Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold process soap?

Cold process is a traditional soap-making method that combines skin-nourishing oils with lye (sodium hydroxide) to create a rich, gentle bar through a natural chemical reaction called saponification. Unlike commercially made soaps, cold process bars are cured for several weeks, allowing them to harden and develop a mild, moisturizing lather that's kind to your skin. No heat is applied during the process — just quality ingredients, time, and a whole lot of love.

What is your return and exchange policy?

Due to the handcrafted and personal nature of our soap products, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. However, your satisfaction is incredibly important to us — if you experience any issues with your order, please reach out to us immediately and we will do everything we can to make it right.

What if I entered the wrong shipping address?

As a small business, we are unable to reship or refill orders lost due to an incorrect address — so please triple-check your shipping address before completing your order! If you realize you've entered the wrong address, please message us as soon as possible and we will do our best to correct it before your order ships. Once an order has shipped, we are unable to make any changes.

Why does my product look different from the photo?

Each bar of TinaMaria soap is hand-cut, meaning every single slice is one-of-a-kind. Slight variations in color, swirl pattern, or shape are completely normal and are part of what makes your bar uniquely yours. While the appearance may differ slightly from the product photo, all bars are made from the same quality recipe and are relatively the same in size and weight.

Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

Absolutely! We are committed to using only plant-based ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers. Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure our soaps are 100% vegan and never tested on animals. We believe in creating products that are as kind to animals and the planet as they are to your skin.

Now, full transparency — our quality control process does include the occasional sniff test courtesy of our Chief Sniff Officer, a very discerning Cavapoo Luffy. If he gives it a wag of approval, you know you're getting a great-smelling bar of soap. 🐾

Luffy the Cavapoo, Chief Sniff Officer

Where do you source your ingredients?

We take ingredient sourcing seriously and only purchase from trusted, reputable suppliers in the soap-making community. Our go-to sources include:

These suppliers are well-known in the handcrafted soap industry for their quality standards, giving you peace of mind that what goes into your bar is the good stuff.

Do your products contain tree nuts?

Our products are made with high-quality, natural ingredients, including tree nut oil (Sweet Almond Oil). Some bars also contain Walnut Shell Powder as a natural exfoliant. If you have a known tree nut allergy or sensitive skin, please read the ingredient list carefully and perform a patch test before full use.

General Use & Warning

Your skin deserves the best care, and that starts with using our products as intended. Before incorporating any new product into your routine, we recommend doing a patch test on a small area of skin to check for sensitivities. Everyone's skin is unique, so please be mindful of any known allergies or irritations you may have.

If you notice any redness, itching, or discomfort after use, stop using the product right away and speak with a healthcare professional. All TINAMARIA products are formulated for external use only and should never be ingested.

While we pour our hearts into every bar we make, TINAMARIA Soap Co. cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions, injuries, or accidents resulting from the use or misuse of our products. Please use them with care and enjoy the experience they were crafted to provide.

What is soda ash?

We prevent soda ash at all costs — however, once in a while, soda ash can form on the surface of our bars. Soda ash is a naturally occurring byproduct of the cold process soap-making reaction when lye on the surface of the soap reacts with carbon dioxide in the air before fully saponifying with the oils — resulting in a harmless white, powdery layer. This does not affect the soap's performance at all and will wash off after the first use.