Rustic Soaps from Mac Sothis by Anne Bryan

A major ingredient in Rustic Soaps, and the one which makes it distinctive is goats’ milk.

Why use goats milk?

Goats’ milk is naturally high in vitamins and minerals. It contains high quantities of Vitamin E which is the skin’s best friends, and in addition, because it is rich in butterfat, it is a perfect moisturiser. Milk has been used as a luxury cleanser since ancient times, even Cleopatra is reported to have bathes in asses milk, (probably because the goats couldn’t produce enough for her).

These handmade soaps contain natural glycerine, which is very soothing for the skin, and the goat’s milk and beeswax are the only animal fats used in their manufacture. These ingredients are enhanced by the use of carefully selected essential oils and other natural substances to create soaps which are gentle, luxurious and a joy to use.

Rustic soaps have no artificial colours or chemicals added and are not tested on animals (except for the Flea Chaser soap, which is used on our pets). All soaps are environmentally friendly and, when made, are left to mature in the air before being wrapped, which extends the life of the soap. The individual fragrance of the soap will become stronger when it is wet and being used.

Individual Varieties of Soap

1. CALENDULA
   This wonderful, soothing soap has a subtle fragrance which can only be imparted because we use home grown calendula (flowers of the Marigold family).
   
2. EUCALYPTUS & TEA TREE
   A Winter soap which has antiseptic and germicidal properties. It helps to clear blocked noses and to protect against coughs and cold. Eucalyptus is one of the most important essential oils used in pharmacy and Tea Tree oil can assist the treatment of acne and dry skin.
   
3. LAVENDER
   Specially produced in limited quantities, this contains not only Lavender oil but also ground Lavender flowers which have been home grown. Being highly antiseptic Lavender can be used advantageously in cases of minor burns, insect bites and eczema. It is also lovely to use last thing at night to aid sleep.
   
4. LAVENDER AND ROSEMARY
   By combining the gentle subtle scent of Lavender with the fresh aromatic perfume of Rosemary this soap could well become your favourite. It helps to create a positive feeling of well-being, ideal when you're feeling a little jaded.
   
5. LEMON AND CITRONELLA
   A tangy blend of two valuable essential oils make this both practical and enjoyable; practical in that it is an insect repellent and sharply deodorising; enjoyable because it is a fresh "wake-up" soap.
   
6. PLAIN
   This basic soap contains pure creamy goats’ milk from happy free range goats. This is a gentle, rich, moisturising and unscented soap.
   
7. JUNIPER BERRIES
   Specially formulated for winter use, this soap has an uplifting scent redolent of pine needles. It is a strong antiseptic, good for easing aches, pains and rheumatism.
   
8. PATCHOULI
   Drift back to the 60s!! Patchouli is a powerful meditative, mystic experience; antiseptic, anti-fungal and good for many skin problems.
   
9. YLANG YLANG
   This strangely named essential oil is renowned as a sexual stimulant even more than for its significant antiseptic properties. Blended into a soap it changes the mundane into something really special.
   
10. FLEA CHASER SOAP
    Not forgetting our animal friends, this soap has been developed with their special needs in mind. It contains eucalyptus oil and tea tree to deter parasites, and rosemary oil for conditioning your pet’s fur.