Glycerin

Glycerin is a naturally occurring byproduct of the soapmaking process.

What it does in soap
It attracts water and contributes to the way soap feels during and after use.

What it feels like on skin
Soaps that retain their natural glycerin tend to feel smoother and less drying. It contributes to slip and a soft skin feel without leaving residue.

Why it’s present
During saponification, fats and oils are converted into soap and glycerin at the same time. In handmade soap, this glycerin is typically left in the bar. In many commercial soaps, glycerin is removed for use in other products.

Leaving glycerin in the soap is one reason handmade soap often feels different from mass-produced bars.

Common questions

• Is glycerin added to handmade soap? No. It is created naturally during saponification.

• Is glycerin a moisturizer? Glycerin is a humectant—it attracts moisture—but soap itself does not add moisture to the skin.

• Is glycerin plant-based? Glycerin in handmade soap comes from the oils and fats used to make the soap.

• Why do some soaps “sweat”? Glycerin attracts moisture from the air, which can cause glycerin-rich soaps to form beads of water in humid conditions.