Monday, September 8, 2014

Vegetable Glycerin Soap Is A Gentler Alternative

By Kerri Stout


In order for manufacturers to capture and retain a significant niche in the personal-care products market, recognizing consumer preferences and trends helps generate sales. Many people today consciously avoid buying products known to irritate sensitive skin, marking a genuine shift in purchasing patterns. Vegetable glycerin soap does not cause red, dry or flaking skin, and its popularity is growing.

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 personal cosmetics, it is categorized as a humectant, or something that can draw and retain moisture to the skin. That characteristic is particularly desirable when advertising the benefits of face-care products, especially when some of the other standard chemical ingredients cause dryness. Most use synthetically derived humectants. Vegetable glycerol is considered a natural substance, and requires no 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.

Because it sustains moisture and contains fewer added chemicals, the substance is considered hypoallergenic. Many people who consistently deal with skin allergies find that widespread environmental toxins can make daily life difficult, and those with chronic eczema or psoriasis face similar barriers. Avoiding common hazards becomes routine, especially with the proliferation of harsh alcohol-based hand-cleaners.

Not all commercially produced glycerin products are completely fragrance-free, potentially triggering unpleasant skin reactions in some sensitive users. It may be necessary to sample several formulations in order to find the one least reactive personally. While individual skin varies in sensitivity, higher content usually means there will be fewer problems with daily use.

One common failing of these soaps is the tendency for vegetable-based cleansing bars to melt away more quickly than standard formulas. Long-term storage in warm locations is not recommended, and making sure the soap dish drains properly can save money. When exposed to air for long periods, evaporation is usually the result. In addition, natural glycerin soaps produce less lather than most detergent-based products.

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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