Our Ingredient Philosophy

At  BARE by Karma, we believe skincare should be both natural AND effective. We're not "clean" for the sake of being clean, we're intentional. Every ingredient we use serves a purpose for your skin.

What that means:

  • No fillers or unnecessary additives
  • Botanicals with proven benefits
  • Formulated for specific skin types, not one-size-fits-all
  • Transparent about what's in our products and why

Full ingredient lists are available on each product page and on packaging.

What Goes Into BARE by Karma Products?

Nourishing Bases

Every BARE by Karma product starts with a rich, skin-nourishing foundation.

These create our creamy, gentle lather while delivering vitamins and moisture. Unlike harsh detergents, our bases are formulated to cleanse without stripping your skin's natural oils.

Botanical Actives

We use plant-based ingredients with real skin benefits, not just pretty names.

These botanicals soothe inflammation, calm redness, brighten skin, and support healing. Many (like colloidal oatmeal) are FDA-approved skin protectants with clinical backing.

Why botanicals matter: They work with your skin's natural processes instead of against them.

Clays & Purifiers

Gentle detoxification without harshness.

Clays draw out impurities, absorb excess oil, and gently purify pores. We choose clays based on skin type, gentler clays for sensitive skin, stronger ones for oily/acne-prone.

The difference: Our clays detoxify without leaving your skin tight or stripped.

Nourishing Oils

Plant-based oils that hydrate, balance, and protect.

Each oil is chosen for specific skin benefits: brightening, anti-aging, balancing oil production, or deep moisture. Many are rich in vitamins A, C, and E.

Why we use multiple oils: Different skin types need different oil blends. We tailor each formula.

Natural Exfoliants

Physical and enzymatic exfoliation that's gentle enough for daily use.

These buff away dead skin cells without micro-tearing. The result: smooth, glowing skin without irritation.

Humectants & Hydrators

Ingredients that draw moisture to your skin and keep it there.

These natural humectants pull moisture from the air into your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated long after you've rinsed.

Essential Oils & Fragrance

We use only steam-distilled, non-phototoxic essential oils safe for facial use.

Essential oils provide natural scent AND skin benefits like calming, balancing, clarifying, or brightening. We never use synthetic fragrances.

Safety note: We specifically use steam-distilled (not cold-pressed) because it's non-phototoxic and safe for sun exposure.

What You WON'T Find in BARE Products

❌ Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
 ❌ Parabens
 ❌ Synthetic fragrances or dyes
 ❌ Phthalates

❌ Formaldehyde
❌ Mineral oil or petroleum
❌ Artificial preservatives

About pH

Like all natural soap-based bars,  BARE by Karma products have a pH of 9-10. This is higher than your skin's natural pH (~5.5) but is standard for bar cleansers and necessary for the saponification process.

Why this is safe: Your skin's acid mantle naturally restores itself within 30-60 minutes after cleansing. We formulate with gentle, nourishing ingredients to minimize any disruption, and following with moisturizer supports your skin's pH balance.

For very sensitive or compromised skin: You may prefer liquid cleansers formulated at lower pH. We're happy to discuss whether BARE by Karma is right for your skin, reach out at BAREbyKarma@gmail.com or @barebykarma on instagram or facebook.

How We Formulate

Every BARE bar is created for a specific skin type and concern. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all skincare.

Our approach:

  • Research ingredients with proven benefits
  • Combine them thoughtfully for synergy
  • Test on real skin (including our own)
  • Refine until it's perfect
  • Document everything for consistency

The result: Bars that actually work for your skin type, not just smell nice.

Ingredient Quality

We source from trusted suppliers who prioritize quality. While we're not certified organic, we use organic and natural botanicals and essential oils whenever possible.

Our standards:

  • Quality over quantity
  • Cruelty-free (never tested on animals)
  • Sustainable practices when available
  • Traceable sourcing

All BARE products are handcrafted in small batches in Texas.

Want More Details?

Full ingredient lists are available on every product page and printed on packaging.

Have specific ingredient questions? We're here to help.

  • Email: BAREbyKarma@gmail.com
  • Instagram/facebook: @barebykarma