Master Soapmaking Since 2023
Multi-Award Winning Herbal Skincare Apothecary

The Dark Island Soap Co.: A Modern Heritage of Skincare 

The Dark Island Soap Co. is an artisanal apothecary dedicated to the intersection of ancient botanical wisdom and modern self-care. Rooted in the belief that skincare should be a grounding, intentional experience, we specialise in handcrafted, small-batch formulations that honour the raw power of nature.

 
Fáilte 

The Man Behind the Business

The Dark Island Soap Co. was created in honour of my beloved late father, Donald MacLellan.
Dad hailed from Lochboisdale, South Uist, in the beautiful Outer Hebrides of Scotland, with “The Dark Island” being a place we would spend many a happy vacation when dad was visiting his home.
Unfortunately, he passed away on the 31st of August, 2022, from Vascular Dementia.

A business owner himself, he served his apprenticeship with Croall & Croall of Stockbridge, Edinburgh and became a Volkswagen Specialist, going on to own and run his successful motoring business in the sought-after area of Morningside, Edinburgh for over 50 years.

It is a privilege to dedicate this business to my father, and keep his memory alive.

Tapadh leat,
Chiara ​
Follow us on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and TikTok for all the latest updates! @thedarkislandsoapco 

Spring Features

Find us featured in the current issues of Close Up Magazine, and Absolutely Magazine for the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire areas.

 
 
 
 

Press Reviews

 Named as one of Scotland's "finest health and beauty brands." - June, '24 

Scottish Field Magazine
         

 Five of the best Christmas gifts made in Scotland. - Nov, '23 

The Times Scotland Newspaper
         

 Their exquisite array of products epitomise luxury and elegance. Each creation is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing not only stunning aesthetics but also spectacular scents that altogether transform a simple bathroom into a lavish sanctuary. The brand's prioritisation of utilising gentle, high-quality ingredients sets them apart in the industry, complemented by their relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Louise Jane CEO, The Vegan Choice Awards
         

 If The Dark Island Soap Co. hasn't crossed your path yet, you're in for a real treat! This brand is celebrated as one of the top vegan beauty companies, and it's easy to understand why. They offer a stunning variety of handcrafted products that are not only gorgeous but work wonders. It's clear they've mastered their art, producing items that are a feast for the senses, converting your skincare routine into a luxurious affair. That being so, they are without doubt a brand that has won my heart for the long haul! 

Louise Jane CEO, Vegan Beauty Awards
         

 The best beauty & skincare buys your skin will love this winter. - Nov, '24 

Glamour Magazine
         

 The Dark Island Soap Co. wins the Customer Satisfaction Award. Combining handcrafted, organic soaps with a robust sustainability ethos, their commitment to planting trees and reusing materials resonates with eco-conscious customers. Their ground-breaking efforts not only meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products but also showcase how innovation and responsibility can thrive together. By embracing sustainable practices and pushing the boundaries of possibility. - Dec, '24 

UK Business Awards
         

 The Dark Island Soap Co. embodies everything we value in a sustainability award winner—authenticity, transparency, accountability and commitment to natural and plastic-free practices. Their soaps have a rustic charm that feels deeply connected to the earth. Plus they not only smell incredible and work beautifully, but they also represent a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future. This is a business that proves you don’t have to compromise quality or luxury to care for the planet. - Dec, '24 

Anna Chatburn Sustainability Award Founder
         

 16 products our beauty editors are shopping this January 

Glamour Magazine
         

 The Dark Island Soap Co. recognised among best companies to watch in 2025 - Jan, ‘25 

CEO Vision
         

 As the founder of the Sustainability Award, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless businesses strive for eco-conscious practices. The Dark Island Soap Co. truly stands out. Their dedication to sustainability is not just a marketing ploy; it’s woven into the very fabric of their operations. Achieving the Diamond Level award signifies an exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility, and the Dark Island Soap Co. embodies that wholeheartedly. Beyond their remarkable sustainability efforts, their soaps are simply divine. The natural ingredients create a truly luxurious experience. The scents are beautiful, and the gentle formulas leave skin feeling nourished and refreshed. It’s rare to find a product that so perfectly balances ethical practice with exceptional quality. Dark Island Soap Co. proves that you can have a product that is both kind to the planet and a delight to use. Plus, their Founder Chiara is always so delightful to communicate with, you can really tell the love and dedication behind the brand. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking a sustainable and indulgent bathing experience. - Feb, ‘25 

Anna Chatburn Sustainability Award Founder
         

Testimonials

Before: Using Blue Moon, with Blue Tansy Oil Facial Night Concentrate and Chamomile, Soothing Facial Night Cream

After: Using Blue Moon, with Blue Tansy Oil Facial Night Concentrate and Chamomile, Soothing Facial Night Cream

New Arrivals

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Pre-Orders Only
  

Acetum Herbarum | Herbal Hair Tonic with Rosemary, Stinging Nettle & Sage

Currently infusing, this beautiful herbal hair tonic contains an infused concoction of rosemary, stinging nettle & sage in raw, organic apple cider vinegar (containing “The Mother”). Small batch made and Ready for dispatch from the 1st of June. Net weight (approx), 150ml

£18.50
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Pre-Orders Only
  

No 14 | Aurantium Compound, Clarifying Facial Cleanser with Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Available to pre-order with a dispatch date from 11t May. This beautiful anhydrous facial cleanser contains the organic oils of castor, sweet almond oil and vitamin E, with sweet orange essential oil and provides deep, gentle cleansing, intense hydration, and acne-fighting benefits. Castor oil helps to purge impurities, sweet almond oil helps to moisturise and vitamin E helps to repair the skin barrier. Scented with sweet orange essential oil which helps to brighten and reduce inflammation. Comes with an organic muslin cloth. Like all of our products, this cleanser will compliment whichever masks, oils and creams works for you, but it does work in perfect synergy with our Celestial, Anhydrous Facial Clay Mask, our Solaris, Facial Day Concentrate and our Calendula, Luminous Facial Day Cream. Net weight (approx), 150ml

£24.50
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Handcrafted
  

Artisanal Soap/Product Dish, Handcrafted in Spain

A beautiful artisan soap/product dish to play soaps and skincare on.

£12.50
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Handcrafted
  

Artisanal Ceramic Product Dish, Handcrafted in Spain

A beautiful artisan product dish to hold trinkets or a jar of cream on.

£8.50
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I’m New!
  

Personalised Chakra Healing and Master Grid Entry

*With this order, you will also be added into my Master Reiki Energy Grid (something only a given at Master level-that gets charged and “activated” nightly for the intentions inside it). If you’re noticing an imbalance in your energy, it could be that your Chakras need a reset. I’m a Certified Reiki Master Healer who has trained since 2022 in the original Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki. I have been trained in person (not online) with full certification and lineage tracking to show upon request.

£15
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I’m New!
  

Intuitive Oracle Reading

If you’re looking for some insight or direction in life and want to have an Oracle card spread done for you then this is a good option to go for. Non-intrusive, I won’t ask you for any personal details and will work intuitively with the cards to create your results. Everything is done with love and light. Should you have a specific question(s), then I’m also happy to do a card reading with it/them, but please leave a note in the message section when ordering to avoid disappointment.

£20
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Hand-dipped
  

Organic Beeswax & Sunflower Pillar Candle

Hand-dipped organic beeswax & sunflower pillar candle with an organic soy waxed cotton wick. Why choose beeswax? Beeswax candles are widely favoured for creating a healthier indoor environment, primarily because they are non-toxic and clean-burning compared to petroleum-based alternatives, which can help people with respiratory disorders and asthma compared to other candles containing synthetic waxes and fragrances. Standard Mandatory Safety Warning; Burn within sight: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children and pets: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Keep away from flammables: Keep away from items that can catch fire (drapes, furniture, bedding). Take extra care when burning a candle which has dried herbs and/or botanicals that can cause the flame to become out of control on contact. Ingredients: *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Petal Extract *Certified Organic Burn time (approx), 10 hours. Net weight (approx), 155g

£14.50
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Hand-Rolled
  

Organic Beeswax & Rosemary Taper Candles (Set of 2)

Hand-rolled organic beeswax & rosemary taper candles with an organic soy waxed cotton wick. Why choose beeswax? Beeswax candles are widely favoured for creating a healthier indoor environment, primarily because they are non-toxic and clean-burning compared to petroleum-based alternatives, which can help people with respiratory disorders and asthma compared to other candles containing synthetic waxes and fragrances. Standard Mandatory Safety Warning; Burn within sight: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children and pets: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Keep away from flammables: Keep away from items that can catch fire (drapes, furniture, bedding). Take extra care when burning a candle which has dried herbs and/or botanicals that can cause the flame to become out of control on contact. Ingredients: *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract *Certified Organic Burn time (approx), 30 minutes per candle. Net weight (approx), 25g per candle.

£8.50
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Limited Stock
  

Endless Summer, Facial Wellness Giftset

Brighten and glow with this beautiful skincare set and Save £4! Presented to gift or to simply treat yourself with! Please find full details on the original listings.

£92
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Organic & Vegan
  

Wildling; Forest Blend, Herbal Infused Shampoo Bar

         

A deliciously herbal shampoo bar made with rosemary, stinging nettle and hemp which has been slow infused in olive oil. Also containing hempseed, castor and coconut oils. Scented with rosemary, lemongrass, clary sage & pine needle pure essential oils. Directions for Use: To use a natural shampoo bar, thoroughly soak hair, then either rub the bar between wet hands to create lather or directly apply it to the scalp in circular motions. Massage the scalp, work the foam through to the ends, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Store the bar in a dry area to prevent dissolving. This shampoo bar's amazing scalp & hair benefits: - Rosemary oil enhances hair health by promoting growth, reducing hair loss, and treating scalp irritation, often comparable to minoxidil but with fewer side effects. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and improved scalp circulation strengthen hair from root to tip, preventing dandruff and reducing breakage while nourishing hair follicles. Key Benefits of Rosemary for Hair: Hair Growth Stimulation: Promotes faster and thicker hair growth by improving scalp circulation and fighting hair loss, with studies suggesting effectiveness similar to 5% minoxidil. Scalp Health and Dandruff Control: The antibacterial properties, specifically carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, help soothe itchy scalp, prevent dandruff, and reduce inflammation. Strengthening and Reduced Breakage: Helps strengthen hair from root to tip, making hair more resilient and reducing damage. Shine and Protection: Nourishes hair and provides antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Versatility: Suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated hair. - Stinging nettle supports hair health by blocking DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss), strengthening follicles with silica and sulfur, and balancing scalp sebum. It can be used via nettle-infused shampoos, oils, or teas to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. While promising, long-term efficacy is not fully established by clinical research. Key Benefits for Hair: Hair Loss Prevention: Nettle is widely cited for its ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, potentially slowing hair thinning. Strengthening Strands: Rich in silica and sulphur, it helps build and maintain the structural integrity of the hair shaft, reducing breakage. Scalp Health: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help soothe itchy, dry, or inflamed scalps and regulate oil production without over-stripping. Enhanced Circulation: By strengthening blood vessels, it may improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. - Hemp seed oil offers significant hair and scalp benefits, primarily through deep hydration, improved elasticity, and increased strength. Rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, it nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and reduces breakage. It also seals in moisture, improves elasticity, and balances oil production for a healthier scalp. Top Benefits for Hair and Scalp: Deep Moisturising: It provides intense hydration without weighing down the hair, acting as a sealant to prevent moisture loss. Scalp Health: The oil nourishes the scalp and reduces irritation, itching, and dryness due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Promotes Growth and Strength: Rich in essential fatty acids and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), it supports healthier hair follicles, stimulates growth, and reduces breakage. Improved Elasticity and Shine: Hemp oil acts as a powerful conditioner, filling in gaps in damaged hair to make it smoother and shinier. Protection: It helps protect hair from damage caused by heat styling and environmental factors. - Olive oil is a natural, nutrient-rich emollient that deeply moisturises, softens, and strengthens hair while boosting shine. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, it penetrates the hair shaft to reduce damage, tame frizz, and soothe dry scalps. It works best on thick, dry, or damaged hair. Key Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair: Deep Moisturisation & Softening: Olive oil contains oleic acid, which coats the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and reducing brittleness. Reduced Breakage & Frizz: By smoothing the outer cuticle, it makes hair more manageable, reduces friction between strands, and helps prevent split ends. Scalp Health: It can soothe a dry, itchy scalp and, due to its antifungal properties, may help manage mild dandruff. Increased Shine: It adds a healthy sheen, making hair appear healthier and more lustrous. Potential Growth Support: While not a cure for hair loss, its antioxidant properties can improve overall scalp health, creating a better environment for hair to thrive. - Castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid and fatty acids, deeply moisturizes and conditions the scalp and hair, promoting a healthier scalp environment and glossier, stronger strands. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce dandruff, soothe irritation, and prevent breakage, which may indirectly support hair growth. Key Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair & Scalp: Deep Moisturisation: As a natural emollient, it locks in moisture, smoothing dry, damaged, or frizzy hair. Scalp Health: Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties combat dandruff and soothe irritated or dry scalps. Encourages Growth and Thickness: While not directly stimulating hair follicles, its nutrients nourish the scalp, providing an ideal environment for thicker, healthier hair growth. Reduced Breakage: It coats the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and preventing split ends. Improved Shine: Regular use helps hair appear healthier and shinier. - Coconut oil has many potential benefits for the skin, including: Moisturising: Coconut oil is highly moisturizing and can help retain moisture in dry skin. Anti-inflammatory: Coconut oil can reduce inflammation. Antibacterial: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help remove harmful bacteria. Antiviral: Coconut oil may have antiviral properties. Collagen production: Coconut oil can boost collagen production, which can help firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Wound healing: Coconut oil can promote wound healing. Stimulates collagen: Squalene in olive oil can help stimulate healthy collagen connectivity, which can support skin elasticity and delay wrinkles. Aromatherapy essential oils with scalp and hair benefits!: - Rosemary essential oil promotes hair growth, strengthens follicles, and reduces scalp itchiness by improving circulation and fighting inflammation. It is particularly known to help with dandruff control and may help reduce hair breakage and premature greying. Studies suggest its effectiveness in stimulating growth can be comparable to 2% minoxidil over 6 months. Key Benefits for Hair: Stimulates Hair Growth: Increases scalp circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach hair follicles. Reduces Hair Loss: Acts as a natural dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker, reducing the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Soothes Scalp: Reduces itching and inflammation associated with dandruff and scalp conditions. Strengthens and Conditions: Reduces breakage and increases hair density. Antioxidant Properties: Protects hair from damage and provides essential nutrients like iron and calcium. - Lemongrass essential oil boosts scalp and hair health by reducing dandruff, controlling sebum, and stimulating growth through its antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens hair follicles to reduce hair loss, relieves itchy, irritated scalps, and adds shine to hair while balancing the scalp's pH. Key Benefits for Scalp and Hair: Dandruff Treatment: Its powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help combat dandruff, significantly reducing flaking and scalp irritation. Scalp Health & Stimulation: It cleanses, sanitises, and unclogs pores by regulating sebum production, creating a healthy environment for hair growth. Hair Growth Promotion: Lemongrass oil strengthens hair follicles, potentially reducing hair shedding and promoting hair regrowth. Oil Balancing: It helps balance oily scalps and hair, preventing excessive grease without stripping natural moisture. Soothing Irritation: Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe an itchy, irritated, or inflamed scalp. Shine and Strength: Rich in nutrients, it strengthens hair strands, minimises breakage, and adds a natural, healthy shine. - Clary sage essential oil offers significant benefits for hair and scalp health, primarily by balancing sebum production, stimulating hair follicles, and reducing scalp inflammation. Rich in linalyl acetate, it strengthens hair strands, treats oily dandruff, and can soothe irritation, creating an improved environment for hair growth and shine. Key Benefits for Scalp and Hair: Stimulates Hair Growth: As a scalp tonic, it improves blood circulation, providing nutrients that boost hair growth. Balances Oil Production: It helps regulate sebum, making it effective for treating greasy hair and scalp. Combats Dandruff and Irritation: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe itching, inflammation, and dandruff. Strengthens and Conditions: It strengthens hair strands to reduce thinning and acts as a natural conditioner for increased shine and softness. May Prevent Premature Greying: It is believed to assist in boosting melanin production in hair follicles. - Pine needle essential oil promotes a healthy scalp and shiny, strong hair by cleansing excess oil, soothing itchiness, and supporting blood circulation. To use it, mix a few drops into your shampoo or combine with a carrier oil for a scalp massage. It is known for its antimicrobial properties that combat dandruff and build-up without disrupting the scalp's natural microbiome. Key Benefits for Hair and Scalp: Scalp Health: Its antimicrobial nature helps remove bacteria, dead skin, and excess oil. This reduces inflammation, itchiness, and conditions like dandruff. Shine and Smoothness: By keeping the scalp clean and balanced, it enhances the natural shine and smoothness of hair strands. Stimulation: Some evidence suggests it may stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can deliver more nutrients to hair follicles and support healthier growth cycles. Microbiome Support: Unlike harsh chemicals, it targets problematic bacteria while preserving beneficial flora, promoting a balanced scalp eco-system. Directions for Use; Apply as much as needed (depending on length and thickness/texture) to damp hair and leave on under a towel for up to 30 minutes befoe shampooing out. Alternatively, use as a nourishing scalp oil, and, also to renourish mid-lengths to ends of hair between washes. 97% Certified Organic Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Olive Oil), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, *Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Leaf Extract, Aqua (Water), Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), *Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Sage) Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine Needles) Leaf Oil, *Certified Organic Allergen Warning: Contains Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol and Citronellol (naturally present in essential oils). Discontinue use if irritation occurs. For external use only. Net weight (approx) 80g Batch number provided on labelling. No palm oil, SLS, animal fats, fragrance oils, or synthetic mica powders are used in our products, and our ingredients are at least 90% certified organic, plant-based, sustainable and cruelty-free. Disclaimer: Medical conditions:- If you have any health concerns, allergies, or existing medical conditions, you should consult a medical professional before using a new skincare product. Testing:- Before using a new skincare product, you should test it on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity. You can apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and observe for up to 9 hours. If you experience irritation, stop using the product and seek medical advice if necessary. Individual results:- Results may vary depending on your skin type, age, sensitivity, skincare history, and how you apply/use the product. Natural ingredients:- Even products with natural or organic ingredients can cause skin reactions in some people, especially if they contain essential oils. Please find our list of allergens associated with each soap's essential oils in the listing section under "allergen warning." Patch tests:- Some products, even soaps, recommend performing a patch test before using them all over your body. Liability:- The Dark Island Soap Co. LTD may not be responsible for any adverse consequences that result from using our products.

£7.50
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The Mysticism Corner

As Featured In

New Label
Stockists
Herringbone Gift Shop:
56, High St, Peebles EH45 8SW

Delights Gift Shop:
18, North Beach, Stornoway HS1 2XH

Ticketty Boo Gift Shop:
2, High St, Melrose TD6 9PB

Art & Vintage Cafe & Gift Shop:
3, Lyne St, Edinburgh EH7 5DN

Crossroads Pet & Garden Centre:
Millhouse, Tighnabruaich PA21 2BW

Craft on the Croft Gift Shop:
Polochaple, Culkein, Drumbeg, Lairg IV27 4NL

Saltwater Sunshine Gift Shop:
Main St, Gullane EH31 2AR

The Pier Cafe:
64 A848, Tobermory, Isle of Mull PA75 6NU

Vintage & Brown Gift Shop:
62, High St, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8LP

The Newport Bakery:
7, Cupar Road, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8AF

Wyrd & Whimsy Gift Shop:
2, Seafield St, Cullen, Buckie AB56 4SH

Stag & Heather Online Gift Shop:
www.stagandheather.co.uk

The Woodlands Cafe:
Abbey, St Bathans, Kennel House, Duns, TD11 3TX

Làmhan:
2a, Cross Street, Callander, FK17 8EA

The Boho Coffee Bothy:
Birchwood Business Park, Doune, FK16 6ER 

The Dark Island Soap Co. Meet the Standard!

Member of The Addy

Member of The Addy

Chiara sent us her Chamomile Cold Process Soap. “The packaging was a real treat for the eyes, personalised with a thank you card and dried flowers, encased in beautiful tissue paper. Chiara added an extra special touch with the addition of night time sleep teas, to compliment the soothing scent of the soap. The chamomile and patchouli infusion is wonderfully relaxing and the perfect way to wind down by lathering yourself up in an evening bath or shower.The scent is beautifully delicate, yet potent enough that it leaves a hint of the aroma on your skin after showering.The soap truly felt like a spa treatment for the skin, treating it to a product made with natural ingredients, lovingly made by The Dark Island Soap Co.We would 100% recommend this soap and products made by Chiara. She is passionate about making organic skincare for all.”

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Member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers

Member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers

A proud member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers, a peer support network for all compliant artisanal crafters in the soap and toiletry industry. When you see this sign for a business that makes soap and toiletries, you know they have been checked to comply with all UK and EU legislations regarding insurance, product safety checks (including CPSR reports), and being a valid, registered business.

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Member of The Professional Crafters Guild

Member of The Professional Crafters Guild

Since January 2024, The Dark Island Soap Co. have been a member of The Professional Crafters Guild.

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Quality & Legality

Our Assurance to You

Our Assurance to You

The Dark Island Soap Co. are a registered UK business, complying to all UK and EU legislations, holding full CPSR (toxicology) reports for all of our products, and we are fully insured. Complying with the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines, and holding full PIF (Product Information File) reports. All of our products are logged on to the Government's CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) portal for Trading Standards and market surveillance, which is a legal requirement before selling skincare products on the UK market.

Accredited Ethical Business
The Dark Island Soap Co. are proud to have recieved a score of 100% with the prestigious The Good Shopping Guide, and have been awarded the title of "Ethical Innovator."
Established 25 years ago, The Good Shopping Guide is very well established as a leading independent authority on the ethical comparisons of companies and brands.
Gold Plastic Free Business Award Winners!
We are extremely proud to announce that we have won Gold status as a Plastic Free Champion business by Surfers Against Sewage.

What does this mean? By working with Surfers Against Sewage, we have now completely eliminated the use of plastic in our business.
Since July 2023, through every order placed through our website, we have planted over 2,000 trees globally through Tree Nation.

We are proud to run a registered Net Zero website, which sees all of the traffic which passes through it off-set harmful CO2 emissions by planting more trees!
“Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.” - Indian Proverb

Global & Regional Multi-Award Winning Soaps

Diamond Distinction Awards: Distinction in Sustainability Award Winners 2026
05Feb

Diamond Distinction Awards: Distinction in Sustainability Award Winners 2026

  •  02/05/2026 07:57 PM

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SME Awards: Scottish Enterprise Awards 2025, Best Plant-Based Skincare Company 2025 Winners
13Oct

SME Awards: Scottish Enterprise Awards 2025, Best Plant-Based Skincare Company 2025 Winners

  •  10/13/2025 11:15 AM

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Business Awards UK: Best Vegan Skincare or Cosmetic Product 2025 Winners
02Oct

Business Awards UK: Best Vegan Skincare or Cosmetic Product 2025 Winners

  •  10/02/2025 09:30 AM

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SME Awards: Sustainable Skincare Business Founder of the Year 2025 (Scotland): Chiara MacLellan
11Aug

SME Awards: Sustainable Skincare Business Founder of the Year 2025 (Scotland): Chiara MacLellan

  •  08/11/2025 11:11 PM

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Business Awards UK: Makers Award-Best for Sustainability 2025 Winners
03Jul

Business Awards UK: Makers Award-Best for Sustainability 2025 Winners

  •  07/03/2025 04:21 PM

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Global Recognition Award Winners 2025
05May

Global Recognition Award Winners 2025

  •  05/05/2025 11:30 PM

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Platinum Beauty Awards: Star Award Winners, 2025
02May

Platinum Beauty Awards: Star Award Winners, 2025

  •  05/02/2025 03:00 PM

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Platinum Beauty Awards: Creative Winners, Spring 2025
30Apr

Platinum Beauty Awards: Creative Winners, Spring 2025

  •  04/30/2025 02:40 PM

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SME 2025 Business Elite Award Winners: Best Sustainable Luxury Soap Business 2025-Scotland
29Apr

SME 2025 Business Elite Award Winners: Best Sustainable Luxury Soap Business 2025-Scotland

  •  04/29/2025 09:00 AM

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E2 Media: Award of Excellence 2025 for Artisan Soaps & Eco-Friendly Bathing Accessories 2025
14Apr

E2 Media: Award of Excellence 2025 for Artisan Soaps & Eco-Friendly Bathing Accessories 2025

  •  04/14/2025 12:00 PM

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LUXlife: Most Sustainable Luxury Soap Business Award Winners 2025 - Scotland & LUXlife: Customer Service Excellence Award Winners 2025
10Mar

LUXlife: Most Sustainable Luxury Soap Business Award Winners 2025 - Scotland & LUXlife: Customer Service Excellence Award Winners 2025

  •  03/10/2025 01:00 PM

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365 Award Winners: Ethical Business of the Year 2025
01Mar

365 Award Winners: Ethical Business of the Year 2025

  •  03/01/2025 05:00 PM

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About the Creator

Chiara MacLellan

Owner & Sole Creator of The Dark Island Soap Co. Holistic Herbalist and Reiki Master

About the creator and owner of The Dark Island Soap Co. Chiara, an Edinburgh native who now resides in the beautiful Stirlingshire countryside with her young family, has been a full-time, self-taught soap maker since the Winter of 2022, where she also studied for and completed a business diploma in soap making—learning about the importance of creating cold process soap safely. Along with being a traditional soap maker, Chiara now creates beautifully effective, award-winning skincare, wildcrafted by nature and healing hands! As an avid herbologist, Chiara understands and appreciates the wonderfully healing power of nature, and, just like the seasons, everything takes its time. Small batch made, ensuring every product is not sitting on shelves for longer than necessary. Mostly all of the ingredients in her soaps, skin and haircare are locally foraged and sourced—better for you and the environment. In the autumn of 2022, after the loss of her father, Chiara studied Usui Shiki Rhoyo Reiki and is now a respected Reiki Master Healer, with a Shamanic Energy Healing and Crystal Healing diploma under her belt. A natural born healer and dream seer, Reiki has further deepened her path into spiritualism and mysticism, something that she is honoured to share through The Dark Island Soap Co.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

A Tree Planted for Every Order!

For every order that passes through our website, we plant a tree somewhere on the globe. For wholesale orders, we plant 10 trees! Striving to do more for the planet as a business.

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Proudly a Net Zero Website

Being a net zero website means that for all the traffic that passes through our website, more trees are planted throughout the globe with Tree Nation, off-setting the carbon emissions made.

Reduce~Reuse~Recycle

At The Dark Island Soap Co. we prioritise reusing and recycling. We use packaging that arrives from stock orders to break down and use as protective padding for your orders, and to also use as secondary "safety boxes" to house your main order boxes in. If we ever receive plastic, you may see it in with your order (as bubble wrap to take an example), as we would rather reuse this harmful material (hoping that you will, too!) than just discard it straight to a landfill.

Plastic Free Communities; Surfers Against Sewage

The Dark Island Soap Co. are proud members of the Plastic Free Communities; Surfers Against Sewage, showing our dedication to being a plastic free and eco-friendly business.

Non-Profit

Supporting Charities in the Western Isles

The Dark Island Soap Co. are proud to support charities in Uist, where often they are overlooked being so remote. So far, they have donated their products in Uist to Parkinson's Disease, Mental Health Awareness, and for Carers on South Uist who do a wonderful and selfless job every day. If you are a registered charity in Uist, please get in touch! At info@thedarkislandsoapco.com

Strùan Tea for Parkinson's

Fundraising in Uist to support the work of Parkinson's UK in Scotland.

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The Beacon: Supporting Mental Health in Uist

The Beacon is a mental health support group which is working towards becoming a non-profit charity. It is run by a team of local volunteers who have lived experiences of mental health.

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Western Isles Community Care Forum

Western Isles Community Care Forum SCIO (SC023918), established in 1992 as a forum which represent the interests of carers and users of voluntary care services throughout the Western Isles.

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Contact

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  • Registered Office Address: The Dark Island Soap Co. LTD, Suite 2/3 Clyde Offices, 2nd Floor, 48 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1BP
  • Company Registration No. SC756943

Disclaimer: The information is provided by The Dark Island Soap Co. LTD. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct. We make no medical claims, representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, of the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability.