Ingredients We Hate

We don't cut corners. Below is our roster of ingredients we refuse to use in any Prohibition Soap product - no exceptions, no excuses. These chemicals, synthetics, and preservatives have no place on your skin or in our workshop.

Function: Occlusive barrier that locks in moisture (supposedly).

Why we don't use it: Another petroleum byproduct that sits on your skin without penetrating. It can be contaminated with harmful compounds during refining. We use natural alternatives like shea butter and beeswax that actually nourish your skin instead of just coating it.

Function: Preservatives with long chemical names nobody can pronounce.

Why we don't use it: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are known allergens and skin irritants. They're banned or restricted in many countries for good reason. We don't need tongue-twister chemicals to make quality products that last.

Function: Petroleum-based "moisturizer" and cheap filler.

Why we don't use it: Mineral oil is refined from crude oil - the same stuff that goes in your car. It sits on top of your skin like plastic wrap instead of actually moisturizing. We use real plant oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba that your skin can actually absorb and use.

Function: Preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde.

Why we don't use it: Let's be clear - this ingredient releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, right onto your skin. That's a hard pass. We preserve our products with natural methods that don't involve embalming fluid.

Function: Makes synthetic fragrances stick around longer.

Why we don't use it: These sneaky chemicals hide behind the word "fragrance" on ingredient lists. They've been linked to hormone problems and reproductive issues. We use phthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oils only - no mystery chemicals, no exceptions.

Function: Cheap preservative to extend shelf life.

Why we don't use it: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben - they're all over conventional products because they're dirt cheap. Problem is, studies keep raising red flags about hormone disruption and other health risks. The science isn't settled, but we're not waiting around to find out. We use natural preservation methods instead.

According to the FDA, "There are very few true soaps on the market. Most body cleansers, both liquid and solid, are actually synthetic detergent products". But why? Cheap, easily manufactured, and easily makes suds, that's why.

Soap made naturally using the cold process method chemically forms natural glycerin which draws in moisture to the skin. Commercially made "soap" may not contain glycerin, and if it does, it's added from the by-product of another product.

Yes! Every batch, every bar, is made by hand.

It means that each batch, even each bar is unique. No one bar is exactly the same as another.

If you don't love your bar of handmade soap, it's on us. Period.

Yes! Like any soap however, avoid eye contact or any open wounds or other sensitive areas etc.

Function: Blocks your sweat glands to keep you "dry."

Why we don't use it: Your body sweats for a reason - it's how you regulate temperature and flush out toxins. Aluminum compounds plug up your pores to stop that natural process. Some research suggests links to health concerns, and frankly, we'd rather let your body do its thing. We make soap, not science experiments.