How Birmingham based Freedom Soap Co. is helping change the world one bar of soap at a time
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You might not know it, but you’ve probably seen Freedom Soap Co. products before. You might have spotted their soaps while antique shopping at Homewood Antiques or while browsing other local makers’ products at Square One Goods in Founders Station. We’ve got the scoop on why Birmingham based Freedom Soap Co. is (almost) everywhere.
Not only can you find Freedom Soap products around Birmingham and throughout Alabama, but also in 25 other states across the U.S., from California to Massachusetts. That’s pretty big for a small-batch soap company based in Birmingham.
So, a tax attorney and a CPA walk into a bar…
… and now that bar is selling Freedom Soaps! Okay, not really, but it’s only a matter of time. Anne and Vince Schilleci, a CPA and tax attorney respectively, bought Freedom Soap Company in 2017 from Chasity Curtis in Birmingham. Over the last two years, they’ve seen it ‘bubble’ with popularity.
Curtis started Freedom Soap Co. in 2012 with the mission of creating all-natural, palm oil free, luxurious soaps and skincare products that are good for customers and good for the environment—and the Schilleci’s wanted to be a part of it.
“Not only did we love the Freedom Soap products, but we also loved what the company stands for… luxurious products that are environmentally friendly!”
Anne and Vince Schilleci
This isn’t regular soap, it’s cool soap.
That is if you think environmentally conscious and all-natural skin care companies are cool— and I certainly do.
- First, the Schilleci’s value quality over quantity. All of the products are made in small batches, using only the finest, all-natural ingredients they can find on the market.
- Second, all of their soaps are made using the cold press method—despite it taking longer—because it yields longer-lasting, stronger-smelling, “sudsier” and more colorful bars of soap.
- Third, they never remove glycerin (a natural by-product of the saponification process) from their soaps because it’s a gentle moisturizer for your skin.
- Finally, and most importantly, all of their products are palm oil free.
What is palm oil and why shouldn’t I use it?
Great question, glad you asked.
“While palm oil itself is all natural, the reckless deforestation of rainforests in Asia (where 85% of the world’s palm oil is produced) is a major cause of carbon emissions leading to global warming and the extinction of many animals in Asia, including the orangutan.”
Anne and Vince Schilleci
Freedom Soap Co. is one of the first skincare companies in the U.S. to be certified as palm oil free by the Orangutan Alliance—a huge accomplishment for the Schilleci’s.
Current Favorites:
For Vince, it’s the Activated Charcoal and Oatmeal soap.
“I use Activated Charcoal to wash my face, my beard, and my hair. Activated Charcoal is a wonderful ingredient for skin care as it pulls out impurities and detoxifies the skin…Oatmeal soap is all around wonderful— I love the lavender and grapefruit essential oils plus the ground oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant for everyday use.”
For Anne, it’s the Rose Clay soap.
“The one item that I use every day and never leave home without it is our Rose Clay soap. We start with our unscented soap base and add French rose clay powder to make a gentle facial cleanser. I have very sensitive skin and our Rose Clay soap leaves my face feeling clean and soft.”
Putting the “Free” in Freedom Soaps
The Schilleci’s want their customers to “free” themselves from products that are harmful to their bodies and the environment.
“Many people today focus so much on what goes into our bodies, and we need to also focus on what goes ON our bodies.”
All Freedom Soap Co. products are 100 percent natural. They only use natural carrier oils, therapeutic grade essential oils and natural clays and minerals in their products. They are simple and sustainable, and their products create little to no waste—a big win for our oceans and rivers.
Their products include:
- Soaps
- Scrubs + butters
- Lip balm + solid scents
- Bath Salts
- Cleansing oil + toning water
- Wooden soap dishes
Find them at one of their many retailers in and around Birmingham, Von Maur stores throughout the country or shop their products online.
Bonus: You can also visit Freedom Soaps brick and mortar shop at 3131 Bellwood Drive, Birmingham, Alabama.
Have you tried any Freedom Soap Co. products? Tell us your favorite (or one you’re dying to try) on social @BhamNow!
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