Soap is one of the most basic personal care products, but not all soaps are created equal. If you’ve ever seen the term “glycerin soap” on a label, you might have wondered: Is glycerin soap natural? The answer is not as simple as it seems. Some soaps naturally contain glycerin, while others are processed to add or remove it.
At Anthousai Apothecary, we specialize in crafting transparent bar soaps that retain their natural humectant properties, much like glycerin-based soaps. However, instead of glycerin, our soaps use sorbitol, a plant-based ingredient that works similarly by drawing moisture to the skin. In this article, we’ll explore what glycerin is, how glycerin soap is made, and whether all glycerin soaps are truly natural.
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin (also spelled glycerine or glycerol) is a clear, odorless, and slightly sweet liquid that is widely used in skincare and soap. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, which helps keep skin hydrated.
Where Does Glycerin Come From?
Glycerin can be derived from three main sources:
- Plant-Based Oils – Natural glycerin is often extracted from vegetable oils such as coconut, soybean, or palm oil.
- Animal Fats – Some glycerin comes from tallow, a byproduct of animal fat processing.
- Synthetic Sources – Petroleum-derived glycerin is used in some commercial personal care products.
In natural soap-making, glycerin is a natural byproduct of the saponification process, which occurs when oils and lye mix to create soap. Handmade, cold-process soaps—like those made by small-batch artisans—retain this natural glycerin, making them deeply moisturizing and skin-friendly.
How Is Glycerin Soap Made?
Not all soaps labeled as glycerin soap are the same. There are two main types:
1. Cold-Processed Soap (Naturally Contains Glycerin)
When plant-based oils are mixed with lye and water, they go through saponification, producing soap and glycerin. In handmade soaps, the glycerin is left intact, providing a moisturizing effect. Commercial manufacturers often remove this glycerin to use in lotions and other high-end skincare products.
2. Transparent Glycerin Soap
This is what many people picture when they think of glycerin soap: a clear, jelly-like bar. Transparent soaps go through an extra process where:
- Alcohol and sugar are added to prevent crystallization.
- Extra glycerin is sometimes added to balance the drying effects of alcohol.
- Some brands use synthetic detergents to improve lathering.
While transparent glycerin soaps can be natural, they sometimes contain synthetic additives, making it important to check ingredient lists carefully.
What Makes a Soap Natural?
A soap is generally considered natural if it is made with plant-based oils, water, and lye without synthetic chemicals, detergents, or artificial preservatives. Here’s how different types of glycerin soap compare:
| Soap Type | Natural Ingredients? | Added Synthetics? |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Processed Glycerin Soap | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Transparent Glycerin Soap | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Sometimes |
| Commercial “Glycerin” Soap | ❌ Often removed | ✅ Often added |
At Anthousai Apothecary, we take a natural approach by using sorbitol instead of glycerin. Sorbitol is a plant-based humectant, meaning it functions the same way—drawing moisture into the skin—but remains a more stable and biodegradable option.
Is All Glycerin Soap Natural?
The short answer is: not always. Many handcrafted soaps are true glycerin soaps because they retain naturally occurring glycerin. However, some transparent soaps and commercially produced bars may contain:
- Synthetic surfactants (like SLS or SLES) to create foam and bubbles.
- Petroleum-derived glycerin instead of plant-based sources.
- Alcohol or solvents that may strip moisture rather than add it.
If you’re looking for a truly natural and skin-friendly soap, read labels carefully and opt for soaps made with plant-based ingredients, free of harsh detergents.
Benefits of Natural Glycerin Soap (or Sorbitol Soap!)
Whether a soap contains naturally retained glycerin or plant-derived sorbitol, the benefits of a humectant-rich soap include:
1. Superior Moisturization
Glycerin and sorbitol attract water to the skin, keeping it hydrated. This is especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
2. Gentle & Non-Irritating
Unlike commercial soaps that strip the skin’s natural oils, natural soaps with humectants help maintain the skin’s barrier.
3. Suitable for All Skin Types
Because glycerin is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), it’s great for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Sorbitol offers the same benefit.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Handmade natural soaps, like those from Anthousai Apothecary, avoid synthetic detergents and petroleum-based ingredients, making them better for your skin and the planet.
How to Choose a Natural Glycerin (or Sorbitol) Soap
If you want a truly natural soap, follow these guidelines:
✅ Look for Cold-Processed Soaps – These retain naturally occurring glycerin without synthetic additives.
✅ Check the Ingredient List – Avoid synthetic detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and artificial fragrances.
✅ Opt for Plant-Based Humectants – Natural glycerin and sorbitol (used in Anthousai Apothecary’s transparent soaps) both provide hydration without harsh chemicals.
✅ Consider the Packaging – Many commercial soaps are wrapped in plastic, contributing to environmental waste. Anthousai Apothecary uses biolefin, a biodegradable shrink-wrap that helps reduce plastic waste.
Conclusion
So, is glycerin soap natural? The answer depends on how it’s made. All real soap contains natural glycerin, but not all soaps labeled as “glycerin soap” are truly natural—especially if they include synthetic additives.
At Anthousai Apothecary, we craft transparent soaps using sorbitol, a plant-based humectant that works just like glycerin to attract moisture to your skin. Our soaps combine botanical ingredients with beautiful, artistic designs, offering a hydrating, eco-friendly, and luxurious cleansing experience.
When choosing a soap, look beyond marketing terms and check the ingredients to ensure you’re getting a product that’s as natural and beneficial for your skin as possible. 🌿✨