Glycerin Soap: What’s the Difference Between Bar Soap With and Without Glycerin?
The purpose of all soap is to remove dirt and oil, and most do an excellent job of this. Some soaps contain glycerin. Others do not. Let's take a look at the differences between the two options.
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a naturally occurring substance that is inherent in the soapmaking process. It works as a humectant that attracts and holds moisture to help keep the skin supple and moisturized. In fact, when you purchase a bar of soap with glycerin, it may look as though it is sweating. This is because of its humectant qualities. Humectants help retain moisture in the skin by drawing in moisture from the atmosphere. The sweating appearance of the soap means that it is drawing atmospheric moisture toward itself, but because it is not like human skin, it cannot absorb the moisture, so instead, it forms water droplets.
Oftentimes, other bar soap brands will remove the naturally occurring glycerin to extend the shelf-life and expedite the curing process; however, using a bar soap that does not contain glycerin can result in skin that feels drawn and dry after bathing.
Bar Soap With Glycerin vs Without
The purpose of using soap of any kind is to remove oil, dirt, and other impurities from the skin. Both soap with or without glycerin will accomplish this.
Commercial bar soaps tend to be processed to remove glycerin from the formula. This shortens the curing process and may give the soap a longer shelf-life, even though soap containing glycerin has a shelf-life of at least 12 months depending on the types of oils used. They may also remove this highly prized by-product for use in other skin care products.
When bar soap's glycerin content is removed, the soap tends to react more harshly to the skin; leading to dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
Bar soap stripped of its naturally occurring glycerin may contribute negatively towards:
- Sensitive skin
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
Skin Benefits of Glycerin in your Bar Soap
Abby Rose Soothe-X Soap is a bar soap that retains its natural glycerin and is void of any fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients that may exacerbate dryness. It is 100% vegan and contains plant-based oils and butters that naturally soothe the skin and make it feel softer and more supple.
The soap has been clinically tested and is accepted by the National Eczema Association. It is also certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny.
Is Natural Soap with Glycerin Better for Dry Skin?
There’s no question that a bar soap with naturally occurring glycerin is going to be better for your skin. If you are looking for extra skin moisture fortification, Abby Rose features a super-moisturizing skin care pack that contains, not only glycerin-containing bar soap, but also a body oil and soothing balm. The Soothe-X™ Skin Care Bundle is specially formulated for those who have sensitive skin and eczema, but its gentle ingredients are appropriate for virtually anyone, even babies. The products are sting-free and safe for the entire body, including delicate areas of the face and around the eyes.
