Stephenson

Overview

Stephenson Personal Care is a manufacturer of speciality soap bases, syndets, and naturally derived esters for cosmetic, skincare, and hair care applications. Based in Leeds, UK, the company supplies organic and non-organic extruded, melt and pour, and liquid soap bases worldwide, with a focus on waterless, plastic-free, and concentrated products for brands, manufacturers, and formulators.¹²³

History

Founded in 1856 in Bradford, England, by Stephenson Bros as a manufacturer of soap-based agents for wool processing and furniture wax products. In the 1960s, it diversified into new chemistries due to changes in the wool market. By the late 1990s, it introduced personal care products, particularly vegetable soap bases, and now focuses exclusively on the personal care sector.²³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured at a dedicated facility in Horsforth, West Yorkshire, UK, where R&D, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution are managed in-house for quality control.²³

Notable Products

• Stephenson Melt and Pour Soap Bases - Versatile bases used by crafters for custom soap bars worldwide.
• Vegetable Soap Bases - Plant-derived bases introduced in the late 1990s for personal care.
• Cold Process Emulsifiers - New chemistries enabling emulsification without heat.
• Syndet Bases - Mild, soap-free bases for skincare applications.
• Organic Soap Bases - Certified organic options for natural product formulations.

Reputation

Recognized among formulators and crafters for reliable soap bases and innovation in sustainable, waterless formulations. Professionals value its technical expertise and global supply chain, though some note higher costs compared to generic alternatives. Maintains a strong reputation for quality control from its UK facility.¹²³