Since I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2000, I have been shopping at The Soap Factory. Supporting a local, woman-owned business is a pleasure, and using the store's products always feels indulgent. Prior to finding this company, I had given up on scented personal care products, due to allergic reactions. What I learned from The Soap Factory's owner, Dawn Gregg, is that cheap chemical ingredients were likely causing a bad reaction with my skin.Based in Longview, Washington, the shop offers products that are cruelty-free and made on-site. The Soap Factory uses high-quality ingredients that don't disturb sensitive skin. Most of the soaps and lotions are also free of animal products.
Another perk that comes with ordering from The Soap Factory is that you get a gift with every $50 you spend. My last order came with a bar of Apricot Freesia Soap, which retails for $4.25. That may seem costly, but it's worth it. I have enjoyed every bar of soap from this store, and the Apricot Freesia Soap was no exception.
An olive oil-based soap, the Apricot Freesia Soap was soft, buttery, long-lasting, and gentle enough to be used as a facial soap as well as body soap. The scent was pleasant without being overpowering or smelling “too girly,” as my partner put it. The minimalist packaging was environmentally-friendly, and the shipping was very prompt – my order went out on the same day I sent it.
The business has grown quite a bit since Gregg started it out of her house in 1997, but she has kept the personal touch that makes supporting her business a pleasure.
Review by M.L. Madison
