Project Harmless refuses ‘sustainable’ palm oil. Our handmade soap is palm oil-free, made with organic essential oils, and Scotland’s soft water.
We created Harmless Apothecary because we were tired of seeing skincare brands make eco-friendly claims while relying on palm oil, synthetic fragrances, and mass production.
For us, that was never an option.
Why Palm Oil-Free Soap Matters
Most people don’t realise how common palm oil is in soap. Even brands that market themselves as "natural" often use sustainable palm oil certifications as a shield, despite the fact that Greenpeace and other environmental groups have repeatedly exposed these certifications as misleading.
RSPO-certified palm oil is marketed as "ethical," yet many certified suppliers have been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and illegal plantations. More than 24 million hectares of rainforest have been cleared in Indonesia alone, an area the size of the UK, all while brands continue to label their products as "sustainable."
Palm oil remains popular because it is cheap. But "sustainable" palm oil soaps come at a cost: vanishing rainforests, displaced wildlife, and misled consumers.
We refuse to use palm oil in any form, even so-called ‘sustainable’ versions. Instead, we formulate our soap with carefully selected oils and botanicals that are genuinely skin-friendly and less harmful to the planet.
What Makes EDTA in Soap Bad for the Planet?
If you’ve ever struggled with irritated skin after showering, you’re not alone. Harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances found in skincare can be a major cause. Some brands even use EDTA in their products to artificially soften water, an unnecessary chemical that not only disrupts your skin’s natural balance but also poses a threat to marine life. We believe skincare should work in harmony with nature, not against it, so we leave out EDTA entirely.
Scottish Water: Our Secret Ingredient
Harmless Apothecary cherishes the naturally soft water from Argyll and Bute, celebrated in whisky-making for its purity. This extraordinary water enhances the true essence of botanicals, elevating their aroma and transforming each lather into a serene moment of luxury.
Instead of using EDTA or bottled distilled water like most brands, we take advantage of this natural resource, giving our soap a smoother lather and extra hydration without synthetic foaming agents.
A Closer Look at Our Handmade Soaps
Each of our soaps is made in small batches with organic essential oils and British-grown botanicals. They are formulated not just for cleansing but for genuine skin benefits.
Rejuvenating Mugwort Soap: Infused with mugwort, lemongrass, and Scottish bog myrtle, this herbal blend is known for its restorative and balancing properties.
Restorative Scottish Lavender Soap: Made with hand-harvested Scottish lavender and cedarwood, this soap is perfect for relaxation and skin nourishment.
Purifying Patchouli Soap: A mix of patchouli, rosemary, and lavender makes this an excellent choice for deep cleansing without stripping moisture.
Awakening May Chang Soap: The uplifting combination of May Chang, English marigold, and green tea energises the skin while providing antioxidant benefits.
Our soaps don’t contain artificial fragrances, just the natural, soothing aromas of organic essential oils.
Sustainability Beyond Ingredients
Each soap and hand cream is handmade with care in Scotland in small batches to minimise waste. Our products are thoughtfully packaged in recyclable, plastic-free materials, with a minimal packaging option also available for those who prioritise sustainability.
Is Project Harmless Soap Worth It?
Our customers seem to think so. The feedback has been incredible, one reviewer even mentioned how their postwoman commented on how amazing her van smelled after delivering our parcel!
Another customer, Samantha, shared:
“The soap lathers up beautifully, feels incredibly gentle on my skin, and smells amazing. You can tell it’s made with real, natural ingredients, there’s nothing artificial about it. I’ll definitely be ordering again!”
We set out to make the best palm oil-free soap we possibly could. No greenwashing, no unnecessary ingredients, just thoughtfully made skincare that respects both your skin and the planet.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to commercial soap, we’d love for you to try Harmless Apothecary and experience the difference for yourself.
