From Paradise, With Love: The Story of Ceylon Soap Company
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Nestled in the lush, tropical heart of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Soap Company was born from one woman’s deep love for luxurious bath rituals and a goal to create products which are nourishing to both people and Mother Nature.
Like many of us, the founder Sam was drawn to the allure of scented bath products – velvety lathers, rich aromas, and the promise of soft, pampered skin. But the appeal quickly wore off when she looked more closely at the harsh chemical ingredients, synthetic ingredients and preservatives which not only damaged the skin but harmed our environment, too.
Sam’s curiosity was sparked and after much research, she created Ceylon Soap Company with a clear mission: to offer luxury and quality without compromise. Seeking out all natural ingredients and using the ancient wisdom of cold-process soap making, the company produces soaps which are totally free of parabens, artificial additives and preservatives.
Plastic packaging has no place here – instead they produce solid soap bars for everything from shampoo and face scrubs to shaving and even pet shampoo. Instead, bars are wrapped in biodegradable paper which are completely compostable.
What makes Ceylon Soap Company truly shine, though, is its commitment to empowering local women. They consider themselves a social movement, far more than just a soap company.
As the owner Sam says, “Everything we do is by the community, for the community—and always in harmony with Mother Earth. We believe sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. That’s why our processes are gentle on the planet, our packaging eco-conscious, and our vision bold: to take the pure, powerful essence of Sri Lanka to the world.”
The company has created a space for local women, often overlooked in the Sri Lankan workforce due to their roles as mothers, wives, and caregivers, to learn, create, and earn. Many of these women live in areas where employment is scarce, and opportunities even scarcer. Today, CSC’s whole team is female, priding itself on paying decent wages and located in the village of Matale. Sam points out “By bringing the work to the women, we are creating a ripple effect of empowerment, independence, and community support.”
Each soap bar is a tribute to Sri Lanka, our paradise island. From the sun-drenched coconuts to fragrant spices, healing herbs, and cooling botanicals, they harness the best of our land in every bar. Their unique recipes have been perfected over time, using traditional methods that preserve the natural goodness of each ingredient.
Mineral micas are used to gently colour the soap, while 100% natural essential oils add fragrance and healing properties. Many of the ingredients are homegrown in Sam’s gardens, from wild jasmine, hibiscus and coffee beans. Knowing every element that goes into each bar allows them to adapt and customise to suit even the most sensitive skins and conditions, creating a wonderfully loyal following as a result.
We celebrate this company and its wonder-woman team, where every bar is a love letter to nature, to Sri Lanka’s people, and to a cleaner, kinder future.
Working a corporate job in London, founder Sam Helm had a long-held love for indulgent bath products, before turning her vision of 100% natural products into a business. She returned to live in Sri Lanka, creating organic, nourishing products that protect people and planet, whilst uplifting women in rural communities. Today, Ceylon Soap Company’s products fill not just homes in Sri Lanka but many hotels and spas, too.
Working a corporate job in London, founder Sam Helm had a long-held love for indulgent bath products, before turning her vision of 100% natural products into a business. She returned to live in Sri Lanka, creating organic, nourishing products that protect people and planet, whilst uplifting women in rural communities. Today, Ceylon Soap Company’s products fill not just homes in Sri Lanka but many hotels and spas, too.