A Local Craft Inspired by Legends: Old Norse Soap Company

February 17, 2026

There’s something timeless about a bar of handcrafted soap—simple, purposeful, and quietly powerful. At Old Norse Soap Company, that sense of intention runs deep, woven together with history, creativity, and a genuine love for making something better with your own two hands. 

Old Norse Soap Company officially came to life in March of 2015, but its beginnings were far more humble. What started as a personal mission quickly became something much bigger. One morning in September of 2014, the company’s founder woke up with a clear goal in mind: to create soap for their family that didn’t rely on harsh or unnecessary chemicals. With no grand plan for a business, just curiosity and determination, they began experimenting. There were plenty of missteps along the way, but eventually, a recipe emerged that felt right. Friends and family tried it, loved it, and encouraged them to take a leap. That encouragement was the spark that turned a personal project into Old Norse Soap Company. 

From the beginning, creativity and playfulness have been at the heart of the brand. The Viking and Norse inspiration isn’t just a marketing angle—it’s something the maker genuinely loves. Drawing from gods, goddesses, legends, and ancient language, each soap name feels like a small nod to history. It’s meant to be fun, a little educational, and memorable. As they like to say, it’s kind of a history lesson while you get clean. 

That storytelling carries through every bar. Each batch is intentionally unique, both in scent and in ingredients. One example is Moon’s Day, a soap inspired by the Norse translation of Monday. Seen as either a fresh start or a day that requires an extra boost, Moon’s Day is scented with peppermint essential oil, designed to wake you up and help you step into the week feeling refreshed. That blend of meaning and function is a hallmark of Old Norse Soap Company. 

The soap-making process itself is hands-on and methodical, often compared to baking. Oils are melted together while lye water is prepared separately, both mixtures carefully cooled before being combined at just the right temperature. Scents, colors, and herbs are added in the final moments before the soap is poured into molds. After two days, the bars are sliced and then left to cure on shelves for six weeks. Only after that patient process are they labeled and ready for their new homes. 

Ingredient quality has always been a priority. Herbs, essential oils, and nutrient-rich oils are chosen not just for how they smell, but for how they make skin feel. The goal is a soap that leaves you feeling truly clean without stripping moisture away—something you can feel confident using every day. 

Among the many scents Old Norse Soap Company offers, Norseman holds a special place. It was the very first scent created and remains one of the most popular. With its woodsy citrus profile, it’s now available as a soap, beard oil, and beard balm, and it’s notoriously difficult to keep in stock. It’s a scent that captures the spirit of the brand—bold, approachable, and rooted in nature. 

That respect for nature extends beyond the bars themselves. Sustainability plays a meaningful role in day-to-day decisions. Soap is labeled with paper instead of plastic whenever possible, and ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers known for ethical practices. Finding those suppliers often requires extra research, but it’s a step the maker believes is worth taking. 

Ancient traditions continue to influence the creative process in unexpected ways. Attention is paid to solstices and moon phases, and recently, a Harvest Moon soap was introduced using infused moon water collected during the full Harvest Moon. It was a new experiment—one that opened the door to even more full-moon-inspired creations in the future. 

For customers, the experience is meant to be simple and grounding. The hope is that with each use, stress from the day washes away along with everything else. Over time, Old Norse Soap Company has grown into more than just a soap brand. It’s become a lifestyle, a creative outlet, and a connection point within the local artisan community. Events and markets have even offered opportunities to dress up as a Viking while selling soap—moments that perfectly capture the fun and personality behind the brand. 

The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. People are drawn in by the Norse and Viking theme, intrigued by the story, and then won over by the quality of the product itself. Of course, not every scent is for everyone—a lesson learned early on. Everyone has their own preferences, and soap-making has reinforced the truth that you can’t please everyone. What you can do is stay true to your craft. 

Since launching, Old Norse Soap Company has grown steadily and proudly. The brand now has products in 11 stores across four counties in the Eastern Panhandle, with plans continuing to expand. A recent addition at Halltown Pool in Ranson, West Virginia, allows space for the full range of products and opens the door to an exciting future goal: bringing in and supporting more local artisans as well. 

When it comes to personal favorites, pine tar soap tops the list. With no added colors or fragrance—just pure pine tar—it’s known for leaving skin incredibly clean. Its scent is strong and unusual, often earning a skeptical sniff from customers, but for its creator, it’s unmatched. 

At the heart of Old Norse Soap Company is the simple joy of creating something by hand and sharing it with others. Knowing that someone chooses these products for their home or as a gift never gets old. What began as an unexpected experiment has turned into a meaningful journey—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the people who support it along the way.