"Soap is to the Body, What Laughter is to the Soul" - Yiddish Proverb

2006 and 2007 Blue Ribbon Winner Topsfield Fair Soap Division!

New Products 2008!

Children/Newborn Product Line Fun new line including…”Boogie Man Be Gone” Pillow Spray, “Pamper Me” Bulgarian Lavender Diaper Rash Spray, “Mothers Little Helper” Teething and Colic Symptoms Reliever

Wild Oat & Honey Facial Cleanser – Recommended for All Skin Types!

Anti-Aging Skin Serum, Tub Teas…and More!

Eco-Friendly Packaging Options! Bar Soaps Wrapped in Handmade Paper, An Organza Bag, Or Jewt! Also, It's Your Preference...Lotions with the Color on the Label...Not in the Product!

My name is Sandra Guy, owner and creator of Merrimack Valley Essentials Handmade Soaps and All Natural Body Products. I began my soap making adventure in 2003 after having a dream that I was making soap, and my daughter was making lip butters. This dream was strikingly odd yet, very realistic. At the time, I was between jobs and I knew that the job I was getting ready to start would mean a cut in pay. I knew that I would have to do something to make ends meet. As a single mom of two, the idea of working multiple jobs would also mean increased childcare costs and less time at home with my children. I began to think of the possibility of doing something from home. I began to research the various processes involved with making soap and natural skin care products. I have always been a believer of kitchen pharmacy and natural remedies. I graduated from a Cosmetology program in 1988. Therefore, I have an educated understanding of the skin, hair and nails. I then went to college for graphic design. Yes, I create all of my own marketing materials, product labels and design my own website. For a number of years I have been employed providing Safety, Health and Environment as well as Quality Control for food and chemical manufacturers therefore I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about ingredients and their properties. I feel that by starting my own soaping business I have tied my educational and work experience together to form a complete and fulfilling experience. I greatly enjoy making new products and my goal is to produce them with the most top quality beneficial properties possible, at a price anyone can afford!

My products are created with the most natural ingredients available including goats milk, honey, beeswax, plant and vegetable oils such as aloe vera, olive oil, and hemp oil. I have also added many natural exfoliants to my products as well, fruit and plant seeds or leaves, pumice, loofah, oatmeal, cornmeal, flax seed and wheat germ.

The main benefit of handmade soap is natural glycerin. Glycerin is produced during the saponification of natural oils during the process of making soap. Homemade soap retains natural glycerin which produces an extremely mild soap that cleanses, softens and moisturizes. Glycerin, a humectant, pulls moisture from the air and helps keep skin moisturized throughout the day. Our soap has a luxurious lather that washes off clean and leaves skin feeling soft, fresh and moisturized. Glycerin is removed from most commercially produced bars of soap and chemicals are added to produce moisturizing effects. We make sure that no chemicals are added and the goodness of glycerin stays in.

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