FAQs

What's so special about handmade soap?

Have you ever noticed that the bar soap in the soap aisle at the grocery store doesn’t contain the word ‘soap’ anywhere on its packaging? Instead, you’ll find the words ‘body bar’ or ‘beauty bar’. It’s because those bars are not legally defined as soap. Let me explain…
ALL soap is made using oils/butters combined with lye (sodium hydroxide) and water. The mixture is mixed with an immersion blender or by hand. Fragrance and color are then added. A chemical process occurs called, saponification. During the saponification period (12-24 hours) the lye neutralizes and glycerin (a humectant which attracts moisture to the skin keeping skin soft) is formed. Mass manufacturers strip out the glycerin and add in cheap chemical lathering agents transforming the soap from ‘soap’ to a solid detergent.

 What is a body scrub?

Body scrubs are physical exfoliates that mechanically removes dead skin cells. Our scrubs come from a combination of raw sugar that is suspended in our luxury oil base.

Body Scrub Benefits:
Our skin is in a constant state of turnover that causes dead skin to rise to the surface not to mention outside pollution and other forms of environmental stress that’s a sure recipe for dull, rough and itchy skin.
Our scrubs are a great exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and encourage the healthy production of new ones.
The benefits of body scrubs include:
• Promoting efficient circulation and skin cell turnover
• Removing dead cells from the skin’s surface
• Smoothing and softening rough, dry skin
• Drawing out impurities and clearing congestion
• Freeing ingrown hairs and smoothing razor bumps
• Relieves Tension
• Exfoliates and stimulates cell growth

Instructions upon arrival of our body scrubs:
Once you receive your body scrub before going in the shower or bath tub, remove wrapping and give it a good stir to make sure you get all the natural sugars and oils mixed in really good. We recommend using our artisan soaps first, then rinse off and start your exfoliation with our body scrubs. A little goes a long way, use circular motions to get the scrub all over your body then rinse off. The scrub will leave your body feeling smooth and soft!

Whipped Body Butter Care:

During warmer temperatures, body butters are prone to soften and may even melt in transit as they sit in mail trucks awaiting your mailbox delivery. We use more protective packaging during the summer, so most products do make their journey safely. If you receive your body butter order and it has melted, place your body butter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes and allow it to harden. This will not change the quality of your body butter as it will still be an amazing moisturizer.

How do I properly maintain my soap?

Do not let the soap sit in water or it will get squishy and dissolve. Allow it to drip dry between use. Store your soaps in a dry, ventilated area to make them last longer.

What ingredients do we use?

Soap:
A vegetable based soap using: soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter. Our soaps, are vegan friendly.

Our fragrances are either a blend of pure essential oils or phthalate-free fragrance oils.  

Our colorants are a blend of environmentally friendly Micas.

Why does my soap look different than the last time I ordered it?

Because it’s handmade, hand-poured, and hand-cut using all-natural ingredients which means that colors, patterns, and shape can and do vary from batch to batch.

Bath Bombs:

Almost all bath bombs contain sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. These two ingredients combine to create that fizzing sensation bath bombs are famous for. More than that, they clean, deodorize, and repair skin. Unwinding at the end of a long day or starting a busy week with a luxurious bath instead of a rushed shower is always a great idea.

Shipping

Flat Shipping Fee: $6.95

All orders ship out within 5-8 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation, once your order has been shipped. Once your order is placed, it is in the processing and handling state and cannot be canceled. 

Free shipping for all orders over $75.

Address Changes

The customer is responsible for ensuring we have the correct shipping address to process your order. When placing your order, be sure to enter your complete and correct address, including apartment, suite, and unit numbers. We do not recommend using PO box shipping address due to possible shipping restrictions. If you need to update your shipping address, email ask@nyc-essentials.com immediately. Address changes are not guaranteed. If your order is shipped prior to your address being updated, it is your (the customer’s) responsibility to contact the shipping carrier to update your shipping address and or reroute the order package.

Invalid Addresses

If we are unable to validate your shipping address, your order may be cancelled and refunded to you.

Lost Packages

Once your package is mailed, we have no control over the Post Office. You will need to file a claim with the United States Postal Service.

Returned Packages Policy

Returns & Exchanges

Due to the nature of our products and services there are no refunds, exchanges, or store credit. We do not accept returns or issue store credit based on buyers remorse. We are known for excellent customer service. Therefore, If there is an issue or concern with your order, please email us immediately and we will do our best to rectify the matter. 

Legal Disclaimer

Products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All our products are for external use only. Do not use a product if you have any known allergies or sensitivity to any of the ingredients listed in our products. If you are uncertain about possible sensitivities, always do a patch test first. Discontinue use immediately, if you experience any skin irritations. NYC Essentials will not be held liable.