FAQ
Before your first order
Is my first order guaranteed?
Yes. On your first order, open it and use it. If it is not for you, write to us within 30 days of delivery with your order number and we refund the products, opened or not. You do not have to send anything back. The guarantee applies once per household and covers up to $100 of products. The details are in our Refund Policy.
I have never heard of you. Who are you?
A French body and home care brand, started in 2026. We make body wash, laundry liquid and bar soap in France. The company is based in New York, but nothing is made there. The whole story is on our About page.
Where does the name come from?
Kemest is chemist, written the way it is said. There is chemistry in every soap ever made. We would rather spell it than hide behind the word natural.
Why does it cost more than a supermarket body wash?
Because of what is in it: saponified plant oils rather than synthetic detergents, short formulas with every ingredient named, made in France. The glycerin produced by saponification stays in the formula.
Do you have customer reviews?
Not yet. We started in 2026 and our first batch is on its way. We would rather you read the full ingredient list on our Ingredients page and judge for yourself, which is exactly why your first order is guaranteed.
Our products
What does cold-process mean?
For our body washes and laundry liquids, plant oils react with an alkali at room temperature, without added heat. This reaction is called saponification. The glycerin it produces stays in the formula.
What is the glycerin in the ingredient list?
Glycerin is produced when plant oils react with an alkali during saponification. We do not extract it: it stays in the formula at the level the reaction produces, and it is listed on the label.
Are the soaps cured?
Yes. Each bar is cured before leaving the workshop.
What do you actually make?
Body wash in 500 mL and laundry liquid in 1 L, each in four versions including a Baby Care with no fragrance at all, plus a boxed collection of six bar soaps. Fourteen formulas in total, every ingredient named in full on the label and listed on our Ingredients page.
What is in the Soap Collection?
Six bars of 100 g, presented together in one box: Pure, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Green Clay and Coffee Exfoliating. The ingredient list for each bar is printed on the box. Each bar is cured before leaving the workshop.
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?
In France. The company itself is based in New York, but nothing is made there.
When did The French Kemest start?
In 2026. The brand is young. The method, saponification, is not.
Using the products
Do you have a fragrance-free option?
Yes. The Baby Care body wash (six ingredients) and the Baby Care laundry liquid (four ingredients) contain no fragrance and no essential oils, and the Pure bar has no fragrance. The scented versions contain real essential oils, which are fragrance ingredients, each named on the label. If you have a skin condition, read the full ingredient list on our Ingredients page and check with your dermatologist. We make cosmetics, not treatments, and we do not make medical claims.
Can I use them while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our Baby Care body wash and Baby Care laundry liquid contain no essential oils at all. The scented versions do, and essential oils are fragrance ingredients. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using scented cosmetics. We make cosmetics, not treatments, and we do not give medical advice.
How should I store the body wash and laundry liquid?
At room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze the laundry liquid.
How should I keep the solid soaps?
Dry between uses, on a draining dish rather than in a puddle.
How many loads does a bottle of laundry liquid do?
A 1 L laundry liquid does up to 28 light loads at 35 mL, or 20 normal loads at 50 mL.
Do you offer refills?
Not yet. A refill format is something we are working on. If you would like one, tell us at contact@thefrenchkemest.com: it helps us prioritize.
Laundry
How much should I use per load?
Light load: 35 mL (1.2 fl oz). Normal load: 50 mL (1.7 fl oz). Heavy load: 70 mL (2.4 fl oz). For standard washing machines, at 86°F (30°C) or above.
Can I use a fabric conditioner with it?
Yes. Our laundry liquid works on its own, and you can add the conditioner of your choice. We do not make one.
Can I subscribe?
Yes. Choose Subscribe & save on any laundry liquid page: a bottle every 4, 5 or 6 weeks, 10% off each delivery. Skip, change or cancel anytime from your account.
Orders and shipping
Where do you ship?
Within the United States only, for now.
Do you ship to Canada or to Europe?
Not yet. If you would like us to, write to contact@thefrenchkemest.com and tell us where you are: it helps us decide where to open next.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free on orders of $40 or more. Below that, it is a flat $6.95.
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.
The product I want is sold out. What can I do?
Leave your email on the product page and we will write to you the day it ships again.
Do you sell to shops and hotels?
Yes. Shops and concept stores start on our Wholesale page, where there is no minimum on a first order. Hotels, guest houses and short-term rentals start on our Hospitality page, where the sample set is free.
Returns
Can I return a product?
Your first order is covered by the First Order Guarantee above, opened or not. On later orders, we take back unused, unopened items within 30 days of delivery. Write to contact@thefrenchkemest.com with your order number. Return shipping is at your expense.
Something arrived damaged or wrong. What now?
Write to us within 7 days of delivery at contact@thefrenchkemest.com. We send a replacement or issue a full refund including shipping, at no cost to you.
When will I get my refund?
Within 5 business days, back to the original payment method.