Find us at Local Events!
Discover The Clean Chemist at local Indiana markets and events. Chemist-crafted soaps, bath products, balms, and sensory-friendly skincare made in small batches.
Artisan Soap Makers in Indiana: The Clean Chemist
Discover artisan soaps and skincare in Indiana. The Clean Chemist makes gentle, sensory-friendly, science-backed bath products locally for families in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A Gentle Approach: Choosing the Right Soap for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be unpredictable, reacting to soaps and skincare products that feel perfectly fine for others. Understanding your skin’s barrier — the multilayered system that protects against moisture loss and irritants — is key to choosing gentle, effective soap. In this guide, we break down the layers of the epidermis, explain why sensitive skin reacts differently, and share science-backed tips for selecting soaps that cleanse without causing irritation.
Superfatting: Why a Little Extra Oil Makes a Big Difference
Learn how superfatting makes handmade soap more moisturizing and gentle on your skin. Discover the science behind SAP values, cold process soap, and why The Clean Chemist uses extra oils for the perfect bar.
Liquid vs. Bar Soap: The Chemistry Behind the Suds
Discover the science behind liquid and bar soaps, including how they clean, their environmental impact, and which is best for different skin types. Learn the difference between true soaps and synthetic detergent cleansers and get tips for keeping your bars and liquid soaps fresh and effective.
Essential Oil-Induced Photosensitivity: What It Is and How to Stay Safe in the Sun
Some essential oils—especially citrus—can cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. In this post, The Clean Chemist breaks down the science of photosensitivity, which oils to avoid, and how we formulate safe, sun-friendly skincare you can trust.
Nature Meets Chemistry: Jewelweed, Plantain & Propolis for Skin Comfort After the Outdoors
At The Clean Chemist, we combine science and tradition to create gentle skincare solutions. Discover how jewelweed, plantain, and propolis in beeswax have long been used to help comfort skin after outdoor exposure. Made locally in Avon, Indiana, our plant-powered products are crafted with sensitive skin in mind for those exploring the Indianapolis area and beyond.
Behind Our Mission: Making Chemistry Transparent, Sustainable, and Safe in Indiana
At The Clean Chemist in Avon, Indiana, we believe that understanding ingredients is key to making skin-safe, sustainable choices. From essential oils to fragrance compounds, we break down the science to help you navigate your skincare routines with confidence. Because clean chemistry means healthy, happy skin — without the confusion.
Bar Soap vs. Body Wash: Why the Bar Wins for the Planet
Bar soap beats body wash — and science proves it. In this post, we break down the environmental impact of bar soap vs. liquid body wash and explain why switching to our handmade bars in Avon, Indiana, is a small change that makes a big difference.
Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils: What’s Really in Your Soap’s Scent?
Discover the science behind soap scents, from essential oils to synthetic fragrances, and how to spot allergens in your skincare.
Lye in Soap: Dangerous or Necessary?
Lye may sound scary, but it's a vital part of soap making. This post explains how sodium hydroxide transforms oils into soap through saponification—and why there’s no lye left in the final product. Learn the science behind clean, safe, and skin-loving bars.
Fatty Acids & Glycerol: The Molecular Magic Behind Soap
Discover what’s really inside the oils and butters used in cold process soap-making. In this post from The Clean Chemist, we break down the molecular structure of oils—specifically triglycerides, glycerol, and fatty acids—to explain how they transform into soap through saponification. Learn how different oil compositions affect lather, conditioning, and cleansing, and why we choose sustainably sourced ingredients like RSPO Certified palm oil. Perfect for soap enthusiasts, ingredient-conscious consumers, and anyone curious about the science behind their skincare.
What Are Chemicals? Debunking the “Chemical-Free” Myth
What are chemicals? And why are we so worried about them?