Looking for a compromise between mass-produced soaps and local handmade soaps that might lack the refinement and luxury you like in your bath and body products? Well I find Bakewell Soap Co. to straddle that line very well.
Owners Dharma and Ant's soaps are handmade on the site of an old Victorian mill just outside Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the heart of the Peak National Park. While they began crafting their products in their kitchen as a remedy for Dharma's sensitive skin, they have come a long way from those days. The packaging is at once posh and down home, and the ingredients are top of the line that you would find in high-end boutique ranges.
I tried the Rejuvenating Detox Soap with Rosehip & Carrot, £4.95. It contains antioxidants and retinoids that help protect against cell damage as well as Pink and White Argiletz clays to help draw out toxins and Witch Hazel to help keep skin clear. Clay and Witch Hazel are pretty much the two things you hear over and over are best for acne and I found the soap to be gentle but effective. The Beekeepers Delight with Honey & Oats, £4.95, is meant to be a very mild, natural option for those with sensitive skin. It is free of chemical additives, artificial fragrances and colors. It is made with butters, oils, goat milk, honey and beeswax for natural anti-bacterial lather that is quite moisturizing. They can both be purchased here.
I also really like that the company offers advice on making your own soap at home. That's pretty altruistic since it could dwindle their customer base, and shows they're really committed to the craft. Check out their tips here.
