Short answer: Absolutely!

We get this question sometimes and it's something we're happy to explain. 

One of the reasons we started in 2003 was a reaction to the ingredients found in the big brand bars. It inspired us to make something more natural, enjoyable and yet equally effective. FDA interprets the term “soap” to apply only when “the bulk of the nonvolatile matter in the product consists of an alkali salt of fatty acids and the product’s detergent properties are due to the alkali-fatty acid compounds.” (source FDA.gov)

That means most modern bars are more full of junk and buzzword additives than what makes soap actually work! That’s why they avoid the term “soap” on the packaging. Commercial options often use petrochemicals, detergents, hardeners and synthetic lathering agents that promise to kill germs, bacteria or viruses. The FDA determined these added ingredients are no more effective in cleaning skin or eliminating germs than regular ol’ soap.

“Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water,” […] “In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.” — Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

(source: FDA.gov)

Biggs & Featherbelle® soaps are handmade using the cold process method with lye, water, non-synthetic oils and pure, plant-based ingredients every day to ensure freshness. Both solid and liquid forms of our product 100% qualify as “soap” by FDA definition.

Remember: Soap doesn’t kill bacteria or viruses, but the lather helps lift soil and microbes from skin to be rinsed away. Washing with plain soap and clean running water (warm or cold) remains one of the most effective steps people can take to prevent spreading germs.

We hope this information helps.

Thanks for choosing Biggs & Featherbelle®.