Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Our Products
Q: What kind of products does Artisan Arbor Soaps Co offer?
We handcraft a wide range of luxurious bath and body products, including our signature artisan soap bars, delightful bath bombs, invigorating shower steamers, solid bubble bath bars, and more! We are always exploring new ways to enhance your self-care routine.
Q: Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Our brand was born from a personal need for gentle, effective skincare, especially for very sensitive skin. We carefully select skin-loving, natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals, synthetic detergents, and artificial irritants often found in mass-produced products. While individual sensitivities vary, many of our customers with sensitive skin find our products to be incredibly soothing.
Q: Why are your soaps better than commercial soaps?
Unlike many commercial soaps, our artisan soap bars retain all their natural glycerin – a powerful humectant that draws moisture to your skin. We also avoid harsh detergents, parabens, and artificial additives that can strip your skin's natural oils and cause irritation. Our focus is on gentle, nourishing cleansing that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Q: Do you use essential oils or fragrance oils for scent?
We use high-quality, paraben and phthalate-free fragrance oils in specific products to achieve unique scent profiles, and high quality essential oils, which will always be clearly indicated on the product's ingredient list within the listings.
Q: Are your products vegan?
Many of our products are vegan-friendly, but some of our traditional soap recipes, particularly our "old-fashioned" ones, may contain lard (as mentioned in our story, this was part of the original journey for my son's eczema) or tallow. Please check the individual product descriptions and ingredient lists for specific vegan suitability.
Q: Are your products cruelty free?
Yes, we never test on animals. We carefully source ingredients from ethical Canadian suppliers to ensure sustainability and quality. For example, our Tallow is locally sourced within Ontario.
Q: How should I store my artisan soap bars?
To prolong the life of your artisan soap, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct water streams. Using a well-draining soap dish will allow it to dry thoroughly between uses, which helps it last longer. For all products see the listing for more details.
Q: Are your products safe for children?
While our products are made with gentle ingredients, we always recommend reviewing the specific ingredient list for each product. For very young children or those with extreme sensitivities, it's always wise to perform a patch test first. The inspiration for our journey came from helping my son with severe eczema, so gentleness is at our core.
Ordering & Shipping
Q: I've mailed my package to the wrong address, can you send me a replacement?
It is your responsibility, as the buyer to ensure your address is correct and if a mistake has been to notify us ASAP. If it has already been shipped and is returned to us, then we can invoice you for the shipping and we can resend it once your address has been corrected.
Q: Where do you ship? We currently ship within Canada, to the United States and some countries Internationally.
Q: How long will it take to receive my order?
Orders are typically processed within 2-4 business days, except on busy times of the year it may be slightly longer. Shipping times vary depending on your location and carrier.
Q: Do you offer local pickup in Toronto?
No but if you're in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you can choose local delivery at checkout, within a radius. We'll provide details for delivery once your order is ready.
Q: What is your return policy?
Due to the personal nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges unless an item arrives damaged (container is broken) or there was an error with your order. Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Our Craft & Philosophy
Q: Where are your products made?
Every single product from Artisan Arbor Soaps Co is handmade in small batches right here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Q: What inspired you to start Artisan Arbor Soaps Co?
Our journey began from deeply personal challenges with severe skin sensitivities, both my own and my son's eczema. After frustrating experiences with commercial products and ineffective solutions, I discovered the power of crafting my own gentle, natural skincare. What started as a necessity became a passionate hobby, and with positive feedback from family and friends, evolved into Artisan Arbor Soaps Co – a fusion of artistry, meditation, and a commitment to providing genuinely beneficial products.
Q: What makes Artisan Arbor Soaps Co unique?
Our uniqueness stems from our origin story – a genuine commitment to creating products that are safe and effective for even the most sensitive skin, born from direct personal experience. We combine this dedication to gentle, skin-loving ingredients with artistic creativity, resulting in beautiful, handcrafted products that offer a truly luxurious and therapeutic self-care experience. We also pride ourselves on our small-batch production and attention to detail.