What’s wrong with commercial soap?
Think of your skin as a natural barrier—just like other organs, it needs real care to stay healthy. Many commercial body cleansers aren’t technically “soap” at all. To cut costs, big brands use cheap detergents and surfactants (the same stuff in dish and laundry soap) that strip skin of natural oils. Ever see “Body Wash” or “Cleansing Bar” on labels? Those aren’t real soaps. True soaps produce glycerin, a premium skin-softening ingredient, but most big brands remove it to sell separately, leaving your skin high and dry. Artificial scents? They may smell nice, but they’re often unregulated mixes of who-knows-what. If you see “parfum” or “fragrance” on an ingredient list, it’s best to avoid it.
What makes Dr. T’s soaps better than commercial body cleansers?
Doc T’s soaps are made the natural way, using a cold-process method that keeps the good stuff—like skin-nourishing glycerin—right where it belongs. We never use detergents or surfactants, which can dry and irritate your skin. Unlike factory-made bars that use quick, high-heat methods, we let our soaps cure for a full 6 weeks, creating a longer-lasting, gentler product that’s as good for your skin as it is satisfying to use. And, because our ingredients are all-natural, you’ll never see chemicals like “sodium laureth sulfate” or “sodium dodecyl sulfate” on our labels. Clean skin deserves real soap, not laundry ingredients.
I’ve seen a lot of other handmade or natural soaps online. What makes Doc T’s so special?
When it comes to quality and care, Doc T’s stands out in every way. Each bar of our soap weighs in at a generous 5.2 ounces—more than what you’ll find with many other options in our price range. By using premium oils and minimizing fillers like water, Doc T’s soaps are crafted to last longer, especially when properly stored between uses. Doc T’s uses genuine essential oils in most of our soaps, chosen not only for their wonderful, long-lasting aromas but also for their skin-nourishing properties and the aromatherapy benefits they bring. Where we use high-quality fragrances, they’re carefully selected to ensure a safe, pleasant experience with every use. Plus, we believe in the power of giving back. Doc T’s partners with women’s shelters and organizations serving those in need, providing quality soaps to help everyone experience the confidence that comes from feeling clean and cared for. With Doc T’s, you’re choosing a soap that goes beyond the bar—it’s a commitment to quality, wellness, and community.
Dr. T’s soaps are described as “Handcrafted and All Natural,” what exactly does that mean?
Each bar of Dr. T’s soap is created from scratch—hand-measured, mixed, poured, cut, and packaged individually without any assembly lines or factory production. “Handcrafted” means every step is carefully managed for consistent quality. When we say “All Natural,” we’re serious: no artificial ingredients, synthetic fillers, or chemical preservatives. Our soaps include only plant-based oils, butters, and naturally sourced minerals, with organic ingredients used whenever possible. And rest assured, our natural bar soaps are free from GMOs, phthalates, parabens, PEG, and any artificial dyes or preservatives.
You need lye to make soap. Is there lye in Dr. T’s soap?
Nope! While lye (or sodium hydroxide) is essential in soap-making, it’s only involved at the start of the process. During saponification, oils and fats combine with lye, rearranging the molecules to form pure soap and glycerin. When the process is complete, there’s no lye left—just skin-loving soap to clean and glycerin to moisturize.
How long to bars of Dr. T’s Soap last?
With regular use, our bars typically last around two weeks. To maximize longevity, store unused bars in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keeping them on a soap saver pad (like those we offer) or in a dry area with good airflow helps the soap last longer. Factors like water hardness and shower temperature also matter—softer water and cooler showers extend a bar’s life.
Are Dr. T’s products suitable for all ages and skin types?
Absolutely! Dr. T’s ingredients are safe for kids, teens, and adults. Some of our soaps, like Charcoal Mountain and Cucumber Lime, are great for acne-prone teen skin. Our Body Butters are formulated to keep skin hydrated with fewer applications—perfect for young, active skin. For men, we offer options like Pine Tar and Alpine Forest, designed to deeply cleanse and leave a masculine scent. Our Body Butters work wonders on dry, cracked hands and elbows.
I have skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, are there any Dr. T products that can help with that?
While Dr. T’s products aren’t designed to treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions, our all-natural, detergent-free soaps can be a gentle choice for sensitive skin. Vanilla Oatmeal and Plain Jane are especially popular for their mild formulas, which are less likely to aggravate irritated skin. Many customers also tell us our Body Butters have been effective in soothing dryness and itchiness, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy.
Are Dr. T’s products suitable for all ages and skin types?
Absolutely! Dr. T’s ingredients are safe for kids, teens, and adults. Some of our soaps, like Charcoal Mountain and Cucumber Lime, are great for acne-prone teen skin. Our Body Butters are formulated to keep skin hydrated with fewer applications—perfect for young, active skin. For men, we offer options like Pine Tar and Alpine Forest, designed to deeply cleanse and leave a masculine scent. Our Body Butters work wonders on dry, cracked hands and elbows.
Your ingredients mention sustainably sourced palm kernel oil. What does that mean, and are other ingredients sustainably sourced as well?
At Dr. T’s, sustainability and ethical sourcing are core to our values. Palm oil is a powerful ingredient, but it can negatively impact ecosystems and communities if not harvested responsibly. That’s why we only use RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) Certified palm oils, ensuring sustainable practices and worker rights are respected at every step.
For other ingredients, we follow the same high standards. We prioritize suppliers that adhere to fair trade and environmentally friendly practices, so that our oils, butters, and other components are sourced with care. Whenever possible, we choose organic ingredients, and we’re always on the lookout for suppliers who meet our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and minimal environmental impact. This means our customers can feel good knowing Dr. T’s products are crafted with integrity from start to finish.
Do you give tours of your production facility?
Not at the moment. Since our production area must remain extremely clean to maintain our product quality, we’re unable to accommodate tours. However, we hope to expand in the future to a space where you can visit and see the soap-making process firsthand.
Why does Dr. T's soaps have more ingredients than other natural soaps?
At Dr. T’s Apothecary, we believe each ingredient contributes unique benefits for skin health. Over years of research, we’ve carefully selected every oil and butter for its role in conditioning, creating a creamy lather, or nourishing the skin. Think of it like a great sandwich—technically, bread and meat are enough, but wouldn’t it be better with some mustard, lettuce, cheese, and tomato? Each ingredient in our soap has a purpose, making every bar a rich experience for your skin.