About Glycerin Soap
Glycerin has a high moisturizing content. When melted, it is a colorless, clear liquid with the texture of paste and has a high boiling point. It's a major ingredient in creating moisturizing soaps. Soap is made from animal and vegetable fats, which contain glycerin and which are mixed with lye. When the fats and lye combine and interact, glycerin is separated and becomes a byproduct. Major soap companies often remove the glycerin and use it in high-profit moisturizing products. Soaps made at home or by small specialty soap companies keep the glycerin in their product, which adds moisture to the skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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It wasn't until the late 1800s that glycerin was utilized other than being used in the production of nitroglycerin. The process of obtaining glycerin came from animal fats that were used in candle making. The glycerin content in animal and vegetable fats is 7 percent to 13 percent. Glycerin has been used as a lubricant for machinery, to preserve fruits or in candy making. It's now used for making beautiful clear or colored soaps, with its moisturizing content as high as 15 percent to 20 percent pure glycerin. Hobbyists and skin care enthusiasts can make their own glycerin soaps in different colors and with fragrant scents.
Features
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Glycerin soap is one of the easiest and prettiest soaps that can be made at home. They are also available for purchase at many stores. Supplies can be obtained through craft stores or from soap supply companies, including fragrance oils and molds. The glycerin is melted to a jelly consistency between 150 to 170 degrees F, either on the range or in the microwave. When it reaches the right consistency, soap-friendly dyes can be added along with essential oils. Added interest can be created by mixing in lavender or rose petals to make it really pretty. Glycerin soap is excellent for children. Little toys can be added to their soaps to make bathtime fun.
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Size
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Glycerin soaps come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Because they are easy to make at home, glycerin soaps can be made as small guest soaps that make wonderful gifts. With the help of theme or holiday molds, glycerin soap can be made in the shape of Christmas trees with a pine scent, as well as pumpkins or turkeys. Sizes can also vary when different-colored glycerin is poured into molds layers to build up the size of the soap bar. Larger soap bars can be created for men who prefer larger bars of soap. There are children's molds as well that vary in size.
Warning
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Because glycerin soaps have a high moisture content, they have a tendency to shrink or dissolve faster in water than other soaps. Keep any unused glycerin soaps in air-tight containers. In fact, when making and giving glycerin soaps as gifts, be sure to pack them in useful and attractive plastic containers with a note that tells about glycerin soaps. The recipients will appreciate it. When making homemade glycerin soaps, don't use food coloring instead of soap-friendly dyes because they may stain clothing or the skin.
Expert Insight
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Glycerin soaps are easy and fun to make, and the art of creating them opens all kinds of imaginative possibilities. Any gift made by hand is appreciated, and handmade glycerin soap is practical, decorative, has a lovely scent and is always useful. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, mint, vanilla, orange, lemon, rose, pine or lavender combined with an array of complementary colors cast in lovely molds in various sizes will be enjoyed by the receiver. It's a creative gift that can be given all year long for children and adults.
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