Why Vegetable Glycerin Soap Benefits Sensitive Skin

By Kerri Stout


To capture a significant portion of the personal-care products market, manufacturers must be sensitive to consumer trends and preferences. Buying patterns today are noticeably shifting as more people consciously avoid products containing harsh chemical additives that damage sensitive skin. Vegetable glycerin soap provides an alternative to cleansing formulas that may cause dryness, redness, or local irritation.

Glycerin has been used for well over a century. Hospitals rely on it to help burn victims heal more rapidly, and to make suppository use less unpleasant. It has long been a primary component in lotions, shampoos, and many other products. Derived from soybeans, coconut trees and oil palms, it is primarily a mix of fatty acids resembling a clear liquid like corn syrup. It tastes sweet, and is important in some aspects of food manufacturing.

In the world of cosmetics, it is known as a humectant, or substance that attracts and sustains moisture on the outer epidermis. This moisturizing characteristic can be especially desirable for promoting facial-care products, with an emphasis on those ingredients that actually prevent dryness. While some skin cleansers contain humectants derived synthetically, cleansers containing vegetable glycerol are considered more natural, and use fewer additives.

When the external layer of the epidermis is moist and supple, it not only looks better, but also benefits from extended cell life through strengthened outer membranes. Many commercial face soaps actually accomplish the opposite, mainly because they closely resemble detergent, and are made from petroleum-based formulas. A few contain small quantities of lye, requiring added lotions to counteract the resulting dryness.

In its unadulterated form, the substance is considered to be hypoallergenic. The pervasiveness of environmental chemical toxins makes life complicated for people who live with skin allergies, and the same is true for those who suffer from eczema or psoriasis. Part of the daily routine is avoiding common chemicals that can trigger a flareup, including soap. Alcohol-based hand-cleaners are popular, but can be harsh.

Even though glycerin products contain fewer hazards, they are not all fragrance-free, and even small amounts can generate reactions in some individuals. Individual skin sensitivities are unique, and finding the brand that is most comfortable for personal use may require testing several products. While higher glycerol content does not necessarily mean better cleansing, it usually means fewer reactions.

Because they contain fewer chemical stabilizers than many bar soaps, vegetable-based products tend to melt away more quickly. Users should avoid long-term storage in spaces that are normally hot, and should make sure the soap dish has sufficient drainage. Lengthy air exposure can also lead to rapid evaporation. Most natural glycerin products do not lather as conspicuously as other soaps, primarily due to their chemical nature.

An increasing number of people have started making their own product at home. The process is detailed on the Internet, listing necessary molds, materials, and even the hazards that should be avoided. People who prefer buying the finished product can opt for either liquid dispenser form or traditional bars, and some are even vegan-certified. Smooth, well-hydrated skin not only looks good, but makes people feel better about themselves.




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