Meet Nude Soap: Artisans of The Old Mushroom Farm

From the Central Walkway, follow the dreamy scents of sandalwood and lavender to Nude—the artisanal soap and skincare studio crafting all-natural, handmade products right here in Tunnel 3 at The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick (click for directions).

Founded in 2015 by Karin McGee, a KZN Midlands local, Nude partially came into being as a means to ward off ‘empty nest syndrome’ when her kids left home. Paired with Karin’s passion for soap making and aromatherapy, Nude has grown into a thriving business. Nude started at The Old Mushroom Farm in a modest half-tunnel and has since expanded to a full tunnel space, with a beautiful front-of-house shop and an active production studio behind the counter.

At Nude, the the golden rule is using all natural ingredients, and their products contain Nothing yoU Don't Eat (NUDE). Karin is fascinated with healing through nature, and draws inspiration from the pages of her well-thumbed copy of The Fragrant Pharmacy—her “witches' bible”—which has guided her soapmaking journey from the start. The Nude studio is often filled with freshly harvested herbs, like Leonotis, hanging to dry in the sunlight.

The Nude range includes creamy bar soaps, gentle liquid face washes, toners, nourishing oils, men’s shaving balms, and products specifically made for sensitive skin. Everything is formulated with care, respect for skin health, and with consideration for the environment.

We love the way Nude is thinking about their packaging. Nude has committed to reducing its single-use plastics, and all their classic soap bars are wrapped in reusable cloth bags or biodegradable paper. Take notes from Nude for your sustainability journey.

Nude is open daily from 9am-4pm, (closed on Tuesdays). If you're coming for something specific, it is best to check with the retailer directly to avoid disappointment- we're all human and sometimes life happens to small business owners too.

Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gifts, on a healthy skincare journey, or simply curious about small-batch beauty, pay a visit to Tunnel 3 and say hello to Karin. She’s always happy to chat about soap, scent, and natural remedies.