Things You'll Need
Glycerin
Airtight container
Glycerin is a natural byproduct to the soap-making process. When used on the skin, it helps to attract and retain moisture. Naturally made soaps retain glycerin. Some companies denote which soaps still have glycerin in them, but companies can choose to use the byproduct in other products such as lotion or face creams.
Step 1
Spoon or pour the glycerin into a container. The receptacle should have a lid that can be sealed fairly tightly. Screw-on lids work best.
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Step 2
Fasten the lid atop the container. This will help keep the glycerin in its natural state. The purity of your glycerin will dictate how fluid it is.
Step 3
Store the container in a cabinet or drawer. Don't expose the container to excessive amounts of sunlight because repeated heating can break down the chemical bonds in the glycerin.
Tip
Use smoked or colored glass or plastic with the glycerin to avoid excess exposure to the light.
If your glycerin seems to dry out, take the lid off and let in some air. The glycerin will pull moisture from the air and rehydrate.
You can add water, just a few drops at a time to help rehydrate the product.
While glycerin does not have a specific shelf life, it can break down over time. If it stops rehydrating it is probably not effective any longer.
Soaps are usually not more than 30% glycerin as otherwise they get to “sweaty” from exposure to moisture in the air. The more glycerin in the soap the faster you will go through a bar as the water washes through it quickly.
The best storage temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees.
Warning
Glycerin can cause blisters on particularly moist parts of the body such as your tongue. Glycerin sucks the moisture from around it, dehydrating the area but forming a water pocket. Avoid contact with your eyes.
If stored for too long in the airtight container it can lose its moisturizing capabilities due to loss of water. Exposure to water will rehydrate the product.
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