Ecology Soap is dedicated to bringing you the “cleanest’ soaps, skin care and cleansing solutions on earth. They are committed to plant based, biodynamic personal care, as well as non-toxic cleaning solutions for laundry and home. Their products are made with hydrating organic oils, botanicals, and wholesome ingredients of the highest quality. All soaps and cleaners are sustainably formulated, eco-friendly and packaged with compostable or recyclable materials.
Founded by Louise Michaud, this brand is making a name for itself in the industry and we spent some time with her to find out more about her plans for the future and more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Ecology Soap?
I was casually reading through social media posts and came across an article on toxicity in laundry products, more specifically dryer sheets. I was dismayed to learn that ingredients are generally not listed on these products, so consumers do not know of the potentially hazardous chemicals in their laundry products. After further research, I also found that there was a marketing trend of labeling cleaners and detergents as “green” for containing few so-called natural or eco-friendly ingredients, while the majority of other compounds in the “green” formula were synthetic.
Upon further research, I found the same applied to bath and body products. Many companies which promote their products as natural or handmade also use synthetic chemicals to enhance product appeal. Those beautifully colored soaps and bath bombs you see in the stores, for example, get their hues from synthetic dyes or colorants. Beware of those vibrant fuchsias and blues; they aren’t natural. Many of these products also use artificial fragrances, even if they do contain natural ingredients.
I was inspired to create a different type of “soap” company, founded upon developing a brand that avoided these practices, and providing transparency to the consumer with honest labeling and sourcing the “cleanest” ingredients possible. The majority of our products contain certified organic ingredients, and that is what sets us apart from other companies. We also will never use artificial fragrances or colorants in our products. In fact, our products are free from sulfates, parabens, GMOs, formaldehyde, phthalates, PABA, DEA or mineral oils.
Ecology Soap’s commitment to purity also extends from product to package. We focus on bar soaps because liquid soaps use five times more energy for raw material production and twenty times more for packaging. Our boxes are recyclable and made from post-consumer paper. Our business cards are made from recycled t-shirts, and we have recently begun using a green printer that uses soy-based ink for our labeling.
You’re committed to bringing consumers the cleanest soaps on earth, how do you go about this?
Our soap makers are carefully vetted and must meet our company credo. They are also involved in our annual certification via Leaping Bunny, the international certification standard for cruelty-free designation.
Do you plan on expanding your range outside of soap?
Yes, in response to the health hazards associated with the use of talcum powder, we just added a Powder Room to our website, featuring a line of 100% natural, talc-free body powders in seven unique scents: Mandarin Spice, Evergreen, Cedarwood Sage, Lemongrass, Lavender, Key Lime and Peppermint Tea Tree. Their essential oil based aromas are absolutely heavenly.
We also expanded with a “Spa Stop” that includes hand-loomed organic Turkish towels, aromatherapeutic shea butter infused socks, vintage glass soap dishes, bamboo brushes and more.
What does 2020 look like for the brand?
The year will be busy as we expand our brand into more brick and mortar store locations. I also expect to launch a line of fair trade sugar and coffee scrubs.
You’re members of the Rainforest Alliance which is incredible, how important is being sustainable to you?
Sustainability is of utmost important in terms of the environment, but so is sourcing ingredients from farmers that earn a living wage. When you see our brand’s notation that our oil is RSPO certified, you are assured not only that cultivation practices are in keeping with environmental sustainability, but also that the local population is fairly paid for the work they do. RSPO certified palm growers account for only 19% of the overall market.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I am actually coming to London in May and cannot wait since London has long been on the bucket list. Ecology Soap is a sponsor of the National Social Media Awards in May, and we will be attending the red carpet event to be broadcast into 60 million European households.
Eventually, I am planning to expand into an international line that will feature the “cleanest” soaps from makers around the world, so expect to be traveling on a regular basis. I see travel to known “soap” centers in southern France, Turkey and some off-the-beaten-track areas in the Middle East. At the top of my bucket list, however, is a trip around the Greek isles.
Outside of the business, what do you like to do for fun?
Since Ecology Soap is a young business, much of my time is devoted to its development. I also teach classics at a university here in New York, so time outside those two endeavors is supremely challenged. I do love to travel, however, especially when it is for archaeological purposes. I’m also a huge baseball fan and eagerly await next season.
What does self care mean to you?
I think finding a work-life balance is very important and honestly, I tend to struggle with this. I think getting regular exercise and spending time with friends and relations are most important to me. It’s easy to let those imperatives lapse when you are busy. Self care also means controlling what you expose yourself to in your daily environment and I think being a knowledgeable consumer is necessary for that.
Find out more…
We can be found at www.ecologysoap.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for discounts and product news. Our products can also be found in Europe on the Stilorama.com Luxury Marketplace. Our social media handles are Instagram at ecologysoapllc, Facebook at ecologysoapcompany and Twitter @ecologysoap.
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