In a city known for supporting small businesses, Lakewood continues to welcome unique local shops that bring something different to the community.
One of those businesses is The White Moon Soap Co., a handmade soap shop focused on natural ingredients and skin health. What started as one person looking for a better alternative to harsh cleaning products has turned into a growing local business.
For owner Ingrid Legros, the idea for the business started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cleaning supplies were being used more than ever.
“It was the middle of the pandemic and I was sick and tired of all the harsh chemicals I had to use to clean, especially on my hands,” said Legros.
Like many people during that time, Legros noticed how constant washing and sanitizing were affecting her skin. Instead of ignoring the problem, she began researching alternatives to the soaps and sanitizers she was using every day.
“I got curious about alternatives to the soaps and sanitizers I was using and found that most soaps we use on our bodies are synthetic detergents that strip your skin of its natural barrier and deplete it of necessary oils that help maintain skin health,” said Legros.
Finding a product that met her standards was difficult. She wanted something natural and healthy that would actually help her skin instead of damaging it.
“It was hard to find what I wanted, something effective, natural, healthy, free of sulphates, dyes, alcohol and fragrances, but most importantly, something that gave back to the skin,” said Legros.
Eventually, she decided to take matters into her own hands. “I ended up doing a deep dive into how soap is made [and its] beneficial ingredients and the idea struck me, to just make it myself,” said Legros.
Legros’ night-shift schedule inspired the company’s identity. “Perhaps that contributed to how I decided on the name,” Legros said. “Once I had The White Moon Soap Co., I knew I wanted to make it an official business.”
She also realized that many other people were dealing with the same issue she had experienced.
“I knew so many other people who were having the same problem that I was — painful, over-washed, cracking, dry skin. I thought if I can just make a few small batches at a time, I [could] get them to other people who want a natural, healthy, rejuvenating product,” Legros said.
One thing that makes The White Moon Soap Co. stand out is how the soaps are made. Instead of mass-produced products, every bar is created by hand in small batches.
“Each bar is made not only with all-natural ingredients but all beneficial ingredients, meaning every ingredient I put into each bar has a specific purpose and a different way to help and contribute to your skin,” said Legros.
Her soaps also avoid many of the ingredients that are commonly used in commercial soaps. “No titanium dioxides, no perfumes, no parabens, sulfates, no glitter, no paints,” said Legros.
Legros uses the cold process method to create her soaps, starting at the beginning of the chemical reaction that turns raw ingredients into a finished product. “I make every bar myself using my own recipes,” Legros said. “It’s a lot like being in the kitchen; I make it with love.”
The soaps are also designed to last. “I cut them big, so they last a long time. I give them a unique shape on top, too. Depending on the bar, I will use botanicals or different shapes. They have swoops, waves, even a honeycomb pattern,” said Legros.
While many artisan soaps focus mainly on appearance, Legros believes the ingredients and benefits should come first. “So many artisan soap makers use dyes, metals, synthetic fragrances, sulphates and other additives that make their soaps look pretty, but they don’t help your skin and can actually be bad for your health,” said Legros.
Starting a business wasn’t without obstacles. “The biggest challenge was waiting for the right location to become available. I knew I would only want to be in Lakewood,” said Legros.
Fortunately, the Lakewood community has been supportive of the business. “The Chamber of Commerce has been extremely helpful; there are programs they offer, assistance, resources, events put on by the city,” said Legros.
Local businesses have also played a role in helping the shop grow by recommending it to customers or hosting events where The White Moon Soap Co. products are featured.
Legros also said many of her customers simply walk in out of curiosity. “Surprisingly, I have gotten a lot of my customers via foot traffic. People are genuinely curious about the storefront and pop in to ask questions, leave with a soap and then they come back to try another one,” said Legros.
Customers say the shop’s unique products and welcoming atmosphere keep them coming back. “I stopped in one day just because the store looked interesting from the outside. I ended up buying a bar for my dry skin, and it actually helped a lot. Now I come back to try different kinds,” said customer Sarah Miller.
Another customer, Emily Carter, said the shop stands out because of the care put into each product. “You can tell everything is made with a lot of thought. It’s cool to know the person who owns the shop is the one actually making the soap,” said Carter.
Looking ahead, Legros hopes the business will continue to grow while staying connected to Lakewood. “Expansion. I want my business to grow and thrive in other locations. I hope to hire more employees in the near future and open more stores,” said Legros.
Even with those plans, she hopes the original shop will remain rooted in the community. “I would love to have a home base in Lakewood for the long run, though. I want my products to gain a good reputation for helping people feel better and stay healthy,” said Legros.
For a business that started with one person experimenting with soap during the pandemic, The White Moon Soap Co. has grown into a meaningful part of the Lakewood community.
