Center Street Soap Co. started with a simple, personal struggle. For most of her life, founder Joy Benzing endured uncomfortable, irritated skin caused by store-brand “soaps.”

She slathered on creams and lotions, hoping for relief, only to find that the root of the problem lay in the very products she was using. These “soaps” weren’t even real soap—they were detergents, stripped of the glycerin that naturally keeps skin soft and moisturized.

Joy’s discovery of handmade, cold-process soap at a local farmers’ market was life-changing. For the first time, her skin felt truly nourished, with no need for extra lotions and creams. She was inspired.

Back in her kitchen, Joy started experimenting, blending natural oils and butters to create a recipe that would be gentle enough for her own skin but luxurious enough to share with others. Center Street Soap Co. was born from her desire to make soap that cares as much as it cleans.

Each soap bar we make carries on Joy’s dedication to turn a personal challenge into a mission for better skincare. Her carefully crafted recipes retain the natural glycerin to ensure that every bar is as hydrating as it is cleansing.

Our Mission

More than just soap, each bar is a reminder of the power of small, mindful choices. At Center Street Soap Co., we’re proud to support local artisans, collaborate with other female artists, and reduce our waste by donating soap scraps to Eco-Soap Bank. This partnership helps fight the spread of preventable diseases and helps women earn an income in developing nations.

We invite you to make a small mindful choice with us and experience the transformative nature of true, handmade soap.

- Joy, and the Center Street Soap Co. Team