Atlantic Beach Soap Co. Moves to Downtown Cranford

As you enter Atlantic Beach Soap Co. in downtown Cranford, a wonderful smell hits you as blocks of colorful soaps surround you. The shop specializes in handmade soaps made of natural ingredients, as well as other bath and body products.

Some of the store’s bestselling bars are Honey Almond, Oatmeal Milk & Honey and Lavender Sage, but plenty more scents line the counters and shelves.

The store just opened at 105 N. Union Ave. this April, but a grand opening was held last week. Atlantic Beach Soap Company originated in Kenilworth a little over a year ago, but owner Shaun Vanclief said Cranford is very welcoming of his move.

“The community embraces business,” he expressed.

When Vanclief was in the market for a location in Cranford, he said he pulled up to 105 N. Union Avenue on a snowy day and when he still saw people out on the street he knew it was the perfect spot.

Prior to his entrance into the soap business, Vanclief was a chef for over 30 years. Why the move? Vanclief says making soap is not much different than food in terms of composition.

“If it should not go into your body, it should not go on your body,” he says. However, he joked he definitely isn’t advising anyone to eat his soaps.

Vanclief uses only food grade olive oil in his soaps and most are vegan except those that include goat’s mike, honey or yogurt. He even sells kosher lotions in a variety of scents.

The company’s motto is, “Only the finest natural ingredients.”

Vanclief created each of his over 170 formulas on his own and is a Level 1 Green merchant. Any product that he sells in his store has to be as good or better than his own, he said.

Atlantic Beach offers soaps for both the face and body, including feet! As well as lotions, bath fizzies, shaving soaps, candles and even small knick-knacks. All of the products are aimed to be affordable, Vanclief said.

Soaps are three for $15 or $5.49 each. Each soap should last about 2 to 3 weeks, he says. Adding that you can bring them home, place them in a basket in your linen closet and even if you do not use them right away, they will still be good.

“They may appear to dry out or lose fragrance, but once the water hits it, it brings it right back,” Vanclief said.

Vanclief also packages all of the products himself. He can also work with customers on custom wrapping to create favors or gift baskets for any type of event, such as baby showers, bridal parties, etc.

He is now in the process of working on hosting a Cranford ‘Girls Night Out’ along with other local businesses on the outdoor patio space behind the shop (see photos).

For more on Atlantic Beach Soap Company visit the business’ Facebook page or visit the store at 105 N. Union Avenue.