How does Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap work? Every part of a poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac plant contains a sticky, irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol is absorbed quickly into the skin. When it penetrates, it triggers a severe allergic reaction. You can be exposed directly, or simply by touching things – tools, clothing, camping equipment, and even the fur of your pet – that have touched one of the poison plants. Fortunately, there is a plant, known as mugwort, which is a natural antidote to poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac. Mugwort, the active ingredient in our soap, binds chemically to the urushiol, allowing you to literally wash it off your skin.

What else is in the soap? Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap is a proprietary blend of all natural ingredients, made with vegetable glycerin, essential oils, and organic mugwort, and comes packaged in its own recyclable case – the perfect item for your backpack, glove box, or first aid kit.

Are there any chemicals in your soap? There are absolutely no chemicals, dyes, perfumes, or sulfites in Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap. Of course, as with any other soap, our product is for external use only, and should not be ingested.

Do I just use it on the affected area? Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap is safe and gentle to use all over the body, on both affected and unaffected areas.

When should I use Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap? Think of o ur soap as your first line of defense. First, be sure to use our soap whenever you believe you have been in contact with poison oak, poison ivy, or sumac. Use the bar to lather up your skin, then rinse. The sooner you do, the less likely you are to develop a rash. Second, if you're already suffering from rash and itching, wash with our soap. You'll notice that even the texture, with its bits of mugwort in the creamy base, feels good and soothing. The itching will subside and the rash will diminish and keep from spreading. Third, for the most thorough prevention, we recommend that after working or playing outdoors you use the soap when you shower or bathe. If you were inadvertently exposed to poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac, you'll smash the rash before it can attack.

Can I use the soap before working or playing outdoors, as a preventative? Strictly speaking, no. The soap washes away the effects of exposure. That's why we recommend keeping a bar of Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap in your first aid kit, glove box or backpack, as well as at home, to use after any possible exposure.

How long does it take to get relief if I already have a rash? Though each individual reacts differently, Paradise Road Poison Oak & Ivy Soap will give relief to the itching at most levels. It will also help you keep the rash from spreading, especially in the earliest stages. However, because the effects of poison oak can worsen and become systemic, we encourage you to also seek medical attention.

If I have a rash, how often should I use the soap? As often as necessary to relieve your symptoms. It's a gentle, all natural, organic product. There are no chemicals to harm your skin.