It is amazing to see the kind of soaps that people market as ‘natural’. Of course, we all have our own preferances, whether that be for synthetic or natural. However, when people market unnatural, solvent-filled, detergent-based soap as natural, then I do object, simply because the average unsuspecting consumer does not know any better. They have to trust their provider, which means paying exorbitant amounts for poor quality products. But isn’t glycerine soap natural?
GLYCERINE SOAP
This is a big culprit. Ask in any shop for the mildest, most natural form of soap, and they will inevitably show you to the Glycerine aisle. In its simplest form, it contains large amounts of alcohol to give it that transparent look. However, your typical glycerine soap is actually pre-made soap base (aka melt-and-pour), a concoction of undisclosed synthetic ingredients, which is designed to melt easily. It is available in a variety of attractive, synthetic colours, and is mostly drying to the skin. Is Glycerine Soap natural? Hardly.
Having said that, did you know that natural soap does have glycerine in it? When you make soap, you combine a fat (oil) with an alkaline (sodium hydroxide). The reaction produces a sodium salt (soap) and glycerine as a byproduct. Of course, its the best byproduct, gentle and luxurious on the skin. This is a far cry from the typical ‘glycerine soap’ that you find in stores.
READ LABELS
When in doubt about a soap/provider, just read the ingredient labels. If you are seeing long names which you cannot pronounce, then you need to decide if its ok for you, or if you actually are looking for something truly natural and nourishing for your skin. And I don’t mean things like sodium palmate or sodium olivate, which are simply the sodium salts (soap) made from palm and olive oil.
A typical natural soap will be made with oils/fats, liquid, and sodium hydroxide. So if there are unpronounceable ingredients, then you know you are actually looking at a detergent, and not true soap.
Have you read our article on sodium hydroxide? It’s the only unrecognisable name you will ever see in an ingredient list from Au Naturel. We pride ourselves on only using edible ingredients and essential oils, bringing you quality, safe products that nourish your skin.
