What makes our products different?

What makes our products at Chicago Soapery & Apothecary Different?

I get this question a lot: what makes Chicago Soapery & Apothecary’s products stand out from those you’ll find in stores? The answer is rooted in the ingredients and philosophy behind every item we create. Let’s break it down.

What You’ll Find in most Stores

Many store-bought products, such as lip balms and soaps, rely on ingredients like petroleum and synthetic agents. These synthetic products, often labeled as "soap," strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and needing extra attention. In some cases, prolonged use can lead to skin conditions that require medical treatment.

I know this all too well because it’s where my story began. As a child with sensitive skin and eczema, I struggled to find products that worked for me. From baby soaps to prescription creams, I tried everything under the sun. But nothing provided lasting relief until I started making my own natural products. That’s when I realized I didn’t need those synthetic solutions at all.

Now, while I occasionally experience minor skin issues when the weather changes, they’re rare and short-lived thanks to the natural products I use. This transformation inspired me to create products that help others achieve the same results.

Let’s Talk About Lip Balms

This time of year, lip care is especially important, so let’s start with lip balms. Unlike petroleum-based products that merely coat the lips and mask dryness, our lip balms are designed to nourish, moisturize, and heal chapped lips.  They address the root cause of dryness, leaving your lips soft and hydrated.

 I use this lip balm for more than just my lips—it’s my go-to for soothing dry, chapped spots like the skin around my nose. Side note: it works so well I’m honestly thinking about making a jumbo version for on-the-go comfort!

Key Ingredients in Our Lip Balms

• Jojoba Oil: A deeply nourishing oil that closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing long-lasting hydration.

• Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, it helps soothe and protect dry, cracked lips.

• Shea Butter: Packed with vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter repairs and softens the skin, creating a protective barrier against harsh weather.

• Jojoba Beads: These add gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and improve product absorption.

• Beeswax: This natural sealant locks in moisture and ensures the nourishing oils have time to penetrate the skin fully.

With over 10 years of experience perfecting our lip balm formula, I can confidently say our product is superior to store-bought, petroleum-based alternatives. Not only do our balms nourish your lips, but they also offer long-term benefits that synthetic products simply can’t match.

Lets talk soaps

Let's start with commercial soaps. Most commercial soaps are made with synthetic detergents, and during manufacturing, companies often remove the glycerin from the soap. They sell this glycerin separately for profit, leaving the soap harsher and more drying. But what is glycerin, and why is it important? Glycerin is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. It naturally forms in all handmade cold process soaps, so rest assured every bar is packed with skin-loving moisture and deep hydration.

All of our soaps are crafted with care because I know firsthand the struggle of dealing with skin issues. I wanted to create a soap that effectively cleanses without leaving skin feeling like sandpaper. For years, I experimented with different recipes until I found the perfect balance. We now have about four to five signature soap recipes that we use regularly, and they work wonders on all skin types. These soaps are gentle enough that I even use them on my child.

Here at Chicago Soapery & Apothecary, our soaps are made with natural oils and butters, about 70-80% of which are food-grade quality (though our products are NOT edible!). Our formulations are designed to cleanse deeply without stripping your skin, leaving you feeling clean but never dry or flaky. The goal is healthy, nourished skin.

Why Choose Natural?

Natural products prioritize your skin’s health, avoiding the harsh chemicals and synthetic additives found in commercial options. At Chicago Soapery & Apothecary, every product is crafted with care, ensuring it delivers real results without compromising your well-being. Whether you’re battling sensitive skin, dryness, or just want a more effective lip balm, our products are designed with you in mind.

Thank you so much for supporting this mommy-owned small business. I appreciate you all so much!