About Us
Handmade Soap, Gentle to Skin, Kind to the Planet
Chiko Soap is a small handmade soap studio born amidst the natural beauty of New Zealand.
We cherish the gentleness to the skin and the blessings of nature.
Without using synthetic additives, we carefully craft each soap by hand, incorporating carefully selected natural ingredients from around the world.
How It All Began
In 1999, I moved from Japan to New Zealand and struggled with my family’s skin problems.
Commercial soaps and shampoos were too harsh, making dryness and irritation even worse.
One day, a friend introduced me to handmade soap making.
When my family began using the soap I created, their skin gradually improved, and the itching subsided.
This small but powerful experience marked the beginning of Chiko Soap.
Our Method and Commitment
At Chiko Soap, we use the cold process method.
By allowing the soap to cure slowly through a natural chemical reaction without applying heat, we preserve the beneficial properties of the ingredients and retain the natural moisturising agent, glycerin.
We strictly avoid synthetic surfactants, preservatives, and hardening agents that could burden the skin.
With a gentle pH level of 7.5 to 8.5, our soaps are beloved by those with sensitive skin.
Harnessing the Blessings of Nature
We carefully select the finest natural ingredients, including New Zealand’s famous active manuka honey, traditional fermented foods from Japan, and Ayurvedic herbs from India.
We honour the natural power of each ingredient, gently blending it into every handmade soap.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Aiming to make earth-friendly choices, Chiko Soap has eliminated palm oil and instead uses shea butter.
This change not only contributes to environmental conservation but also results in richer moisturising benefits.
We also craft cleaning soaps using recycled oils, striving to make products that reduce waste and use resources wisely.
Encounters Through Markets and Workshops
Meeting customers face-to-face at markets and workshops brings me immense joy.
Each conversation and encounter is a source of inspiration and energy for my soap-making journey.
Moving Forward
We will continue to create handmade soaps with care — soaps that are kind to both your skin and the environment.
Thank you for your continued support of Chiko Soap Handmade Natural
