In a world increasingly driven by mass production and synthetic ingredients, the art of handmade soap stands as a testament to tradition, quality, and care. As an artisan soap maker, I am often asked why one should choose handmade soap over commercially manufactured alternatives. The answer lies not only in the ingredients we use but also in the heart and soul we pour into each bar. Let me take you on a journey through the myriad benefits of handmade soap, seen through the eyes of someone who lives and breathes this craft.
 


​Quality Ingredients: The Foundation of Craftsmanship
 
At the core of every bar of handmade soap is a commitment to natural or high-quality ingredients. Unlike many commercial soaps, which often contain harsh chemicals, detergents, and less than ideal fragrances, our soaps are crafted using fats and oils, such as canola oil, coconut oil, and soybean oil. These ingredients are not only gentle on the skin but also provide essential nutrients that nourish and moisturize.
 
Essential oils, herbs, and natural colorants further enrich our soaps. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its skin safe properties. Lavender, for instance, is known for its calming and soothing effects, while peppermint invigorates and refreshes. The use of quality ingredients ensures that each bar is a harmonious blend of nature's best and quality man-made ingredients, providing a luxurious and therapeutic experience for the skin.
 
The Moisturizing Power of Glycerin
 
One of the most significant benefits of handmade soap is its high glycerin content. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soap-making process and is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin. In commercial soap production, glycerin is often removed and sold separately to the cosmetic industry, leaving the soap less moisturizing and potentially more drying to the skin.
 
In contrast, handmade soap retains all of its natural glycerin, ensuring that each bar is exceptionally moisturizing. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated after each use.
 
Customization and Personalization
 
As an artisan, one of the most rewarding aspects of making handmade soap is the ability to customize and personalize each batch. This allows us to cater to a wide range of skin types and preferences. Whether you have sensitive skin, are prone to allergies, or simply prefer a specific scent, we can create a soap that meets your unique needs.
 
Customization also extends to the aesthetic of the soap. We can craft soaps in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, making them not only functional but also beautiful. This creativity allows us to produce soaps that are perfect for gifts, special occasions, or simply to add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
 
Gentle on Skin: A Solution for Sensitive Skin
 
The absence of harsh additives in handmade soap makes it a gentle and suitable option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Commercial soaps often contain sulfates, parabens, and cheap fragrances, which can irritate the skin and cause adverse reactions. Handmade soap, with its quality ingredients and gentle formulation, minimizes the risk of irritation and is kinder to the skin.
 
As artisans, we are deeply aware of the importance of gentle skincare. Each bar of soap is crafted with care, ensuring that it provides a soothing and nurturing experience for all skin types, including the most sensitive.
 
Environmental Benefits: A Sustainable Choice
 
In today's environmentally conscious world, the choice of products we use extends beyond personal care to the impact on our planet. Handmade soaps often use biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging, reducing their environmental footprint. Many artisan soap makers also prioritize sustainable practices, such as sourcing ethically produced ingredients and using eco-friendly packaging.
 
By choosing handmade soap, you are not only caring for your skin but also contributing to a healthier planet. This commitment to sustainability is a core value in the artisan soap-making community, reflecting our dedication to both quality and environmental stewardship.
 
Supporting Small Businesses: A Community Effort
 
When you purchase handmade soap, you are supporting small businesses and local artisans. This has a ripple effect, contributing to the local economy and fostering a sense of community. Each purchase helps to sustain the livelihoods of artisans who are passionate about their craft and dedicated to producing high-quality, natural products.
 
As an artisan, the support of our customers means everything. It allows us to continue doing what we love, to innovate and create, and to share our passion for natural skincare with a wider audience. This sense of connection and community is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artisan soap maker.
 
Variety and Creativity: Soap as an Art Form
 
Handmade soap is more than just a skincare product; it is a work of art. The variety and creativity involved in soap making are boundless. From the selection of ingredients to the design and presentation, each bar is a unique creation. This artistic approach transforms a simple bar of soap into a sensory experience, appealing not only to the skin but also to the eyes and the senses.
 
The process of creating handmade soap is a blend of science and art. It requires precise measurements, careful mixing, and a keen eye for detail. The result is a product that is not only effective but also beautiful, reflecting the artisan's dedication and creativity.
 
Transparency and Trust: Knowing What Goes Into Your Soap
 
One of the significant advantages of handmade soap is the transparency in its production. Artisans are often proud to share detailed information about the ingredients they use and the sources of those ingredients. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices about what they are putting on their skin.
 
Knowing the origin of the ingredients and the care that goes into each bar of soap builds trust between the artisan and the consumer. This trust is essential in today's market, where consumers are increasingly seeking products that are both effective and ethically produced.
 
To wrap things up... The benefits of handmade soap extend far beyond its quality ingredients and moisturizing properties. It is a product born of passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to quality and sustainability. As an artisan soap maker, each bar of soap I create is a labor of love, a piece of art, and a testament to the beauty of natural skincare.
 
Choosing handmade soap is a choice to support small businesses, to embrace natural and sustainable practices, and to indulge in a skincare experience that is as nurturing for the skin as it is for the soul. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the timeless tradition of soap making.
 
So, the next time you reach for a bar of soap, consider the story behind it. Choose handmade, and discover the difference that quality, care, and craftsmanship can make in your skincare routine.

If handmade soap is also a passion of yours, or, you're just curious to see what all the hype is about, feel free to check out some of our selection of quality handmade soaps! 

​Hey... Uncle Jon here!

Do you ever look at your bead in the mirror and think to yourself, “this thing is just too unruly! Maybe I should just cut it all off!” 

Don't Do It!

Fear not my bearded friend. I’ve got some good news for you! And, the best part is that you really only need one product!
Beard Balm!
​
People often think that they need one product for the hair, and a different one for the skin underneath. Or, they’re told that they need to use two or three products in a certain order in order to “do it right”. The truth is that there is no need for multiple products to soften, shape, or hydrate your  man mane.

Growing and maintaining a beard is a journey that requires care, attention, and the right products. Among the myriad of grooming products available, oil and beeswax-based beard balms stand out for their multifaceted benefits. In this post, we'll explore why these balms are a must-have in your beard grooming arsenal.
 
Moisturization and Conditioning - Hydration at Its Best
One of the primary benefits of using an oil and beeswax-based beard balm is its superior moisturizing capability. The oils commonly found in these balms—such as jojoba, canola, olive, argan, coconut, and almond oil—penetrate deeply to hydrate both the beard hair and the skin underneath. This hydration is crucial in preventing dryness, which can lead to beard dandruff, itchy skin, split ends, and actual hair breakage!
 
Softening the Coarse
Beard hair tends to be coarser than the hair on your head. The oils in beard balm work to soften this coarse hair, making it more manageable and pleasant to touch. A well-moisturized beard is not only easier to style but also looks healthier and more vibrant.
 
Styling and Hold - Shape and Control
Beeswax is a key ingredient in these balms, providing the necessary hold to keep your beard in shape throughout the day. Whether you're sporting a short beard or a long, flowing mane, the  light to medium hold of beeswax helps keep stray hairs in check, allowing you to maintain a polished look.
 
Adding Texture and Shine
In addition to hold, a combination of beeswax and some type of oil will add a slight shine to your beard, giving it a healthy appearance without making it look greasy. The combination of oils and beeswax ensures your beard looks its best, with a natural luster that enhances its texture.
 
Protection and Health - A Barrier Of  Protection
Beeswax forms a protective layer on your beard hair and skin, shielding them from environmental pollutants, harsh weather, and moisture loss. This barrier function is particularly beneficial during colder months when the air is dry and can sap moisture from your beard. A good balm will also help in Summer, when you’ve been swimming in chlorinated pools!
 
Nutrient-Rich Formula
The oils in the balm are often rich in vitamins and nutrients that promote healthy hair growth and overall skin health. Vitamins such as E and A, commonly found in these oils, support the health of your hair follicles and skin, ensuring your beard grows thicker and stronger.
 
Fragrance - A Subtle, Pleasant Scent
Many beard balms contain essential oils or natural fragrances, providing a subtle, pleasant scent that lasts throughout the day. This is a great way to keep your beard smelling fresh without having to use an additional cologne or perfume.
 
Ease of Use - Simple Application
Beard balm is easy to apply and spreads evenly throughout your beard, ensuring each strand is coated and conditioned. Simply warm a small amount of balm between your palms and work it through your beard from the roots to the tips. Then, just brush or comb your beard to ensure it’s styled while also ensuring the balm has been evenly worked throughout your entire beard.
 
Long-Lasting Effect
A little goes a long way with beard balm. This makes it a cost-effective grooming product, as a single tin can last you several months, depending on your beard length and frequency of use.
 
All-Natural Ingredients - Chemical-Free Grooming
Many oil and beeswax-based beard balms are made with natural ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage your beard and skin. This natural approach ensures that your grooming routine supports the health and growth of your beard rather than compromising it.
 
Conclusion
So, as you can see, Incorporating a good oil and beeswax-based beard balm into your grooming routine offers a host of benefits, from superior moisturization and styling hold to protection and a pleasant scent. These balms are a versatile, all-natural solution to keep your beard looking its best. Whether you're just starting your beard journey or are a seasoned beard aficionado, this product is a game-changer for beard care. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!

Oh yeah... we might be a little biased here... BUT! Maybe you should try Uncle Jon's Beard Balms! Great scents and ingredients that we know you'll love! Click the button below to get started!

Just when we thought things were getting back to normal... It turns out that many supply chains are still all mucked up and way behind on filling their orders. Which, in turn, means that we get behind. Unfortunately, we can only order so much ahead of time. Between limited space and limited budget, we generally try to order as needed or just slightly before that. But, our ballet-like routine has been thrown into utter chaos. Think, clown car instead of ballet. 

We're doing our best to keep things in stock that are live on the site. But, sometimes things just get away from us. We are a very small shop. If something is ordered and it looks like it's going to be a while, we'll try to send out an email letting you know. Sorry... we just can't compete with Amazon shipping times. 

We want to thank you for your continued patience while we sort this all out and get caught up on outstanding orders. Feel free to email with any questions or concerns. Hopefully, we'll get back into a groove and things will be much better this spring and summer. 

Women from all walks of life have discovered Dermaplaning to help repair acne prone skin and smooth their complexion. But, do you really need to spend a lot of money on a procedure to get the same results?

Dermaplaning is the process of taking a 10-gauge scalpel (no.. it’s not really surgery) and using it to scrape layers of dead skin off of the surface of your face. This procedure should be performed by a professional to avoid any nasty accidents and irreversible damage to the skin. It works great for renewing the facial skin and possibly helps to get rid of any previous signs of facial acne.

BUT… what if I told you that you can get similar results at home with just a small amount of equipment and very little time investment? It’s simple! Just shave your face! I know there are many of you who are yelling at the monitor right now, “you mean shave my face.. like a guy?!?”. Yes! With a good razor and a little time, every couple days to once per week, you can get almost the same results without the hassle of making appointments and spending a bunch of money.

You can make it as simple or as complex as you like. To start out simple, just use what you already have on hand. You can use the same style razor that you currently use on your legs and other parts. Just be sure to set aside a blade that will be used just for your face. Also, if you use regular bath soap for your legs, you might want to try something a little different for your face so it doesn’t get dried out. You can use a plain vegetable oil to shave with or maybe try hair conditioner. It really doesn’t have to be any more difficult than that. At the end of this article, I’ll give my own opinion on equipment and “software” (shave soaps, etc..).
​
Here are a few reasons to try shaving your face instead of paying top dollar to have a practitioner do it for you.

​While there are endless amounts of products that help with exfoliation, there are only a few that will (in my opinion) provide the many benefits of actually shaving your face. Why buy more products than you actually need to exfoliate?

​Face shaving helps to even the texture of your skin. Exfoliating with a blade will encourage your skin to increase the production of collagen and elastin while repairing the surface of your skin. This, in theory, will help to reduce dark spots and wrinkles while just spending a few minutes a week at the bathroom sink. 

​As we age, our skin tone tends to get more splotchy and uneven in color. Face shaving helps to even out the tone of your skin as well! While shaving helps in the production of proteins that help repair skin texture, it also helps to increase melanin production which will, in turn, make the color of your skin more even. 

​."Hyperkeratosis" is a buildup of the top layer of your skin, which causes dull complexion and acne. Face shaving reduces the thickness of this layer which helps correct these conditions. While you won’t be taking off really thick layers of skin when using a razor, there seems to be just enough to help keep the skin clear and acne free. While this method won’t cure all cases of acne, I do believe that it does reduce the symptoms. It also helps the fresh layer of skin more receptive to topical remedies and creams.

​Not only will you have fresher, younger looking skin, but you’ll also have hairless skin! Applying any type of makeup is already a chore for most women and facial hair only makes it more difficult to get that smooth, even look that you’re going for. But don’t worry… shaving your facial fuzz isn’t going to make you look like a primate even if you stop all together. It’s a myth that facial hair grows back darker and thicker just because it was shaved off. While, I find that it might, occasionally grow back a tiny bit faster, that can also be caused by diet, time of year, testosterone / estrogen production, and a few other non-related reasons, there really isn’t any noticeable difference in hair amount or texture. 

​Removing the dead skin cells from your face makes a completely new palette for your makeup to adhere to. This makes the application easier to get smooth the first time and also provides a surface that isn’t flaking off along with all your hard work from that morning.

​There’s no need to go get waxed (another big expense) to get rid of the peach fuzz. Unless you’re being completely reckless, shaving your face is safe and totally under your control. Men have been doing it for a long time with very few nicks and scrapes. Most of the time, these unfortunate little mishaps occur because we are either in too much of a hurry or haven’t achieved the proper techniques. 

Like I said earlier in this article, you can make shaving as easy or intricate as you like. Many men these days are starting to appreciate, and try, the old school way of shaving.. Wet Shaving! That’s right.. the canned goo and 5, 6, or 8 blade cartridge razors just don’t do it for them anymore. Now, they can shave just like their great grandfathers did once upon a time. And, so can you!

A simple, double edge razor is reasonably priced and blades are cheap! So cheap in fact that you can buy 100 double edge blades for less than $20.00 shipped! Compare that to the average cost of roughly $4.00-$6.00 per cartridge blade that you use now. You can spend well over $60.00 or $70.00 for a nice double edge razor but there really is no need. A nice razor can be had for less than $40.00 in many cases.

Then, there’s a matter of “software”. Shave soaps and creams. Again, there are many options on the market these days. You can get some older style shave creams in a tube or shave soaps that come in a hard puck form or a softer soap in a jar. Many of these options work much better with a good shave brush.

Shave brushes are another tool of shaving that can be had fairly inexpensively. There are hair options like boar hair, badger, synthetic, and horse hair. Each type comes down to personal preference. I highly suggest finding a mom & pop shave shop near where you are so you can actually put your hands on the equipment and see for yourself.

I know.. I’ve just mentioned a bunch of things that cost money. Money that you could have used to just go and get waxed or dermaplaned. But, think of these tools as an investment. They are tools that will last a long time with proper care. AND.. you can also use them on any other parts you shave already! See? Now you can save money on blades for your legs and pits too!

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you might have or contacts to women who currently use this type of equipment to shave with.

Website: www.unclejonssoap.com
Email: [email protected]

On May 1, 2015, we officially opened our new soap shop! It's too early to tell if this part of our adventure in business will be a success or not, but if the warm welcome from the people of Berlin is any sign.. then we are sure to be a success! Thanks to Heather Layton from Bungalow Love for moving to her new location on Main St. and giving me a heads up that her shop was available. I would also like to thank Ivy Wells from the Berlin Visitors Center for being such a cheerleader for me and the shop.  I would also like to thank my family for being supportive and willing to help get dirty while we blitzed the shop to get ready in a week! 

I'm going to keep this post short and just throw some pictures up for now. The pics are chronological, starting with the patching & painting and ending with a few shots of the finished shop and some of our products on display. Enjoy!

Let's face it... we all just grow our beards because everyone else is doing it, right? I mean, it was the cool thing to do for a while. But, now, it's time to face reality and be a grown up. After all.. it's almost Summer time and that thing will be hot and itchy any way. 

That's CRAP!

While there are some guys who grow their beard in order to fit in or follow the latest trends, there are far more of us that grow for the enjoyment of growing a beard. It's not about being a biker, a hipster, or even a lumber jack. It's about doing what you want to do for your own reasons. Be a real man and make your own decisions based on your own heart and head.. not what other's tell you is in or out, ugly or handsome. 

For too long, we've been inundated with negative images of beards with razor commercials and the news outlet. I'll let you in on a little secret.. BEARDS ARE NATURAL!  It's shaving that goes against what we are genetically supposed to look like. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't care if you shave.. for the right reason. Maybe you can't grow a beard; maybe your job makes it impossible to keep a beard; maybe you just get tired of having one (blasphemy!). 

The bottom line is to do what you want to do without being a sheep!

In the entrepreneurial world, I consider myself a mutt. You read correctly.. I'm a mutt. Now, I don't see this as a bad thing, but some explanation may be in order.

When I use the term "mutt" to describe myself, I am referring to the varied interests and skill sets that I have and am trying to incorporate into my business model. 

As you might have guessed, I started Uncle Jon's as a handmade soap company. We offered skin-loving soaps along with some scrubs, balms, and even our own laundry soap! We are always striving to improve our products to be the best they can for you. But, before the soap, I had a different occupation...

For years, I worked as a finish carpenter and cabinet installer. I have always loved working with my hands and being able to create things, from raw materials. After being away from the carpentry field for a time, I began to get the urge to start working with wood again. I wracked my brain trying to figure out what I could make that would go with our soaps and other bath products. I came up empty time and time again. That's when I had a crazy thought... why choose?

In my mind, there's nothing wrong with mixing and matching the products you create. In a world where everything always seems to have to match, it's refreshing to just let go and create for the sake of creating. And so it began..

Since I work close to the beach, I decided skateboards and handplanes would be a great way to incorporate wood into my existing business. And guess what... people loved it!

After I started with the skate and surf stuff, I started growing that killer beard in the opening picture above. Well, I couldn't just stand by and let that opportunity go by. With a little bit of reading and a whole lot of experimentation, Uncle Jon's Beard Balm was born. Since then, we have created a beard oil and mustache wax to go along with our "guy line". 

Now, instead of worrying about making things match, I can just create awesome products for you to enjoy before, during, and after the beach! 

So, the next time you feel like you have to do something just to "fit in", ignore those feelings and just make something! Don't be afraid to follow your heart and your gut. It won't always work, but more often than not, other people will be just as excited as you are. 

Feel free to hang around the site and check out the cool stuff we offer in our store. Also, please take a moment to come say hi on our Facebook page. We'd love to hear from you!