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Our Ingredients, Your Glow
At Mendano Soap and Beauty, we are committed to creating soaps that are as kind to your skin as they are to the environment, which is why every bar is made from a careful selection of natural, nourishing ingredients that work in harmony with the body’s integumentary system. The foundation of our recipe begins with clean, filtered water, chosen to ensure the highest purity, and sodium hydroxide, which might sound intimidating but is simply the traditional catalyst that transforms oils into true soap through saponification; by the time the soap cures, there is no sodium hydroxide left in the finished bar, leaving only gentle, skin-safe cleansing. Into this foundation we blend rich butters like shea, cocoa, or mango, each prized for their ability to deeply moisturize, soften, and protect the skin with their natural vitamins and fatty acids. Coconut oil joins the recipe to provide a luxurious, foamy lather and powerful yet balanced cleansing properties, helping the soap wash away impurities while leaving essential moisture behind. To complement these, we use olive oil and a medley of plant-based oils such as rice bran, sunflower, almond, sesame, and others, which are rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats that help hydrate, restore elasticity, and maintain smooth, supple skin. These oils not only nourish on the surface but also support the skin barrier and overall health of the integumentary system, making them ideal for daily use. Finally, to elevate the experience, we add aromatic essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, or palmarosa, which provide calming scents and natural benefits ranging from relaxation to gentle antibacterial support, while for those who prefer a stronger fragrance, we offer bars crafted with skin-safe fragrance oils that deliver long-lasting aroma without compromising safety. Every ingredient we choose has a purpose, and together they create a soap that cleanses without stripping, moisturizes without heaviness, and transforms your daily wash into a moment of care, comfort, and indulgence.
Water & Sodium Hydroxide
Every bar of Mendano soap begins with two simple yet essential ingredients: clean filtered water and sodium hydroxide. The water provides purity and consistency, serving as the base that brings all other ingredients together. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is the traditional element that starts the process of saponification, the natural reaction that transforms oils and butters into true soap. Although sodium hydroxide sounds harsh, it does not remain in the finished bar. Instead, what you are left with is safe, gentle, and effective soap that cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural balance. Together, water and sodium hydroxide create the foundation that allows our nourishing oils and butters to combine into the creamy, moisturizing bars that define Mendano Soap and Beauty.
Butters and Oils
Discover the essence of Mendano bars – a fusion of butters and oils that nurture, shield, and revive your skin. Our selection features shea, cocoa, or mango butter renowned for their vitamin-rich character and lipid content essential in deeply hydrating while fortifying the skin’s natural barrier. Embrace velvety softness as these butters alleviate dryness, showcasing the luxurious touch they bring to every cleanse. The addition of coconut oil maximizes cleansing efficacy with its frothy lather that elevates your bathing ritual. To harmonize this formula, we infuse olive oil alongside an array of botanic oils like rice bran, sunflower seeds,and almond known for their antioxidants and fatty acid profiles that moisturize deeply,nurture elasticity and act as a shield against environmental aggressors. This intricate blend delivers an optimal harmony between purification and nourishment fostering holistic skin wellbeing to radiate vitality.
Fragrance Oils
For those who enjoy a stronger, longer-lasting aroma, we also craft bars using skin-safe fragrance oils. Unlike many commercial soaps that rely on heavy artificial perfumes, our fragrances are carefully selected and added in small, safe amounts to ensure they are gentle on the skin while still offering a rich scent experience. These fragrance oils allow us to explore blends and notes that cannot always be achieved with essential oils alone, making it possible to create unique varieties that range from warm and comforting to bright and refreshing. While the primary purpose of fragrance oils is to enhance the sensory experience of your daily routine, we make sure they never overpower the soap’s natural balance. Every bar remains gentle, moisturizing, and nourishing, with fragrance as an added touch of personality and indulgence that turns a simple wash into something memorable.
Pure Formulation Philosophy
Where Traditional Methods Meet Modern Clean Standards
At Mendano™, we believe that better skincare starts with better ingredients, which is why we have a strict list of what we never use in our formulations. You won’t find SLS, parabens, phthalates, plastics, sodium benzoate, or any harsh synthetic preservatives in our soap. These additives are common in commercial bars because they extend shelf life or create artificial lather, but they often come at the cost of skin irritation, dryness, or long-term sensitivity. Instead, we rely on traditional cold-process methods and thoughtful chemistry. Every bar is x, meaning we intentionally leave a small percentage of extra oils and butters in the formula that do not saponify. This creates a soap that is naturally more moisturizing, creamier, and gentler for the skin, eliminating the need for synthetic moisturizers found in store-bought soaps. After crafting each batch, we allow it to cure for 4–6 weeks, giving the soap time to harden, mellow, and complete the saponification process. This curing period results in a longer-lasting bar with richer lather and a more luxurious feel. We also choose every ingredient with purpose: olive oil for nourishment, coconut oil for cleansing and bubbles, shea and mango butter for softness and moisture, and castor oil for its ability to boost lather and create a silky texture. Every component plays a role, and nothing is included unless it benefits your skin. This philosophy ensures that each Mendano™ bar is as pure, effective, and comfortable as possible, without the shortcuts or chemical fillers used in mass-market products.