If your soap is translucent and amber or yellowish in color, it’s glycerin bar soap. There are numerous glycerin soaps on the market today, and you may be interested to know that it is the oldest kind of commercial soap sold today; the first glycerin bar soap was manufactured and sold before the American Civil War in 1857.
There is mass-produced glycerin bar soap, then there is handmade glycerin soap. Many people prefer the latter, even if it is a bit more expensive. Like them, you’ll probably come to the conclusion that homemade glycerin is worth the few cents extra.
This all-natural product is made in several places around the country, including Hawaii. There, soaps are made with healthful tropical oils such as coconut and palm, and include many exotic scents derived from local fruits (mango, passion fruit and pineapple) as well as flowers (local orchids and jasmine). Although not generally available outside the U.S., this product is still able to be shipped to the other 49 states as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Guam.
How Natural Glycerin Is Made
As the name suggests, glycerin contain glycerin – which is a natural byproduct that occurs when fat from an animal or vegetable source is refined. Glycerin is what gives fat its “oily” feel, and is an excellent remedy for dry, flaky skin. Natural glycerin can be a very effective moisturizer, unlike many commercial soaps that do not contain glycerin and can actually cause skin to dry out.
The Benefits of Handmade Glycerin Soap
While most kinds of commercial glycerin soap make excellent moisturizers and confer all the benefits of that substance, they tend to have an unpleasant medicinal smell. Homemade glycerin soap on the other hand can contain various botanical extracts that can add floral, fruity or herbal overtones, making it a real treat for the senses.
Glycerin soaps are not only good for dry skin; they can also be therapeutic for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other skin rashes. Glycerin may provide some relief from the burning itch associated with these conditions. Men and women alike find that glycerin soaps also furnish excellent protection when shaving.