Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve

So let’s get real for a moment. The world is soooo oversaturated with handmade body products, lines and designers. It’s literally overwhelming. When I decided to take the leap and just try something, maybe I was a little biased to the company’s name, having grown up on the east side suburbs of the namesake.
But in a sea of mediocre skin care and beauty supply, Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve is the real deal… and they have the yummiest flavors EVER.
I’ve always been lucky to have pretty good skin, aside from being super pale and having a sometimes uneven skin tone. My skin also doesn’t react well to really strong things, because my skin is just average and doesn’t need any harsh work. Because of that, its always been hard to find things that keep it consistent and healthy without irritating it. I love the citrus & sugar facial cleansing scrub and the chocolate & honey soap for this purpose alone. It moisturizes, exfoliates and doesn’t smell ridiculous (no added scents!) or have weird chemicals. While everything smells delicious and is perfectly crafted, you’re not putting anything weird on your body. New motto: if you can understand all the ingredients on the back, you win life.
These lovely folks are opening up a new store soon in the 5^th Street Arcades in Downtown Cleveland, and I’ll literally be there with bells on at the opening!

The best soaps! They always smell so good and my hair has never grown as fast or looked better now that I use their shampoo bars. Great customer service too! I entered my address wrong and they called me the hour that my order was placed to correct the issue. Chagrin Valley is my favorite soap company.

I have been purchasing their products for 2 years and have sampled many a soap and shampoo bar.
First of all, I appreciate the fact that they sell samples of their shampoo bars and soaps because I can try so many soaps at an affordable price without committing to purchasing a whole bar of soap. I mean, what if I didn’t like it? Also, it’s fun to try a bunch of new soaps.
I love that they use all natural ingredients for their products, but it does make for a lot of trial while figuring out what formulations will work best for you. Again, this is remedied by their offering of sample bars. However, that being said, don’t expect a natural, end all be all miracle cure. Use discretion and good judgement when trying any new product, from Chagrin Valley Soaps or others merchants, duh. If something’s not working out for you, stop using it, but don’t think that it’s because it’s a crappy product. It just might not be for your particular hair or skin type. Give the bar to your mom, bro, or friend to try instead. We all have different skin and hair types and will react differently to products.
Anyway, that being said, I started using Chagrin Valley because I discontinued using commercially available shampoos and was looking for more natural alternatives to fix my irritated and dry scalp. Welp, I didn’t find my magical shampoo bar on the first try, but their shampoos DID help improve the appearance by at least 50%, AND didn’t exacerbate the issue. I would say that I’ve tried about half of their shampoo bars, and by happy accident, found my magical soap. It was so simple for me… their Castile bar that they advertise for sensitive and baby skin. That is what worked for me, so there’s my disclaimer. Anywho, being a lazy kind of gal, I like things to be simple, meaning, I will spend the least amount of time styling my hair. I have had no issues when it comes to styling my lusciously thick hair while using their shampoo bars. I stick to the blow dry and straightener method as this usually gets the job done. Also, I don’t use any additional products on my hair. Maybe a little conditioner, but definitely no hair spray, or the like.
I’ve also sampled their body soaps along my soapy journey and have found some great bars that I love. I won’t promote any particular bar, since you will have to find out for yourself what you like best, but I will say that you absolutely need to try their loofah bar for your feet. I have never used any other product that has worked as well at smoothing my puppies as this bar of soap. Even the hubbs is a fan. If you try nothing else but this bar, you will likely thank me. You’re welcome in advance. ;)
Ok, so pros: great family company making great, natural soaps. Reasonably priced for the size you get, and I’ve tried many bars from other companies along the way. Also, they are lasting soaps, not super long lasting, but you get your money’s worth here. For reals. You pay for shipping, but this is also reasonable considering the fact that they ship USPS Priority and you will get tracking. No complaints from me there. Large offering of products, so have at it and sample away, and have fun while doing so! After all, I’m still making my way down the list of products I want to try next from Chagrin Soaps.
The end. :)

I have used Chagrin for about 5 years now. I was interested in this because of their organic, natural ingredients. It took a lot of trial and error (and samples) to find the perfect shampoo bar for me. I finally found a couple that worked and ordered in bulk to save on shipping. They rarely have sales because it is a small family business.
I have no problems with their services. They respond quickly when I found out that one of the soap bar was missing from my package.
However, I have stopped using the shampoo bars because my friend kept complaining how waxy and sticky hair is when she was styling it. I don’t style my hair, so I didn’t really notice it until my friend said something (5 years of not knowing…). She was right because my hair seemed to be more stringy than usual. I switched to John Masters Organics shampoo now and no more waxiness (my friend was happy). One great thing about shampoo bar is that it is very easy to travel with, which is something that I will miss.
I also bought some facial creams for my mom. She loves it because her skin is so dry. The oils are very hydrating for her. It is not good for oily and acne prone skin like mine though, so beware of that.
Overall, I wish it worked out better for me because I wanted Chagrin to be my go-​to for everything skin or hair related, since I like to support small business and use organic products. Unfortunately this isn’t working for me.

I love the facial products
Smooth, nourishing, non greasy
My daughter always asks for them as a present too!

I’ve been loving this company and their soaps since 2008. Great quality of products and terrific customer service. I have only purchased their shampoo bats and they are natural and do wonders for your hair. I truly appreciate the recommendations for different hair types and have not been led astray.
If you are new to shampoo bars I’d encourage you to try the sample sizes before committing to a large bar!

I love Chagrin Valley soaps! I have used their shampoo bars for over two years now and love them… I tried many different shampoo bars before I found the ones my hair type (long brown strait hair) agrees with. I alternate Café Moreno, Ayurvedic Herb, Mud & Clay and sometimes Neem & Tea Tree). They actually give my heavy hair body! They’re fantastic smelling, rich lathering, healthy and safe for you and actually work! What more could you ask for?
I have tried several of their other products as well (coconut silk deodorant, oils, face creams, body soaps) and love them all… I especially like the Rhassoul yogurt complexion soap bar. My husband loves their summer rain coconut cream deodorant. I also order scrap sacks and love them for travel (no messing with 2 oz liquids at the airport).
They always ship fast and I have never had any issues ordering from them and sometimes they even include free samples. I love them so much I even tried to make a point of stopping by their store when I was driving through Ohio last winter on my way to Syracuse, but didn’t have the extra time. I think they’re fantastic company that I am proud to support. I really don’t know what I would do if they stopped making their wonderful products.

I love this company. I have been ordering from them for years now, especially for my hair products. I honestly think their products have gotten better over the years. I recommend them to everyone I know. I really like their shampoo bars. I’ve tried everything for my hair and their bars work the best. I have recently tried their deodorant and I won’t buy the regular anti-​perspirants that I used to buy anymore. Your health is your wealth and I respect this company and the products they use.

This company is the best for natural skin, body, and hair care products. I have extremely sensitive skin, but their products are all made with thought and care into the ingredients, and I have not had any issues. Everything smells delightful and works better than all the chemical-​laden things you can buy at the store. In addition, my stinky and sweaty husband really loves their soaps also, as they get him cleaner without clogging his pores. He likes their shave soap for his face. We also like the dog shampoo bars — natural and great smelling so that I don’t have to worry about the chemicals on my pets either. Their location is beautiful and the staff were incredibly sweet when they gave us a tour. The family behind this business actually cares about the health of their customers, and that is what makes this a really great company.

I haven’t been to the Solon location but using their website I have purchased shampoo bars, shea whipped body cream and the piece de resistance, their lotion bars for hands. I love, love love them. I wash my hands frequently as part of my job and my hands pay for it. Also with cold weather my hands get so dry and almost crack. The lotion bars are so convenient. I never travel on planes without them.
I highly recommend the lotion bars. You need more than one. My favorite so far is the hemp mango mint one but the triple butter is awesome too.
The shampoo bars were not great for me (I tried different ones too) but my hair is baby fine and finding any shampoo and conditioner that works for me well is a real challenge. The bars built up on my hair but I bet that non super baby fine haired girls and guys would like them!

The absolute BEST natural products!!! I have always been 100% satisfied with everything I have tried! Each time I try out a new product, I immediately fall in love. Their soaps are wonderful; their bug repellant smells great, gives my skin a beautiful glow, AND it genuinely works; their whipped shea is flat out perfection!!! I could go on forever. I am so thankful that I am able to trust this company!!! I hope they will continue to make personal care products forever because personally, I don’t know what I’d do without them!

I have been using their products for 10 years: love them all. I started with the shampoo bars. The initial conversion was a bit rough, my hair felt gummy. I followed Ida’s instructions for apple cider vinegar rinses, and have never looked back. My thick, wavy, easily tangled and color treated hair went from a constant round of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, etc. to just using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. No conditioner, no more greasy buildup from silicone, just healthy manageable hair. I moved on to the soaps, and use no other brand. Body butter, powder, deodorant and the wonderful body oils and my bathroom is full of Chagrin Valley.
Products are great (organic, too!), customer service could not be better, and so much to choose from. And everything smells fabulous. It’s a treat to use their products every day.
Try them. You will not regret it.

I have incredibly sensitive skin (allergies, eczema, you name it) and these products are a LIFE SAVER. I discovered their Goat Milk & Oatmeal soap through an online search for natural eczema products, and the love affair continued from that point on. I use that soap (face and body) on a daily basis, as well as their shampoo bars. I’ve tried the facial moisturizers, but I think I’m allergic to shea! However, everything else I’ve used is amazing.

Even if you aren’t trying to be «all natural» this is the best shampoo product I have ever used! My hair has been every color under the sun and I’ve had to use a lot of different products over the years. With the shampoo bars you’ll never buy commercial products again. Swear, never had softer or more healthy feeling and looking hair.

I haven’t been to their physical location, but I’ve been ordering their products online for years. I have sensitive skin, and switching to their soaps has eliminated the itchy rashes I would get on my shins. I’m also addicted to their vanilla body oil. It’s sensitive enough to use on my face, and it smells amazing… normally when you have sensitive skin you just can’t use anything that smells nice. I’ve tried their shampoo bars, deodorant, dry shampoo, body butter, and face wash. I liked them all, but the soaps and body oil are my go-​to products that I reorder regularly.
Aside from their products, the website is easy to use and products always ship in a timely manner, and are well packaged. They make sure to notify you prior to purchase if you’re ordering something that might be affected by very hot or very cold weather. I don’t think I’ve ever had to contact them for customer service, my orders always just go right from the start.

I purchased my dry shampoo from this company few months ago and could not be happier. It’s organic & smells amazing. I love the ingredients that it is made out of. I recommend trying it to all. I do not regret paying the price for a 4.5oz bottle. What my scalp «ingests» is way more important than spending $ 5 on a toxic dry shampoo.

I LOVE this company. I stopped using commercial shampoo and conditioner and was on the hunt for more natural options when I was referred to this company by someone in my no poo (no shampoo) Facebook group. I purchased a few samples of their shampoo bars (which were huge samples for the price!) and fell in love. I have ended up switching most of my body care, face care, and hair care to Chargin Valley.
Their products are really amazing and I love supporting a small business. The best part is that their products are extremely affordable (especially compared to the beauty brands I was using before) and they last forever!
Seriously, try this company! Pick anything and try it. You’ll be hooked.

I’ve used 3 of their products so far; their Whipped Squalene Face and Eye Mousse, their Mint Mist Coconut Cream Deodorant (version for regular strength) and Mint Mist Clay Silk (for more sensitive skin as it’s made without baking soda). I love all of them! I just ordered another deodorant for my boyfriend, a shampoo bar and I also purchased another whipped Squalene cream for my Mom. I’ll write about each product separately!
Whipped Squalene Face and Eye Mousse: This face cream is so soft and easily spreads onto your skin without having to use all that much, so even the small jar will last you quite a while. It absorbs quickly leaving your face feeling really soft and moisturized without any greasiness.
Mint Mist Deodorant (regular strength coconut cream version):
I have tried many organic and chemical free brands of deodorants and none of really worked very well for me, however, Chagrin Valley’s Mint Mist regular strength coconut cream is really effective! The application might seem foreign (i.e. applying by putting some on your hand and then rubbing onto your underarms) but once you do it a couple of times its just as easy as using a stick. It is soft and goes on smooth and leaves no residue. The scent is just enough to keep me smelling great throughout the day yet isn’t at all overpowering. It does a great job keeping me feeling fresh and doesn’t require re-​applications, however that would be more indivually based, I tend not to sweat tremendously so that might be different for someone else.
Mint Mist Deodorant (Clay Silk for sensitive skin):
This deodorant worked just as effectively for me as the regular strength. I don’t have an allergy or sensitivity to baking soda so either one works great. However, if you do have an allergy or sensitivity and need the Clay Silk version of their deodorants then you can feel comfortable ordering the more sensitive strength as it works just as well!
I’d also like to add that the customer service is beyond wonderful at Chagrin Valley. I’ve received every order I’ve placed with them on time and packaged perfectly. I also recently ordered another deodorant (1 Mint Mist Regular Strength) and by accident something was mixed up and I received a Clay Silk version of the deodorant as opposed to the regular strength that I had wanted. They immediately, without question, said to keep the Clay Silk and sent me not just one but two of the Mint Mist regular strength deodorants with an apology note attached.
This is a great company with really great, health conscious products! The ingredients are exactly what I’ve been looking for in my search for chemical free living :)

My bf absolutely loves this company! We’ve tried so many soaps I can’t even remember which are my favorite. I have the lip balms (coconut is amazing) and salves for any itches or cuts. I have an obsession with coconut so I also have the coconut hair balm, which smells so good and makes your hair shiny.
Any product you need for your body is covered!
I live in Southern California so I order online and have it shipped to my home. If you have sensitive skin or skin allergies, this place is worth checking out.

I was recommended to try the Neem and Tea Tree Shampoo Bar since I have seborrheic dermatitis (oily). I placed an order and decided to get the shampoo bar, the mini Whipped Shea Vanilla Bean body butter, and the Apples and Spice soap. Shipping was alright but cost over $ 5 (within the USA). I tried all three products and noticed the next day, I was starting to break out. I didn’t think much of it and the reaction just kept getting worse until my entire body (except for my back) was covered in pretty severe hives. I deduced it was a reaction to the body butter. Looking at the ingredients, I have never encountered babassu oil before.
I contacted the company. I had made a post on their Facebook page saying what had happened and it was immediately deleted. I also posted on their website and it was also deleted. The company responded to me via email with the following…
«Hi Mary,
This is Sam, at Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve. Thanks for writing to us!
We don’t deal with nay customer service on our Facebook page. We usually just take down any questions for us from the page and then answer our customers via email. We simply dont have the time and ability to use FB for customer service. Hopefully you understand.
As for your issue, it sounds like for sure you are having an allergic reaction.
There are only 6 ingredients in the product. The most likely culprit is the Shea butter, as it is 100% pure Virgin Shea, as strong and pure as it can be. Shea is a naturally occurring form of latex, and many people find at some point that they can have a reaction to very pure Shea Butter. It is fairly common. Other ingredients that are not normal everyday ingredients would be Babassu Oil and Jojoba oil. Sunflower is an unlikely culprit and the Vanilla is not an added scent, we simply cook actual vanilla beans into the butters.
My guess is the pure Shea. If you have used Organic Unrefined pure she before and know that you have no reaction, than I can tell you I am stumped.
If you wanted to see, you could always get a trial size of our „Whipped Cocoa“ and see if you have any reaction…
I hope that helps SOME.
Thanks very much for your order and support for our work, Mary!»
So, their solution was to basically shell out another $ 8.50 for a small body butter and then over $ 5 for shipping… I know I’m not allergic to shea (I use it in many products) and the same with Jojoba oil.
Overall, I was incredibly disappointed with the customer service and company overall. This isn’t how you treat customers.
I threw out the body butter ($ 8.50 down the drain). The shampoo bar did nothing for my hair so I threw that out as well. The Apples and Spice soap smelled of spice and not of apples at all.
I will never buy anything from this company again. I was extremely disappointed with everything I bought. My face broke out the worst of all and isn’t as smooth as it used to be.
I was hoping for a refund of some kind but I received squat all. Every other company I have ever dealt with allows refunds when a product doesn’t work. Considering how severe my reaction was, I was hoping for more.
The fact that the company also doesn’t let negative reviews be posted anywhere on their website or Facebook also says something about them as a whole.