A Better Bar Soap

Natural beauty begins with natural products. When San Francisco matchmaker Samantha Liu scouted me one day, she invited me to visit her boutique Glass Kandi. Located near the Westfield Center in downtown San Francisco, the store appeals to adventurous singles and couples, but also sells some very fine skincare products. Some of the best soaps I have ever tried came from the Fraiche line sold at Glass Kandi. This all-natural soap is excellent for sensitive skin and feels like butter. All ingredients are organic and no synthetic perfumes are used.

Each bar of soap retails for just under $10 and has a unique design and fragrance. You can choose a floral or fruit scent to match your mood. The clever designs make use of natural ingredients that prevent the soap from becoming too soft after too much use. Unlike most commercial products, you don’t find that the bars become diluted and watery after a period of time. There is also no film left on your skin after rinsing, which helps prevent irritation. Of the 20 different varieties of Fraiche soap, my favorites are Peppermint and Island Kiss.

Fraiche soap does not use artificial glycerin. The only glycerin used in each bar is the natural form of the compound that is created during manufacturing. Goat’s milk is used in greater quantities by the company to give it a creamy texture with a moisturizing effect on the skin. All batches are handmade and local ingredients are used in the creative process. Since Fraiche soap is very gentle on the skin, it can be used by young children as well as adults.

Jackie Morrison is an arts and culture writer in California who loves foreign film and actors, photography, gourmet food, travel, and spa retreats. Jackie credits Paula Begoun with inspiring her love of beauty blogging. In her spare time she enjoys the natural beauty of California and reads books by Jojo Moyes and Anita Shreve.