Boston - December 21, 2005

Natural Selection

Plum Island Soap Company

You’re not into silicone boobs, teased hair, or acrylic nails. (Right?)

So why use all kinds of icky chemicals to get your body clean, smooth, and silky soft?

Stop the insanity already. The beauty loot made and sold at Plum Island Soap Company is conjured up from such all-natural treats as flowers, herbs, essential oils, clay, sea kelp, rose hips, and citrus extracts. There are soaps (of course), shower gels, body oils, foot scrubs, soothing soaks, and body butters.

The products come in a slew of fresh, addictive scents — from peppermint and wild lavender to orange-ginger and lemon-lime. And if you’d rather smell like nothing but yourself, there are several naked (i.e., unscented) products, too.

Either way, you’ll be forgiven for wanting to buy the entire line.

With products this good for you, it’s only natural.

Plum Island Soap Company, 205 Northern Boulevard, Newburyport (978-465-0238 ). Available in Boston at Parlor, 1248 Washington Street, South End (617-521-9005).