'Chagalicious' pure lard soap is handcrafted in small batches using organic ingredients here at our farm in Judique, Nova Scotia, Canada. We use the lard from our own ethically-raised, non-certified organic pasture-raised heritage pigs, or from another local small-scale certified organic farm here in Cape Breton. Much care is taken in the sourcing of these fats if they come from off farm to ensure ethical practices are being used for a care of life and a high quality ingredient. The fat is then hand-rendered on our wood cookstove or through our off-grid solar system on sunny days using a slow-cooker. And then it’s turned into soap!
Lard soap is a mild, gentle cleanser that conditions skin very well. It creates a rich, creamy lather that does not dry or irritate your skin. Believe it or not, the fat cells in pigs are very similar to the structure of human cells. Both are largely composed of saturated fats, making lard easily absorbed by our skin, as well as extremely soothing and nourishing. Lard bars are hard and long-lasting and are great for sensitive and allergic skin.
Creating a decoction (tea) with the wildcrafted chaga and wild water from our farm has created a gorgeous color for this soap. Chaga is jam-packed with melanin, an antioxident, which is a substance that prevents cell damage and is essential for healthy pigmentation in skin. It also keeps skin hydrated, vibrant, and supple. As Chaga is anti-inflammatory and soothing, it is a wonderful additions to soap for those with skin sensitivities, such as eczema and psoriasis. We only harvest a small amount of Chaga from our farm and do so in a restorative manner to ensure the continued growth of the Chaga and to prevent damage to the host tree, the stunning White Birch.
This soap is ideal for everyday use as a hand, face, body, and shampoo bar. Since using our lard-based bars, I no longer need to apply hand moisturizer. I used to practically live in a bottle of lotion! My hands were constantly dried out from washing them, even when using plant-based handmade soaps. So I can attest to the incredibly nourishing capabilities of lard soap with its built in moisturizer, even in the dead of winter farming on the east coast of Canada!
As this soap is handmade from whole, unprocessed ingredients, there will be natural variations in each batch of soap. No two bars will ever be the same! But we think that’s pretty cool and only adds to the beauty of artisan creations.
For more information on our soaps and Hair of the Hog Botanicals, be sure to read our blog that delves into our process here at Twisted Roots Farm and the inspiration for creating these handcrafted offerings.
Chagalicious - Pure Lard Soap with Chaga
This soap is crafted from four simple ingredients: Organic Pastured Lard, Wildcrafted Chaga, Wild Brook Water, and Food Grade Sodium Hydroxide (Lye.)
All ingredients added/infused in any of these beauties are either wildcrafted from the woods here at the farm, grown by us using non-certified organic methods, or sourced from other local small organic growers. We do NOT use any preservatives, imported ingredients, dyes, colorants, or fragrances, including essential oils.