GMA Handcrafted identified a need for better skin care products through our friends and family who suffered allergic reactions by using commercially available merchandise. We investigated and were astonished to learn what was really in many of these products! Soaps, lip balms, hand and face lotions include harsh chemicals and preservatives such as formaldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea and others. Lip balms may contain Parabens (linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues). While some people are more sensitive to these chemicals than others, we believe most everyone would benefit by avoiding unnecessary exposure through the use of natural based ingredients. Our goal is to offer an avenue to better, more environmentally friendly skin care products. GMA Handcrafted soap products are made using a variety of methods including; cold process, melt and pour and hot process. We strive to use high-quality, natural ingredients starting with a variety of plant based oils such as olive, coconut, palm and shea butter. Due to their hydrating attributes, we use beef and deer tallow in some of our products; ingredients are clearly marked. (Deer tallow while supplies last.)Handcrafted soaps contain glycerin which is a natural byproduct of the soap making process; an excellent moisturizer. The presence of glycerin is one of the reasons that handmade soap is so good for your skin! Glycerin is an emollient which attracts moisture from the air maintaining moisture in the skin throughout the day. Glycerin is removed from most commercial soaps and used as an ingredient in lotions, creams or other products. In addition to premium soaps, GMA Handcrafted offers lip balms, lotions, balms, creams and moisturizing bars to aid in your personal skin care needs. As with our soaps, we use the same high-quality ingredients.