Our History

Sopothecary (So-pa-theh-kair-ee) was founded in Y2K, originally under the name of Sonsa Rae Skincare. As a licensed Aesthetician working behind the chair for 15 years, she started reacting to her commercial skincare products — she didn't know why. Her eyes would water, nose run, throat constrict, and head pound. Eventually, she realized that artificial fragrance was the culprit.

Sonsa started working with the skin in 1972, was introduced to essential oils in the mid-70s, and obtained her license in 1984. She has been licensed in California, Hawaii, Arizona, and North Carolina. In 1999, she started making her own products using olive oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, rosewater, and essential oils — launching her product line to the general public in 2008.

Over time she developed a full line of face and body care products, cold process soap, and all-natural perfume, adding additional products as the years went by. Today, she makes 80+ blends of soap plus 20+ products that are made to order and can be customized to meet special needs.

Her husband, Jim, is the official guinea pig and product tester. All products are for external use only. Some smell good enough to eat — but do not ingest them. Always do a patch test first. If you are pregnant, some essential oils are best avoided. Sonsa can discuss this with you before ordering.