The Cosy Cottage Podcast

In this fresh and uplifting episode, we sit down with Clara Challoner Walker, founder of Cosy Cottage Soap, to explore some of the most bizarre and brilliant soap myths we’ve come across—and figure out whether any of them hold water (spoiler: not really).

From claims that soap can predict the weather, bring good luck, or even ward off the evil eye in babies, to the surprisingly popular idea that putting a bar of soap under your sheets can stop restless legs—we dive into the folklore, the facts, and the fun behind these long-standing beliefs.

Clara brings her usual warmth and wit to the conversation, sharing insight into where some of these myths may have come from, and how Cosy Cottage is staying grounded in science while still celebrating the timeless charm of handmade soap.

💬 If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s any truth behind these soap superstitions—or you just fancy a light-hearted chat about how magical soap really isn’t—this episode is for you.

🧼 Discover our handmade soap and other natural, plastic-free products:
https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk

✨ Follow us for more behind-the-scenes content, natural skincare tips, and sustainable living inspiration:
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In this fresh and uplifting episode, we sit down with Wayne, one of the team members at Cosy Cottage Soap, to explore the truth behind natural haircare.Wayne walks us through our best-loved shampoo bars and conditioner, sharing how we turn nourishing plant oils into plastic-free, sulphate-free haircare that actually works. From formulating solid bars that lather beautifully to choosing ingredients that support scalp health and shine—Wayne brings his passion and expertise to every step of the process.You’ll discover why switching to natural shampoo isn’t just good for your hair, but for the planet too — and how Cosy Cottage is leading the way in sustainable, small-batch beauty.💬 Whether you’re curious about how shampoo bars work, wondering if natural conditioner can really soften your hair, or looking to cut down on plastic in your routine, this episode is packed with real answers and down-to-earth insight.🧴 Learn more about our shampoo bars, conditioner, and other handmade products:https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk✨ Follow us for more behind-the-scenes content, natural haircare tips, and sustainable living inspiration:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosycottagesoapFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosycottagesoapTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosycottagesoap📬 Join our newsletter for exclusive offers and gentle living tips:https://mailchi.mp/cosycottagesoap.co.uk/newsletter

In this episode, we sit down with Clara Challoner Walker, founder of Cosy Cottage Soap, to explore the rising interest in natural sun protection — especially from red and orange plant-based compounds.

We dive into why more people are questioning conventional sunscreens, the health and environmental concerns behind synthetic ingredients, and how Cosy Cottage approaches skin safety through a natural, low-waste lens.

Clara shares what to look for in nature-based alternatives, which ingredients show promise, and how to stay sun-safe without compromising on values like sustainability and simplicity.

🌿 Perfect for curious minds, sensitive skin types, and anyone seeking a gentler approach to SPF.

📝 Read more on the science and research behind natural SPF in our blog:
👉 Natural Sun Screen - A Growing Body of Evidence

📲 Follow Cosy Cottage Soap:
Instagram: @cosycottagesoap
Facebook: Cosy Cottage Soap
TikTok: @cosycottagesoap

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Greener Skincare from the Ground Up | A Visit to Holiferm’s Sustainable Science Lab

In this eye-opening episode, we visit Holiferm, a groundbreaking company at the forefront of green chemistry, to discover how their innovative biosurfactant could transform the future of sustainable skincare.

Join us behind the scenes as we explore how this naturally derived ingredient is created, how it compares to traditional surfactants, and why it’s such an exciting development for eco-conscious beauty brands like ours at Cosy Cottage.

🌱 Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, an ingredient geek, or just curious about how science and sustainability can work hand-in-hand—this episode is full of insights and inspiration from the lab bench to the bathroom shelf.

Learn more about our natural skincare products:

https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk

Follow us for more wellness content, green beauty news, and Cosy updates:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosycottagesoap

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosycottagesoap

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosycottagesoap

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#sustainableskincare #greenbeauty #biosurfactant #Holiferm #naturalingredients #cosycottage

From Plant to Pot: How Natural Skincare Is Really Made | A Conversation with Martha

In this nourishing and down-to-earth episode, we sit down with Martha, one of the skilled makers behind Cosy Cottage’s natural skincare range. With her passion for purity and sustainability, Martha takes us behind the scenes to reveal what really goes into your skincare — and what doesn’t.

From hand-stirred balms to cold-processed soaps, she shares the honest truth about ingredients, how each product is made, and the care taken at every stage of the process. You’ll learn why fewer ingredients can be better, how natural scents differ from synthetic ones, and what sets small-batch skincare apart.

🌿 Whether you're a natural beauty enthusiast or simply curious about what’s inside your favourite Cosy Cottage product, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and deeply connected to the craft of clean skincare.

🧼 Learn more about our handmade products:
https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk

✨ Follow us for more behind-the-scenes content, natural skincare tips, and wellness inspiration:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosycottagesoap?igsh=Y3kyaG9seXByOW01&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosycottagesoap
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosycottagesoap?_t=ZN-8w1QS88mpss&_r=1

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Balancing Body and Soul | A Journey Through Healing with Carole

In this gentle and inspiring episode, we sit down with Carole, one of our talented practitioners at Cosy Cottage, to explore the many ways she supports people through holistic therapies. From Reiki and Reflexology to Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aquatherm, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Carole shares how each treatment works, the benefits for mind and body, and how healing starts from within.

We also touch on her work with Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing—perfect for anyone curious about energy therapies and how they can bring peace, balance, and emotional clarity.

✨ Whether you're new to holistic wellness or a lifelong advocate of natural therapies, this conversation will leave you feeling uplifted, calm, and curious to explore more.

Learn more about our treatments and book with Carole:
https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/pages/therapies

Follow us for more wellness content, natural skincare, and Cosy updates:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosycottagesoap?igsh=Y3kyaG9seXByOW01&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosycottagesoap
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosycottagesoap?_t=ZN-8w1QS88mpss&_r=1

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Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SW6Fv3p-fNc?si=PlRTyHJFIxxeIMVW

This ultra-nourishing balm is packed with skin-loving ingredients, each chosen for its powerful natural benefits:

Key Ingredients & Their Benefits:

• Mango Butter – deeply moisturising, rich in vitamins A & E, softens tough skin

• Coconut Oil – antibacterial, hydrating, and soothing for sore feet

• Olive Oil – rich in antioxidants to protect and rejuvenate the skin

• Lemon Essential Oil – naturally refreshing and antimicrobial, with a clean citrus scent

• Beeswax – helps seal in moisture and provides lasting hydration

No palm oil. No plastic. No harsh chemicals. Just pure, ethical skincare made in the UK.

Shop now:
https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/products/mango-butter-and-lemon-foot-balm?_pos=1&_sid=39beb6b11&_ss=r&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=foot_balm_promo

Here’s what customers are saying:
"This balm is amazing – my feet have never felt so soft!"
"Smells gorgeous and really works on dry heels. I noticed a difference in just a few days."
"I use it before bed with socks and wake up with baby-soft feet!"

Read more 5-star reviews here:
https://judge.me/reviews/stores/cosycottagesoap/products/mango-butter-and-lemon-foot-balm

Follow us for more natural skincare tips, behind the scenes, and offers:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosycottagesoap?igsh=Y3kyaG9seXByOW01&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosycottagesoap
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosycottagesoap?_t=ZN-8w1QS88mpss&_r=1

Join our newsletter for 10% off your first order and exclusive skincare tips:
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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your foot balm results in the comments!

In this episode, we discuss some of the skin changes we may see as we move from summer into the cooler autumn and winter months.

Clara is joined by Chloe, a member of her team, to discuss the products and ingredients we can look to for help with cooler-weather skin concerns.

We also discuss how we can adjust with the season generally, and briefly discuss some general wellbeing advice for embracing the change.

If you would like to read more about our tips for embracing the autumn, you can read our blog about it here:

If you would like to get in touch, you can:

- Visit us in our (NEW) Malton store (17 Market Place)

- Get in touch via our website

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming opening of our new, larger premises.

Clara chats about the different treatments we can expect to see in the new premises, from Reiki to Homeopathy and Beauty to Aqua-therm massage.

If you would like to know more about our upcoming events or book yourself a place, please click here to see our full events calendar.

In this episode, Clara chats about the transition to natural shampoo bars.

She discusses the benefits of shampoo bars, their effectiveness, environmental impact and the transition period associated with them.

Have a look at the blogs about natural shampoo bars here.

You can see our full range of shampoo bars by clicking here.

Visit our website here: