FAQ

Our products

What does cold-made mean?

Cold process saponification is a reaction between plant oils and an alkali at room temperature. No heat is applied. That matters for two reasons: the plant oils keep their properties intact, and the natural glycerin produced by the reaction stays in the formula. Most manufacturers extract that glycerin to sell separately. We leave it in.

What is the natural glycerin and why does it matter?

Glycerin is produced naturally when plant oils react with an alkali during saponification. It is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and holds it there after rinsing. It is what keeps your skin soft after washing without needing a separate moisturizer. Because we use cold process saponification and do not extract the glycerin, it stays in every formula at a naturally occurring level.

Why do the soaps cure for two months?

Cold process saponification is a slow reaction. The soap needs time for the reaction to complete fully, for excess water to evaporate, and for the bar to harden properly. Two months is the minimum. The extra time produces a bar that lasts longer, lathers better, and is genuinely kind to skin.

What is the asterisk (*) on the ingredient list?

The asterisk indicates a certified organic ingredient.

Are your products tested on animals?

No.

Are your products vegan?

Yes, all our formulas are vegan. No animal-derived ingredients.

Where are your products made?

By hand in France.

Who validated the formulas?

Every formula was assessed by an independent cosmetic safety assessor before production. The full ingredient list is on every label and on our Ingredients page.

Laundry

What does HE compatible mean?

HE stands for high-efficiency. HE washing machines use less water and require low-foaming detergents. Our laundry liquids are plant-based and low-foam, confirmed compatible with both standard and HE machines.

How much should I use per load?

About 35 mL per normal load. The 1 L bottle makes about 28 loads. The 5 L refill makes about 140 loads.

Why is the 5 L refill a better choice?

The 5 L bag-in-box makes about 140 loads with significantly less packaging per wash than single-use bottles. At roughly $0.38 per load, it is cost-competitive with conventional detergents. Cleaning products are one of the largest sources of single-use plastic in most households. The refill is the most direct way to change that.

Orders and shipping

Where do you ship?

We currently ship within the United States.

How long does delivery take?

Orders are processed within 1 to 2 business days and delivered in 3 to 7 business days after dispatch.

Can I track my order?

Yes. You will receive a tracking link by email once your order has shipped.

Returns

Can I return a product?

If you are not satisfied with your order, contact us at contact@thefrenchkemest.com within 30 days of receipt and we will find a solution.