Ingredients Index
CERTIFIED ORGANIC OILS, BUTTERS AND ESSENTIAL OILS
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Extraction: Mechanical pressing of the Olive fruit, where no rectification or chemical refining takes place. The Oil is filtered through a centrifuge to remove the waxes and debris and water.
Ingredient Role: Used as a principal base oil in our soapmaking process. During saponification, olive oil is converted primarily into sodium olivate, which the CPSR identifies as a cleansing, emulsifying and surfactant ingredient that also contributes viscosity.
Skin Benefits: Olive oil is widely used in skincare as an emollient and has been studied for its effects on skin hydration and barrier properties. Research findings vary with oil type, skin condition and method of use, so Soap Valley® does not make a therapeutic or barrier-repair claim for the finished bar.
Research:
Rubio-Santoyo A, Sanabria-de la Torre R, Montero-Vílchez T, et al. Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Petrolatum on Skin Barrier Function and Microtopography. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025;14(13):4675. doi:10.3390/jcm14134675.
What the research explores: This controlled study in healthy adults compared topically applied extra virgin olive oil with petrolatum and measured skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, erythema and skin microtopography.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Extraction: Coconut oil goes through a process of extraction, grating, drying and a temperature-controlled expeller process.
Ingredient Role: Used as a base oil in our soapmaking process. During saponification, coconut oil is converted primarily into sodium cocoate, which the CPSR identifies as a cleansing, emulsifying and surfactant ingredient.
Skin Benefits: Virgin coconut oil has been studied as a topical moisturiser and has demonstrated improvements in skin hydration in clinical research on dry skin. It is also widely used as an emollient in cosmetic formulations.
Research:
Agero ALC, Verallo-Rowell VM. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis. 2004;15(3):109-116. doi:10.2310/6620.2004.04006.
What the research explores: This randomized double-blind study compared virgin coconut oil with mineral oil in people with mild to moderate xerosis and measured hydration, skin lipids, transepidermal water loss and other skin parameters.
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor)
Extraction: Cold-pressed and deodorised.
Ingredient Role: Used as a base oil in our soapmaking process. During saponification, castor oil is converted primarily into sodium castorate, which the CPSR identifies as an emulsifying and surfactant ingredient.
Skin Benefits: Castor oil is used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning ingredient and is rich in ricinoleic acid. Published reviews describe its use in formulations intended to support hydration and skin conditioning, although the clinical evidence base remains more limited than for some other plant oils.
Research:
Fiume MM, et al. Re-Review Summary of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil and Ricinoleates as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2025. doi:10.1177/10915818251361102.
What the research explores: The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed castor oil and ricinoleate ingredients used in cosmetics and reports skin-conditioning, emulsion-stabilising and surfactant functions among their cosmetic uses.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Extraction: Mechanical expression and deodorised
Ingredient Role: Used as a base butter in our soapmaking process. During saponification, shea butter is converted primarily into sodium shea butterate, which the CPSR identifies as a cleansing, emulsifying and surfactant ingredient.
Skin Benefits: Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning emollient that helps soften and condition the skin. Its lipid-rich composition is one reason it is frequently incorporated into moisturising cosmetic formulations.
Research:
Burnett CL, et al. Safety Assessment of Butyrospermum parkii (Shea)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2024;43(1_suppl):82S-95S. doi:10.1177/10915818231224230.
What the research explores: The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed 13 shea-derived cosmetic ingredients and notes that they are most frequently reported to function as skin- and hair-conditioning agents in cosmetics.
ESSENTIAL OILS – RELAX
Lavender Essential (Lavandula angustifolia) Oil
Extraction: Steam-distillation of the flowering tops.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Relax as an essential-oil fragrance ingredient. The CPSR identifies Lavandula angustifolia oil as a fragrance and tonic ingredient.
Skin Benefits: Lavender essential oil has been studied for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity. The quality and applicability of the evidence varies across study types, so these are presented as areas of ingredient research rather than as treatment claims.
Sensory Profile: Soft. Floral. Herbaceous. Aromatic.
Research:
Cavanagh HMA, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research. 2002;16(4):301-308. doi:10.1002/ptr.1103.
Donelli D, Antonelli M, Bellinazzi C, Gensini GF, Firenzuoli F. Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2019;65:153099. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153099.
What the research explores: Cavanagh and Wilkinson reviewed evidence relating to the biological activity of lavender essential oils, including antimicrobial research. Donelli and colleagues reviewed studies of lavender administration, including inhalation, in relation to anxiety.
Bergamot Essential (Citrus bergamia) Oil
Extraction: Expression of the peel from the real Certified Organic Bergamot Fruit.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Relax as a perfuming essential oil, contributing its bright citrus aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Bergamot essential oil has been investigated for a range of biological activities, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. However, much of this evidence comes from laboratory research rather than clinical testing of rinse-off cosmetics, so Soap Valley® does not make a specific skin-efficacy claim for the finished Relax bar.
Sensory Profile: Bright. Fresh. Citrusy.
Research:
Navarra M, Mannucci C, Delbò M, Calapai G. Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2015;6:36. doi:10.3389/fphar.2015.00036.
Watanabe E, Kuchta K, Kimura M, Rauwald HW, Kamei T, Imanishi J. Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females. Forschende Komplementärmedizin. 2015;22(1):43-49. doi:10.1159/000380989.
Han X, Gibson J, Eggett DL, Parker TL. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study. Phytotherapy Research. 2017;31(5):812-816. doi:10.1002/ptr.5806.
What the research explores: The Navarra review specifically examines Citrus bergamia essential oil, including its composition, cosmetic use, biological research and safety considerations. The Watanabe and Han studies investigated bergamot essential-oil aroma in human participants and measured outcomes relating to mood and wellbeing. These aroma studies did not investigate a rinse-off cosmetic product.
Geranium Essential Oil (Geraniaceae)
Extraction: Steam-distillation of the freshly harvested leaves, stalks and flowers.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Relax as a fragrance and perfuming essential oil, contributing its floral, green and rosy aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Pelargonium graveolens essential oil has been investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in laboratory research. These findings are relevant to the ingredient itself and are not presented as clinical effects of the finished soap.
Sensory Profile: Floral. Green. Rosy. Fresh.
Research:
Al-Mijalli SH, et al. Chemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils at Three Different Phenological Stages. Plants. 2022;11(17):2226. doi:10.3390/plants11172226.
Orchard A, van Vuuren S. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;2017:4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971.
What the research explores: The 2022 study characterised Pelargonium graveolens oils and evaluated antioxidant, dermaprotective, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in laboratory assays. The 2017 review examined antimicrobial evidence for essential oils used in dermatological contexts.
ESSENTIAL OILS – Focus
Rosemary Essential Oil Certified Organic (Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Oil)
Extraction: Steam-distillation of the fresh flowering tops.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Focus as a perfuming essential oil, contributing its fresh herbal aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Rosemary and its constituents have been studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity relevant to topical skincare research. These findings vary by extract, preparation and concentration.
Sensory Profile: Fresh. Herbal. Aromatic.
Research:
de Macedo LM, et al. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications: A Review. Plants. 2020;9(5):651. doi:10.3390/plants9050651.
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2020;23(9):1100-1112. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541.
What the research explores: The topical-applications review discusses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary and its constituents in topical research. The second review explores neurological and cognitive research, including learning and memory.
Peppermint Essential Oil Certified Organic (Mentha Piperita Oil)
Extraction: Steam-distillation of the whole flowering herb.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Focus as a fragrance and perfuming essential oil. The CPSR also identifies Mentha piperita oil as refreshing and tonic.
Skin Benefits: Peppermint essential oil is used in cosmetics for its refreshing sensory properties. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has assessed Mentha piperita-derived ingredients for cosmetic use, including peppermint oil at concentrations relevant to rinse-off formulations.
Sensory Profile: Fresh. Minty. Refreshing.
Research:
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2023;42(Suppl. 3):117S-143S.
Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience. 2008;118(1):59-77. doi:10.1080/00207450601042094.
What the research explores: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment evaluates Mentha piperita oil specifically as a cosmetic ingredient and considers its safety at reported cosmetic-use concentrations, including rinse-off products. The Moss study investigated peppermint aroma exposure in humans in relation to cognitive performance and mood; it did not investigate rinse-off cosmetic use.
Frankincense Oil Certified Organic (Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil)
Extraction: Steam Distilled Certified Organic Essential Oil of Boswellia carterii.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Focus as a perfuming essential oil, contributing its warm, resinous aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Boswellia carterii has been investigated in scientific research, but evidence specifically demonstrating skin benefits from Boswellia carterii essential oil at concentrations comparable with this rinse-off formulation remains limited. Soap Valley® therefore does not make a specific skin-efficacy claim for the finished Focus bar.
Sensory Profile: Warm. Resinous. Woody.
Research:
Woolley CL, Suhail MM, Smith BL, et al. Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A. 2012;1261:158-163. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2012.06.073.
Kamatou GPP, Viljoen AM, van Vuuren SF, Balwanth P, Gosai R. Variation in essential oil composition of Boswellia carterii Birdw. and its antimicrobial activity. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.
What the research explores: Woolley and colleagues specifically characterised Boswellia carterii essential oil and compared its chemical composition with Boswellia sacra essential oil. Kamatou and colleagues examined commercial Boswellia carterii essential oils from multiple suppliers, analysing their chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. These studies concern the essential oil itself, but do not demonstrate a clinical skin benefit from the finished Soap Valley® Focus bar.
Ylang Ylang III Essential Oil Certified Organic (Cananga Odorata Oil)
Extraction: Certified Organic distiller in Madagascar.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Focus as a fragrance and perfuming essential oil, contributing its rich floral aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Ylang ylang essential oil has been investigated for antioxidant and antibacterial activity in laboratory studies. Research also explores its sensory and aromatherapy effects in humans.
Sensory Profile: Rich. Floral. Sweet.
Research:
Alaoui Mrani S, et al. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Hemolytic Properties of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil: Potential Therapeutic Applications in Dermatology. Pharmaceuticals. 2024;17(10):1376. doi:10.3390/ph17101376.
Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience. 2008;118(1):59-77. doi:10.1080/00207450601042094.
What the research explores: The 2024 study characterised ylang ylang essential oil and evaluated antioxidant and antibacterial activity in laboratory assays while also emphasising the importance of concentration. The 2008 human study examined ylang ylang aroma in relation to mood and cognitive performance.
ESSENTIAL OILS – Wellbeing
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil Certified Organic (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil)
Extraction: Obtained from freshly collected eucalyptus leaves.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Wellbeing as an essential-oil fragrance ingredient, contributing a fresh, aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Eucalyptus globulus leaf essential oil has been investigated in laboratory research for anti-inflammatory activity and skin-ageing-related markers. These findings relate to the ingredient under controlled test conditions rather than the finished Soap Valley® bar.
Sensory Profile:
Fresh. Aromatic. Herbaceous.
Research:
Moreira P, Sousa FJ, Matos P, et al. Chemical Composition and Effect against Skin Alterations of Bioactive Extracts Obtained by the Hydrodistillation of Eucalyptus globulus Leaves. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):561. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14030561.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Final Report. 2018.
What the research explores: The 2022 study investigated Eucalyptus globulus leaf essential oil in laboratory models relevant to skin biology, including inflammatory pathways and skin-ageing-related markers. The CIR assessment reviews the cosmetic use and safety of Eucalyptus globulus-derived ingredients, including Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil.
Mandarin Green Pure Essential Oil (Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil)
Extraction: Expression from the fruit.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Wellbeing as a fragrance and perfuming essential oil, contributing its sweet, bright citrus aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Citrus reticulata peel oil is used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and skin-conditioning ingredient. Published cosmetic safety assessments support its use within appropriate formulation and safety controls.
Sensory Profile: Sweet. Bright. Citrusy.
Research:
Burnett CL, Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2019;38(2_suppl):33S-59S. doi:10.1177/1091581819862504.
What the research explores: The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety assessed citrus-derived peel oils used in cosmetics, including Citrus reticulata peel oil, and reviewed available animal and clinical safety data. Citrus peel oils are reported to function commonly as fragrances and/or skin-conditioning agents.
Lime Distilled Essential Oil Certified Organic (Citrus aurantifolia Oil)
Extraction: Steam distillation of the certified organic peel after separation from the Lime Fruit.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Wellbeing as a fragrance ingredient, contributing its crisp citrus aromatic character.
Skin Benefits: Citrus peel oils are commonly used in cosmetics as fragrance and skin-conditioning ingredients. Lime essential oil has also been studied for a range of biological activities, although those findings depend strongly on the oil composition and test conditions.
Sensory Profile: Crisp. Fresh. Citrusy.
Research:
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966.
Burnett CL, Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2019;38(2_suppl):33S-59S. doi:10.1177/1091581819862504.
What the research explores: The Dosoky and Setzer review examines the chemistry, biological research and safety considerations of Citrus essential oils. The CIR assessment reviews the cosmetic safety and functions of citrus-derived peel oils.
Vetiver Essential Oil Certified Organic (Vetiveria Zizanioides Root Oil)
Extraction: Steam-distillation of the dried and chopped roots.
Ingredient Role: Used in Soap Valley® Wellbeing as a fragrance and perfuming essential oil. The CPSR also identifies vetiver root oil as a tonic ingredient.
Skin Benefits: Vetiver essential oil has a long history of cosmetic and fragrance use. A dedicated cosmetic study investigated a range of proposed activities and found that its fragrance role was the clearest established cosmetic value under the assays used.
Sensory Profile: Deep. Earthy. Woody.
Research:
Burger P, Landreau A, Watson M, et al. Vetiver Essential Oil in Cosmetics: What Is New? Medicines. 2017;4(2):41. doi:10.3390/medicines4020041.
What the research explores: This peer-reviewed study investigated vetiver essential oil composition and a series of cosmetic and antimicrobial bioassays. The authors reported that not all traditional cosmetic claims were confirmed and highlighted its established fragrance use.
SITEWIDE RESEARCH & INGREDIENT DISCLAIMER
Research & Ingredient Information
Ingredient information describes the characteristics and published research associated with individual raw materials. Soap Valley® bars are rinse-off cosmetic products; references to individual ingredients should not be interpreted as claims that the finished product treats or prevents medical conditions.