what we use and why?

a little bit about our products

About our Cleaning Products

The principal active ingredient in our cleaning product range is a liquid soap based on 100% pure locally produced linseed oil, using lye (KOH) to create the saponification as in the traditional method to create ‘black soap” or savon noir.

This savon noir soap has been used for centuries, the first use is claimed to be over 4500 years ago by the Sumerians.It is still currently being used extensively on the continent, Eastern Europe and North Africa.

Today Linseed oil based soap is recognized on the continent, Eastern Europe and North Africa as the most versatile oil for cleaning pretty much all surfaces from modern kitchens through metals to car interiors to shampooing your dog or horse. Linseed oil is also recognized as nourishing and creating a protective sealant for wood, leather, brick, tiles, stone, marble, hooves, pretty much any organic material.

The traditional savon noir body, face and general use soaps are made from olive oil, palm oil or coconut oil depending on the region. These oils are cleansing, nourishing, moisturizing and give elasticity. Equally they are reliable for lifting and removing grease and stains as well as protecting colours.

One only has to admire the glowing skin, vibrant cloths, and the clean and positive vibrations that these regions emanate.

In England we traditionally used animal fats.Whale and similar fats were also used to produce soaps. These soaps created from dead animals were rough and limited in their cleansing capacity. They served their purpose when nothing else was available, but are no longer produced. Unfortunately they have created a poor image for ‘soap’ and are best left behind. These animal based soaps created a niche for the supply and demand for chemically created products. Chemicals for these products are supplied by the pharmaceutical companies who also incidentally supply the medication to combat the symptoms and medical conditions which are related to their use..

How does this cleaner work

How does this cleaner work? Simple – the savon noir is a pure liquid soap which acts as an surfactant allowing dirt and oils to be lifted and rinsed away.

Linseed oil is a fabulous non aggressive product, cleaning, nourishing, shining as well as deterring unwanted pests.

Below is a list of all of our ingredients with the properties and uses for each, so you can understand how our products are working for you.

About our bottles

Our bottles are HDPE food grade or PET food grade plastic. The plastic is strong yet lightweight, non-reactive, economical, and shatterproof. PET’s safety for food, personal care, pharmaceutical and medical applications is recognised by health authorities around the world. Up to 100% of our PET bottles can be made from recycled PET, and the material can be recycled again and again.

We look forward to the increased use by large companies of the 100% plant based bottles, permitting the lowering of the price/quantity criteria which will allow small companies such as ours to use them.

About our Body care Products

photo of eco-vie-bath-bombs-drying photo of ingredients-for-eco-vie-body-care-products

Our Ingredients

All these ingredients are used only at their respected dosage and for suitable surfaces. Any ingredient can be a danger if used incorrectly.

Our Soaps

Our soap bases contain linseed oil and nothing else using potash (KOH) as in the traditional method to create the saponification to create the soap.

Linseed oil

Flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) is derived from the extremely nutritious and disease-preventing flaxseed. Similar to the seed, flaxseed oil is loaded with healthy omega-3s, fatty acids that have been associated with healthier brains and hearts, better moods, decreased inflammation, and healthier skin and hair.

We purchase our Linseed oil from a local farm.

Linseed oil soap can be used for cleaning everything – paintbrushes, floors, work surfaces, stain removal and personal hygiene.

Natural linseed oil takes excellent care of floors, smells wonderful and brings out natural colour and shine.

Filtered water

We use a 4 filter reverse osmosis system to clean and filter our water to provide the purest and cleanest water possible ensuring quality and longevity of our products.

Vinegar

Deodorizes, eliminates odors, mildew, kills bathroom germs, removes stains and mineral deposits,, cleans chrome and stainless steel, It will also put the sparkle back in your glassware. The acetic acid in the vinegar is a good disinfectant, effective against such harmful bugs as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus.

Washing soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, soda ash, or soda crystals, is in the same family as baking soda but has been processed differently. It has a much higher alkalinity, with a pH of 11, which helps it act as a solvent to remove a range of stains. While it doesn’t give off harmful fumes, it is advisable to wear gloves because it can cause skin irritation ( PH of 6 or 7 is ideal for our skin). Used in our cleaner for bathrooms, kitchens and tough dirt all around the house. Washing soda has long been used to soften hard water. Ideal for removing grease and dirt.

Borax substitute

Borax Substitute is part of a non-toxic ‘Clean and Natural’ range. Borax Substitute is sodium sesquicarbonate – a mineral compound, with a pH of 9, It can be used as an effective multi-purpose cleaner, stain remover and laundry aid.

Citric acid

From plant based origin. Used for descaling, removing stains, also used in adjusting acidity in products.

Salt

Sea salt is used in some products as a thickener.

Conservators

Grapefruit Seed Extract extract has been shown to posses antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, it is used to extend the life of naturally based products. Being recognized to have a highly concentrated, natural general antimicrobial and antioxidant.

Our bodycare

Essential oils

All our essential oils are ethnically sourced, safe and superior quality

Essential oils are natural anti bacterial, anti fungal, disinfectant, preservers and pest repellent as well as smelling good.

Lemon

Loved for its light, clean scent, this essential oil is also a powerhouse in cleaning recipes. Naturally antibiotic, antibacterial and antiviral, Lemon is commonly used to degrease stubborn stains as well as freshen the air.

Rosemary

Rosemary’s natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a great addition to soap and laundry detergent.

Lavender

One of the best-smelling naturally antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal essential oils is Lavender.

Eucalyptus

This natural germicide is a powerful dust mite buster. With its clean smell, Eucalyptus is great for stinky jobs in the kitchen and bathroom. Eucalyptus essential oil is great to deter pests.

Pine

Already a common ingredient in cleaners, pine oil is effective at killing yeast spores, as antiseptic against E.coli and other household germs. Pine is perfect for ridding the bathroom of mold and mildew and cleaning hard floors while leaving a natural fresh scent.

Thyme

Thyme is one of the most powerful essential oil weapons against germs, fungi and viral. Thyme is effective against salmonella so you use it to clean cutting boards that have come in contact with raw meat.

Grapefruit

A citrus oil that smells clean, light and a bit sharp, but still fruity. Many people enjoy the scent of Grapefruit in their cleaner because it is also reviving, refreshing and helps to reduce tension, especially in the winter.

Lime

The health benefits of Lime essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, disinfectant and a restorative substance. Like other citrus-based essential oils, Lime essential oil is ideal for freshening the air inside the home and bringing a bit of sunshine to the gloomiest days

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and analgesic (pain reliever) and is an excellent anti-parasitic. Used by cultures all over the world for its powerful medicinal properties, modern research today attributes these qualities to menthone, menthyl esters, and most importantly to the active compound, menthol, which is found in high concentrations in Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is used widely in the manufacturing of products we use daily such as shampoo, chewing gum, toothpaste, ice cream, soap, tea and more.