My name is Dana and I am the owner and soap maker at Cedarwood Soap. I started my business here in Hagerstown in 2017 with the intention of “only” making Christmas gifts for family. This “hobby” quickly evolved into a new business pursuit and passion.

What started in my kitchen has grown into a small-batch business built around something I truly believe in: you don't need a long list of synthetic ingredients to make wonderful, effective bath and body products.

Along with vegan handmade soap, I also make (seasonal) body scrubs, lip balm, lotion bars, facial toners, all-natural deodorant, natural laundry detergent, doggie paw butter, as well as beard balm and beard oil.

How My Soap Is Made

My soaps are made using the traditional cold-process method, a time-tested process that combines plant-based oils and butters with sodium hydroxide (lye) to create soap through a natural chemical reaction called saponification.

Don't let the word “lye” scare you! Lye is an essential ingredient in true soapmaking, but it doesn't remain as lye in the finished bar. When the oils and lye have completely reacted, they become soap and naturally-occurring glycerin. The finished soap is then cured for several weeks, allowing excess water to evaporate and the bar to become harder, longer-lasting and ready to use.

I make my soap in small batches, which allows me to carefully measure and mix each batch by hand and pay close attention to the ingredients, texture, color and finished bar.

What Makes My Soap Natural?

For me, “natural” isn't just a marketing term. It's about being intentional about what goes into my products — and what doesn't.

I formulate my soaps using ingredients such as nourishing plant oils, butters, clays, botanicals and essential oils. When I want to add color, I use natural ingredients such as clays, herbs, spices and other plant-based colorants rather than artificial dyes.

And perhaps just as importantly, I choose not to use artificial fragrance oils, artificial dyes or unnecessary additives.

All of my products are:

• Vegan
• Palm-oil-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phthalate-free
• Paraben-free
• Made without artificial dyes
• Made without artificial fragrance oils
• Made in small batches

I believe that choosing natural ingredients doesn't mean sacrificing quality or enjoyment. My goal is to create products that feel wonderful to use, smell amazing using essential oil blends, and allow you to know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

Small Batch. Thoughtfully Made.

There is something special about a product that isn't mass-produced.

I make each batch myself, from measuring and mixing the ingredients to cutting, curing, wrapping and labeling the finished products. Because I'm involved in every step of the process, I know exactly what goes into the products I sell.

I also try to be thoughtful about what happens to my products after they leave my hands. Whenever possible, I use packaging that can be recycled, reused or repurposed, because making natural products while creating unnecessary waste just doesn't make sense to me.

My goal has always been simple: to make beautiful, useful, natural products that I am proud to use myself and proud to share with you.

Where to Find Cedarwood Soap

My products are available right here on my website, as well as at Flannel on the Trail in Hancock, Apotheke DuJardin at Fort Ritchie in Cascade, Maryland and Painted Pastures in Smithsburg, MD

Thank you for supporting my small business and for allowing what began as a Christmas-gift-making hobby to become something I truly love doing.

~ Dana