Photography: Sent in By Owner Johnathan
Micropothecary’s story begins in 2019, when its founder was stationed at a naval airbase in California. Back home in the Southeast, his family sent a Christmas gift filled with all‑natural bath items, deodorant, a few essentials, and one life‑changing bar of cold‑process soap. At the time, he didn’t know what cold process meant or why natural ingredients mattered. All he knew was that this bar of soap felt like heaven compared to the bargain‑bin body washes he had been using.
When the bar was gone, he searched online for more, only to find that similar soaps were selling for $11, and that was pre‑COVID. Many alternatives were either overly decorative “soap sculptures” or lacked the ingredient transparency he appreciated in that first bar. With limited options, he decided to make his own.
Perfecting the process took months, and dialing in recipes took years. California’s natural parks and public lands played a major role in shaping his philosophy. Spending time outdoors teaches you quickly that you can “litter” in water systems just as easily as on the forest floor. Synthetic ingredients don’t break down without water treatment, so he set out to create a soap that was biodegradable. Using simple, food‑grade ingredients eliminated non‑biodegradable components, and produced a superior bar.
He used his soaps while adventuring across central and southern California and even took them aboard the USS Carl Vinson during deployment. For the first time, he no longer worried about how his personal hygiene choices affected the world around him. When he returned to Alabama in 2022, friends and neighbors constantly asked to buy his soap. By 2024, Micropothecary was officially born.
Soap making is a long‑form craft. A batch made today won’t be fully cured for 3–4 weeks, so refining recipes requires patience. Over the years, he experimented with countless base ingredients before settling on a proprietary blend of olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, simple, natural, effective, and completely vegan.
Micropothecary’s earliest customers were fellow service members on the Navy base. Soap became a form of trade, bars exchanged for pet‑sitting or favors during training. When he moved to Alabama, he gifted soap to friends and family, who quickly became hooked on all‑natural bars. Requests for new varieties and custom batches soon followed.
Although Micropothecary officially started in his kitchen, the idea began in a large lecture hall at Auburn University. During an undergrad class, the name struck him like lightning: Micropothecary. He finally had a name for his growing operation. Soon after, he began sketching brand imagery, and weeks later, a letter and a check to the Secretary of State made the business real.
The mission behind Micropothecary is rooted in lived experience. When he was 21, a cousin was involved in a class‑action lawsuit against a major manufacturer of body wash and shampoo after suffering chemical burns to her scalp. The injuries left her partially bald for months, devastating for a 17‑year‑old girl. That moment sparked his skepticism of mass‑market products and pushed him to pay attention to ingredient lists. Most body washes contain 18 or more ingredients, many of which are impossible to pronounce and completely unnecessary. These formulas may be “perfect” for corporate bottom lines, but not for the people using them.
By keeping Micropothecary products simple and natural, he ensures they remain safe, responsible, and high‑value for customers.
The Core Values Behind Every Bar
Transparency, Integrity, and Community.
Transparency — Simple ingredients mean nothing to hide.
Integrity — Do it right the first time. No shortcuts. Never disappoint yourself or your customers.
Community — You never know who will use your product, so make it with care for everyone.
He does everything possible to create quality products and never shies away from interacting with conscious consumers. Years of learning the craft and developing recipes make it easy to respond openly and honestly to customers with specific needs or high standards. To date, Micropothecary has never received a negative review, online or in person.
And at the heart of it all, he remains Micropothecary’s number‑one fan. He dreams big. He wants everyone in the USA to have the opportunity to try his soap. It may sound ambitious, but he truly believes in the product. In a perfect world, Micropothecary would lead a movement toward simple, natural living and a return to supporting local businesses making quality goods right here in America.
Micropothecary is a brand that brings hygiene back to its roots simple, honest, and made with intention. Their products focus on natural ingredients and straightforward formulas, offering a refreshing alternative to the overly complicated options on store shelves. Everything they create reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and conscious consumerism, making them an appealing choice for anyone who values clean, sustainable living.
What stands out most is their dedication to transparency. Micropothecary keeps their ingredient lists clear and their process grounded in real craftsmanship. Their soaps and hygiene essentials are made with care, designed for people who want effective products without unnecessary chemicals or fillers. Outdoor enthusiasts and eco‑minded shoppers will especially appreciate the brand’s focus on sustainability and simplicity.
Micropothecary isn’t just selling soap, they’re offering a return to basics, where quality, honesty, and environmental respect come first. For those seeking products that align with a more intentional lifestyle, this brand delivers exactly that.