I recently was asked, and often am, “Is your lotion really made from scratch?” The brain cells began turning like tiny gears. Oh, how I love questions!
So, what really is the meaning of made from scratch (in relation to a soap or cosmetic business)? I feel it is the act of taking base ingredients (single oils, butters, fragrances, sodium hydroxide, milk etc…), combining them in a fashion that formulates a finished product, such as soap or lotion.
At one time, I got squeamish at the term made from scratch. For some reason it seemed a bit crafty, leaning towards the hobby side, however, we know the gold of it is when “made from scratch” equates to a product that emerges from the handcrafted mixing of single-base ingredients, resulting in products chock full of those skin-loving ingredients.
Handcrafted and made from scratch. Basic in the sense that it is wholesome, from the beginning. Complicated in the fact that it takes work and effort to turn out a really good product from a combination of single ingredients that we all appreciate using.
When someone asks, “Are your products really made from scratch?” Stand tall to the value! I definitely know our products are made from scratch. Definitely produced in our own studio, from base oils that are carefully hand-chosen, and from milk that I produce on the farm myself (with the help of my lovely goats).
With that being said, let’s give a huge thumb’s up to MADE FROM SCRATCH!
Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Feel and Smell the Goodness!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
I used to be in love with two small companies ‘handcrafted’ lotions, and then was told those lotions were pre-made bases that had been purchased and the ‘handcrafted’ part was simply the soap maker adding fragrance oil to them. Although I loved the lotions, I was bummed to find this wasn’t homemade at all.
~Deb
I started with a base, Deb. I didn’t like it after the initial trial run. There are some good bases on the market, but I decided at that point that I needed to begin researching how to make lotion myself. It took a lot of effort. I am pleased with the product I have now. That a part of what makes handmade from scratch so great. It is unique!
I get that same questions and reactions about my products. So glad to hear others see this the same way I do! I recently wrote an article on my blog that spoke of this very subject and I’m sure it didn’t sit well with some but that’s ok. Made from scratch IS simple and yet complicated. I agree with Deb E., Handmade or handcrafted should mean more than just adding a little fragrance to a pre-made base. When people hear those words, they expect that it means made from scratch. I’m proud to be a handcrafter of made from scratch products. This means I get to put all the same love and attention into them that I would a tasty dish for my family that doesn’t come from box or can. Good article, gal.
Thanks, Ginger.
I was disappointed while visiting a fall fetival. Each bar of soap and each bottle of lotion that I picked up was made from a base. As I said, there are some great base products out there. I choose handmade from scratch. There is a difference.
Good post! Here’s a funny story, a couple years ago we were trying to teach my niece about stranger danger and at the time her Mom was pretending to be the little kid and my niece was trying to come with her and said that she had some chicken nuggets and her Mom said that she was vegetarian and her daughter said they were vegetarian made from scratch chicken nuggets.
Amy
HI Amy! You always have some fun family stories to tell!
Hi Mary! Thanks, they always have stories and such that their parent’s tell us about.
Amy
Wonderful post we all need to stand tall and make sure we fill our lives with hand crafted, made from scratch, 100% natural and produce products with the same values as home made!
Annie! Thrilled to see your comments!
“With the same values as home made!,” now there’s a powerful message and I nod my head, yes!!
Mary – you’re awesome! Thanks for letting me learn from the best {aka – you}.
xoxo
XOXO, Lylah!
Handmade, from scratch, is special. I am blessed to be able to do what I do each day of my life.