Glycerin is a key ingredient in many soaps, but what is glycerin and what are the benefits of using glycerin soap?

photo courtesy of foxiq

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is actually a by-product of the industrial soap making process. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that is very thick at room temperature with a sweet taste. It has a high boiling point and it can be frozen to a paste-like substance. The industrial process of making soap involves reacting a fat or oil, such as olive oil, with lye. During this process, glycerin is produced, which is often removed to add to lotions and creams. Most handmade soaps differ from industrial as the glycerin is not removed, and in some instances further glycerin is actually added.

Why Add Glycerin to Soap?

Glycerin is known as a humectant, which means that it attracts water. It is said to be hygroscopic as it can absorb water directly from the air. Pure glycerin will remove water not only from the air, but from anything it is placed on. Should you place pure glycerin on your skin, it would actually dry out the area since was removing the water.

When glycerin is diluted with water and other products, it has the opposite effect on skin. Instead of drying out the skin, it acts as a moisturizer. It is unclear whether the additional moisturizing results from the fact that glycerin attracts water to your skin or it is due to some other unknown property of glycerin. Either way, the result is that glycerin is highly moisturizing, which is why many companies remove it from their soaps and add it to their higher priced lotions and creams.

So, the key benefit to using soaps that contain glycerin is that they will cause your skin to be softer and smoother, and even improve its appearance. Also, glycerin soaps are an excellent choice for those with sensitive or delicate skin as they dissolve a lot easier and are not as hard on skin as other soaps can be.

While many of us pay close attention to what we put in our bodies, we are not as vigilent about what we are using on it. Our skin is the biggest organ of our body, and although it provides a protective barrier to the outside environment, what we use on our skin can both damage it and also be absorbed into our systems.

Say NO to petroleum based soap

Many soaps are petroleum based, which can clog the pores in your skin. Coupled with the many chemicals added to the soap for color and fragrance, the natural moisture of your skin can be depleted. As the moisture is removed, the ability of your skin to renew itself decreases, which in turn can lead to further skin damage and premature aging. This doesn’t just apply to the skin of your face, but to that of your whole body.

Choose Glycerin soap

With all natural soaps, you know exactly what is being used to create the soap. Instead of a petroleum base, nourishing oils or glycerin make soaps moisturising and help your skin renew and replenish itself. Glycerin is actually a by-product of the soap making process, yet many producers actually remove it to use in their creams and lotions. By using glycerin to make soap, moisture will be attracted to and trapped in your skin, making it look smoother and healthier and feeling softer to the touch.

Oils

The addition of natural oils can have many benefits, besides just providing an attractive fragrance. Oils from nuts such as almonds and shea are excellent for dry and sensitive skin, as they soften and protect the skin. Eucalyptus and tea tree oil have many medicinal benefits including being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic. These types of oil are great for problem skin types. Lavender can actually calm the nervous system and help with insomnia. All of these examples are naturally occurring and can easily be used to create soap, instead of using a chemical alternative.

So, before you go out and buy your next bar of soap … isn’t it worth considering purchasing an all natural one instead? Your whole body will thank you for it.