs extra nourishment, especially during colder weather.
Why doesn't your body butter contain water?
Our recipe is completely water-free.
That means every jar contains only butters, plant oils, vitamin E and essential oils, without the need for the same type of preservatives used in water-based creams and lotions.
We prefer to keep our recipes as simple as possible while choosing ingredients because they have a purpose.
Are your body butters scented with essential oils?
Yes. We scent our body butters using carefully selected essential oil blends.
Each blend is chosen to complement the rich texture of the butter while creating a fresh, natural fragrance.
How should I store my body butter?
Store your body butter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Because it's made with natural butters, it may soften during very warm weather. This won't affect its quality, but keeping it somewhere cool will help maintain its whipped texture.
Questions about body oils
- What is a body oil?
- What oils do you use in your body oils?
- Why do you use seaweed extract in your body oils?
- Will body oil feel greasy?
- When is the best time to apply body oil?
- Are your body oils scented with essential oils?
- Can I use body oil every day?
- How should I store my body oil?
What is a body oil?
Our body oils are a lightweight blend of nourishing plant oils including grapeseed, thistle, jojoba and avocado oil, together with antioxidant-rich seaweed extract.
The blend absorbs well, leaving skin feeling soft, comfortable and moisturised without a heavy finish.
What oils do you use in your body oils?
Each bottle contains grapeseed oil, thistle oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, seaweed extract and vitamin E.
Every ingredient is chosen because it has a purpose, creating a balanced blend that's suitable for everyday use.
Why do you use seaweed extract in your body oils?
Seaweed extract is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants and forms part of our carefully balanced body oil blend.
Combined with lightweight plant oils and vitamin E, it reflects our approach of choosing ingredients because they have a purpose.
Will body oil feel greasy?
Our body oils are made with lightweight plant oils that absorb well when applied to slightly damp skin.
A small amount is usually all that's needed, leaving skin feeling soft and nourished rather than heavy.
When is the best time to apply body oil?
Many people like to apply body oil after a bath or shower while their skin is still slightly damp.
This helps the oil spread easily and leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Are your body oils scented with essential oils?
Yes. We scent our body oils using carefully selected essential oil blends rather than synthetic fragrance oils.
Each blend is chosen to complement the lightweight oils while creating a fresh, natural fragrance.
Can I use body oil every day?
Yes. Our body oils are suitable for everyday use and can be applied whenever your skin needs a little extra nourishment.
Because only a small amount is needed, each bottle goes a long way.
How should I store my body oil?
Store your body oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and replace the cap after each use.
This helps keep the oil at its best until you're ready to use it again.
Questions about bath salts
- What are your bath salts made from?
- Do your bath salts contain essential oils?
- What are the benefits of sea salt baths?
- How much bath salt should I use?
- Can I use bath salts if I have sensitive skin?
- How should I store my bath salts?
- Do your bath salts contain artificial colours or fragrances?
What are your bath salts made from?
Our bath salts are made with natural sea salt and carefully chosen essential oil blends.
We keep the ingredients simple, creating relaxing baths without unnecessary fillers or synthetic fragrances.
Why do you use hand-harvested Loch Fyne seaweed in your bath salts?
We include hand-harvested Loch Fyne seaweed because it's part of where we live and make our products here in Argyll.
Combined with natural sea salt and essential oils, it creates a bath soak that reflects the west coast of Scotland and our approach to simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
Do your bath salts contain essential oils?
Yes. We scent our bath salts using pure essential oil blends chosen to create a balanced, natural fragrance.
We don't use synthetic fragrance oils, so every blend stays true to our simple approach.
Why do people enjoy bathing with sea salt?
Many people enjoy bathing with sea salt as part of a relaxing routine at the end of the day.
Combined with warm water and natural essential oils, our bath salts create a simple way to unwind and enjoy a peaceful soak.
How much bath salt should I use?
We recommend adding a generous handful of bath salts to warm running water.
Allow the salts to dissolve before stepping into the bath and soak for around 20 minutes if time allows.
Can I use bath salts if I have sensitive skin?
Our bath salts are made with simple ingredients and essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.
As everyone's skin is different, we recommend checking the ingredient list before use and avoiding any essential oils you know you're sensitive to.
How should I store my bath salts?
Keep your bath salts sealed and stored somewhere cool and dry.
Keeping moisture out of the pouch helps the salts stay fresh until you're ready to use them.
Do your bath salts contain artificial colours or fragrances?
No. We don't use artificial colours or synthetic fragrance oils in our bath salts.
We prefer simple ingredients and natural essential oil blends that let the product speak for themselves.
Questions about gift boxes
- What is included in your gift boxes?
- Can I send a gift box directly to someone?
- How are your gift boxes packaged?
- Are prices included in the parcel?
- Are your gift boxes plastic free?
What is included in your gift boxes?
Each gift box contains a carefully chosen selection of our handmade Scottish skincare products.
The contents vary depending on the gift box you choose, but every product is handmade in small batches here in Tarbert, Argyll.
Can I send a gift box directly to someone?
Yes. If you're sending a gift directly to the recipient, simply enter their delivery address at checkout.
Simply enter the recipient's delivery address at checkout and we'll send it directly to them.
How are your gift boxes packaged?
Every gift box is packed by hand in our workshop in Tarbert, Argyll.
We use recyclable packaging wherever we can to protect your order during delivery while reflecting our simple, sustainable approach.
Are prices included in the parcel?
No. We don't include pricing information inside parcels, making our gift boxes suitable for sending directly to friends or family.
Are your gift boxes plastic free?
We avoid plastic wherever we can and choose recyclable packaging materials wherever possible.
Our aim is to package every order in a way that's practical, simple and kinder to the environment.
You can find more information about our packaging on our About Us page
Questions about guest soaps
- What are guest soaps?
- What are your guest soaps made from?
- Who are guest soaps suitable for?
- Are your guest soaps individually wrapped?
- Do your guest soaps contain essential oils?
- How should I store guest soaps?
What are guest soaps?
Our guest soaps are smaller bars of our handmade Scottish soap, created for guest bathrooms, holiday cottages, welcome hampers and thoughtful gifts.
Like all our soaps, they're made in small batches here in Tarbert, Argyll using plant oils, natural butters and essential oils. Properly cured. Individually wrapped. Ready whenever guests arrive.
What are your guest soaps made from?
We make our guest soaps using the same carefully chosen plant oils, natural butters and essential oils as our full-sized soap bars.
Every recipe is made using the traditional cold process method and properly cured before each bar is wrapped by hand.
Who are guest soaps suitable for?
Our guest soaps are popular with holiday cottages, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and anyone who enjoys welcoming visitors with something a little more thoughtful than a standard hotel soap.
They're also a lovely addition to gift hampers, wedding favours and special occasions.
Are your guest soaps individually wrapped?
Yes. Every guest soap is individually wrapped to help keep it fresh until you're ready to use it.
Whether they're waiting in a guest bedroom, a holiday cottage or a gift hamper, they're ready whenever guests arrive.
Do your guest soaps contain essential oils?
Yes. We scent our guest soaps using carefully selected essential oil blends rather than synthetic fragrance oils.
Each blend is chosen to complement the soap while keeping our recipes simple and ingredient-led.
How should I store guest soaps?
Store your guest soaps somewhere cool and dry until you're ready to use them.
Keeping them away from excess moisture will help them stay in excellent condition until they're needed.
Questions about lip butters
- What are your lip butters made from?
- Are all your lip butters scented?
- What makes your lip butters different?
- How should I use lip butter?
- How should I store my lip butter?
What are your lip butters made from?
Our lip butters are made with nourishing cocoa butter, coconut oil and plant-based candelilla wax.
Every ingredient is chosen because it has a purpose, creating a simple lip butter that helps keep lips feeling soft and comfortable.
Are all your lip butters scented?
No. While some of our lip butters are scented with carefully chosen essential oils, we also make an unscented version for those who prefer a simpler option or have sensitive skin.
What makes your lip butters different?
Our lip butters are made in small batches using a simple blend of cocoa butter, coconut oil and protective plant wax.
They're vegan, cruelty-free and packaged in fully biodegradable containers, reflecting our approach to simple ingredients and thoughtful packaging.
How should I use lip butter?
Apply a small amount whenever your lips feel dry or need a little extra comfort.
Reapply throughout the day as needed, particularly during colder weather or after spending time outdoors.
How should I store my lip butter?
Keep your lip butter somewhere cool and dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Like all products made with natural butters, it may soften in warmer temperatures, but this won't affect its quality.
Questions about hair care
- What makes your shampoo and conditioner bars different?
- What ingredients do you use in your shampoo bars?
- What ingredients do you use in your conditioner bars?
- Are your hair care bars scented with essential oils?
- How do I use a shampoo bar?
- How do I use a conditioner bar?
- How should I store my shampoo and conditioner bars?
- How long do shampoo and conditioner bars last?
What makes your shampoo and conditioner bars different?
Our shampoo and conditioner bars are a simple alternative to bottled hair care.
Made with carefully chosen ingredients and no plastic bottles, they're designed to cleanse, condition and care for your hair while helping to reduce plastic waste.
What ingredients do you use in your shampoo bars?
Our shampoo bars are made with cocoa butter, argan oil, broccoli seed oil and provitamin B5.
Each ingredient is chosen because it has a purpose, helping to nourish the hair, add shine and leave it feeling soft and manageable.
What ingredients do you use in your conditioner bars?
Our conditioner bars contain shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, argan oil and provitamin B5.
Together they create a rich conditioning bar that helps leave hair feeling smooth, soft and easy to manage.
Are your hair care bars scented with essential oils?
Yes. Our shampoo and conditioner bars are scented using carefully selected essential oil blends rather than synthetic fragrance oils.
Each blend is chosen to create a fresh, natural fragrance while reflecting our simple approach to ingredients.
How do I use a shampoo bar?
Wet your hair and the shampoo bar, then gently rub the bar between your hands or directly onto your hair to create a lather.
Massage through your hair and scalp before rinsing thoroughly.
How do I use a conditioner bar?
After shampooing, glide the conditioner bar over wet hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends.
Leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing thoroughly.
How should I store my shampoo and conditioner bars?
Allow your bars to dry between uses by storing them on a well-draining soap dish or shampoo bar holder.
Keeping them dry will help them last longer and stay firm.
How long do shampoo and conditioner bars last?
How long your bars last will depend on your hair length, how often you wash your hair and how they're stored.
Allowing them to dry fully between uses will help them last as long as possible.
Questions about bathroom accessories
- Why should I use a soap dish?
- What is your soap dish made from?
- Can I use your soap dish for shampoo and conditioner bars?
- How do I care for my soap dish?
Why should I use a soap dish?
A well-draining soap dish helps your handmade soap dry between uses, keeping the bar firmer and helping it last longer.
It's a simple addition that makes a noticeable difference to both soap and solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
What is your soap dish made from?
Our soap dish is made from sustainably sourced Hemu wood, chosen for its natural appearance and durability.
The slotted design allows water to drain away, helping your soap stay dry between uses.
Can I use your soap dish for shampoo and conditioner bars?
Yes. Our soap dish is suitable for handmade soap, shampoo bars and conditioner bars.
Keeping solid bars dry between uses helps them stay firm and last as long as possible.
How do I care for my soap dish?
Simply rinse your soap dish occasionally and allow it to dry naturally.
Keeping it clean and free from standing water will help it stay in good condition for years to come.
Questions about gift cards
- How do your gift cards work?
- Can I send a gift card directly to someone?
- Do your gift cards expire?
- What can a gift card be used for?
How do your gift cards work?
Our digital gift cards are delivered by email after purchase and include simple instructions on how to redeem them online.
They're an easy way to let someone choose their favourite handmade Scottish skincare products.
Can I send a gift card directly to someone?
Yes. You can forward the gift card email to the recipient or print it and give it to them in person.
It's a thoughtful option if you're not quite sure which products they'd choose for themselves.
Do your gift cards expire?
No. Our gift cards don't have an expiry date, so the recipient can use them whenever they're ready.
What can a gift card be used for?
Gift cards can be used on any product available on our website, from handmade soaps and body butters to gift boxes, bath salts and hair care.
They give the recipient the freedom to choose the products that suit them best.
Questions about Damn Fyne Soap
- Are your products vegan?
- Are your products cruelty free?
- Do you use palm oil?
- Do you use synthetic fragrances?
- Where are your products made?
- Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
- Why do your products sometimes vary in colour or appearance?
- Why do you choose essential oils?
- How can I find the full ingredient list?
Are your products vegan?
Yes. Our products are made using plant oils, natural butters and other carefully chosen vegan ingredients.
Every product page includes a full ingredient list, so you can always see exactly what's included.
Are your products cruelty free?
Yes. We do not test our products on animals and we never ask others to do so on our behalf.
Do you use palm oil?
No. We do not use palm oil in any of our handmade soaps.
Instead, we carefully blend plant oils and natural butters chosen for how they perform and feel on the skin.
Do you use synthetic fragrances?
No. We scent our products with carefully selected essential oil blends rather than synthetic fragrance oils.
Every essential oil is chosen because it has a purpose and complements the product it's used in.
Where are your products made?
Every product is made by hand in our workshop in Tarbert, Argyll on Scotland's west coast.
We make in small batches, allowing us to give every product the time and attention it deserves.
Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
Many customers with sensitive or dry skin enjoy using our products because we keep our recipes simple and use carefully chosen ingredients.
As everyone's skin is different, we always recommend checking the full ingredient list before trying a new product, especially if you have known allergies or sensitivities.
Why do your products sometimes vary in colour or appearance?
Our products are handmade in small batches using natural ingredients.
Small variations in colour, pattern or appearance are part of the handmade process and don't affect the quality or performance of the product.
Why do you choose essential oils?
We use essential oils because they complement our simple recipes and create fresh, natural fragrances.
Rather than following trends or creating overly complicated formulas, we choose ingredients because they have a purpose.
How can I find the full ingredient list?
You'll find a complete ingredient list on every product page.
We believe in being open about what goes into our products, so you always know exactly what you're buying.
Questions about ordering & delivery
- Where do you deliver?
- Do you ship internationally?
- How quickly do you dispatch orders?
- How long will my order take to arrive?
- How much does delivery cost?
- How will my order be packaged?
- Can I return a product?
- What should I do if there's a problem with my order?
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver throughout the UK using Royal Mail Tracked 48.
If you're unsure whether we can deliver to your location, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We currently ship to the USA and Canada using Royal Mail International Tracked.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout and prices are shown in your local currency where available.
Please note that any import duties, taxes or customs charges are the responsibility of the customer.
How quickly do you dispatch orders?
We aim to dispatch all orders within 1–2 working days. During particularly busy periods it may take a little longer, but we'll always do our best to get your order on its way as quickly as possible.
How long will my order take to arrive?
We aim to dispatch all orders within 1–2 working days from our workshop in Tarbert, Argyll.
UK orders are sent using Royal Mail Tracked 48, with tracking information and proof of delivery. Delivery is usually within 2 working days of dispatch.
USA and Canada orders are sent using Royal Mail International Tracked. Delivery typically takes 5–8 working days after dispatch, although customs processing may occasionally add additional time.
All orders are fully tracked, so you'll receive tracking information once your parcel has been dispatched.
How much does delivery cost?
Our current delivery options and charges are shown during checkout before you complete your order.
Any offers for free delivery will also be displayed there.
How will my order be packaged?
Every order is packed by hand using recyclable packaging wherever we can.
Our aim is to make sure your order arrives safely while keeping our packaging simple and reducing unnecessary plastic.
Can I return a product?
If you have any questions about returns, please refer to our Returns Policy or get in touch with us directly.
We'll always do our best to help.
What should I do if there's a problem with my order?
If there's a problem with your order, please contact us as soon as possible.
We'll always do our best to resolve any issues quickly and fairly.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we'd be happy to help.
Get in touch through our Contact Us page and we'll do our best to answer your question.