Choosing between soaps and beauty products means learning about different ingredients and what benefits they might have for your skin. Many of us want to choose safe, natural products that will keep our skin moisturized and clean. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between glycerin soap and regular soap, read on to learn more about glycerin soap’s numerous benefits.

What is glycerin?

Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts water. It’s a colorless, odorless animal- or plant-based substance that pulls water from the environment, whether that means from the deeper layers in your skin or from humidity in the air. That makes it an extremely effective moisturizer.

Glycerin is a product of soap-making, but the substance is often removed to make other moisturizers. Glycerin soap is simply soap that retains its glycerin, making it more moisturizing to the skin.

Pros and cons of using glycerin-based soap

First of all, it’s useful to know that glycerin soap is hypoallergenic, which means that people with contact allergies are less likely to suffer reactions from using glycerin soap. However, this doesn’t mean they’re completely allergen-free, particularly if the maker uses scents or dyes in the soap. Some brands or varieties may cause a reaction while others do not—but glycerin itself is not the culprit.

Since glycerin is a humectant, glycerin soap naturally provides more moisture for your skin. This is also due in part to its low pH level. People with dry or sensitive skin often have better luck with glycerin soaps rather than regular soap.

While some glycerin can be derived from animal products, many soap makers use plant-based glycerin for vegan and vegetarian customers. Glycerin soap comes in both bar and liquid forms, so no matter which type you prefer, you should be able to find a product that works for you.

With all of the above benefits, why would anyone choose traditional soap? First, if it’s important to you that your soap lathers up into foamy suds, you might not like the way glycerin performs and feels. Second, it is generally more expensive than regular soap, especially when made with all-natural ingredients—however, many people understand that high-quality products and ingredients tend to require extra money. Finally, if you leave glycerin soap in water—for example, in a soap dish with a little water in the bottom—the soap can dissolve.

Overall, we at Soaps & Scents think glycerin soap is the superior choice, particularly if you suffer from dry and sensitive skin.

Discover the benefits of using glycerin soap

When you’re looking for high-quality, safe and natural glycerin soap, we hope you’ll check out the selection at Soaps & Scents. We have decades of experience handmaking small batch soaps, bath products and candles that smell great and won’t irritate your skin. We only use the highest quality ingredients. Reach out to us today with any questions, or check out our selection and place your order through our online store. We look forward to assisting you!