Our Story

Center Street Soap Co. was started by Joy Benzing, making all natural soaps for her sensitive skin in her home.

She has always had sensitive skin and suffered though store brand soaps that left her skin irritated, dry, and rash-y. She used to slather on lotions and creams just to get a little relief.

At the time, she has no idea that the big brand 'soaps' she grew up using, were not actually soap, but detergent concoctions that are stripped of glycerin (the good stuff for healthy, moisturized skin).

"The skin is our body's biggest organ. We wouldn’t knowingly ingest harmful chemicals, why would we put them on our bodies?" - Joy Benzing, Founder

Joy finally discovered the moisturizing magic of handmade natural soap while visiting a local farmers market. Her skin immediately noticed the difference. For the first time, it felt smooth and healthy. She started stocking up on local handmade soaps whenever She could find them.

In 2017 her soap supply was running dangerously low. Her husband Tim said, “Why don’t we just make it ourselves?” At first, she thought he was crazy but Tim, being an amazingly talented chef, was never afraid of a creative challenge, so they rolled up their sleeves and... made a HUGE mess and an awesome loaf of honey almond soap. Joy was so proud of that first little batch. She didn’t know it at the time, but that was the moment Center Street Soap Co. was born.

She made another loaf, and then another, and another. Soon people were asking for more and so were their friends and families. Hundreds of batches and recipes later, Center Street Soap Co. has grown into the small business you know and love today. 

Joy is still the Chief Soap Maker and Creative behind each amazing loaf of cold processed soap. Every small batch is made with incredible attention to detail, Phthalate free fragrances, all-natural butters, oils, and essential oils.

We hope you enjoy our soaps as much as we enjoy making them!

- Joy, and the Center Street Soap Co. Team