If you’re looking for a soap that cleanses without stripping your skin of moisture, glycerin soap is an excellent choice. Used for centuries, glycerin-based soaps offer deep hydration, making them a favorite among those with dry or sensitive skin.
At Anthousai Apothecary, we craft transparent bar soaps with sorbitol, a humectant similar to glycerin, that draws moisture into the skin while providing a luxurious lather. Our soaps come in beautiful, artistic designs and are packaged in biolefin, a biodegradable shrink-wrap, ensuring a sustainable and elegant skincare experience.
Let’s dive into what makes glycerin (and sorbitol) soaps so special, their benefits, drawbacks, and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin, or glycerol, is a naturally occurring compound derived from plant-based oils such as coconut, palm, and grape seed oil. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it soft and hydrated.
Glycerin was first discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist and has been a staple in soap making since the mid-nineteenth century. Today, it is widely used in skincare products due to its gentle, nourishing properties.
At Anthousai Apothecary, we use sorbitol in our transparent soaps, a plant-based humectant with similar moisturizing benefits to glycerin. Like glycerin, sorbitol helps lock in hydration while providing a smooth and silky cleansing experience.
The Benefits of Glycerin (and Sorbitol) Soap
1. Intense Hydration & Moisture Retention
Unlike traditional soaps that can dry out the skin, glycerin and sorbitol soaps help seal in moisture. This makes them perfect for dry, sensitive, or mature skin, especially during colder months when the air lacks humidity.
2. Gentle & Suitable for All Skin Types
Glycerin soap has a neutral pH, meaning it won’t disrupt your skin’s natural balance. It’s free from harsh detergents and synthetic additives, making it safe for sensitive, acne-prone, or easily irritated skin.
3. Soothing for Skin Conditions
Those with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea often find relief using glycerin-based soaps. Its ability to hydrate and calm inflammation makes it a go-to choice for gentle, non-irritating cleansing.
4. Non-Comedogenic (Won’t Clog Pores)
Glycerin is lightweight and non-greasy, meaning it hydrates without clogging pores. This makes it ideal for combination and acne-prone skin, as it nourishes while allowing the skin to breathe.
5. Anti-Aging Properties
Since glycerin and sorbitol prevent moisture loss, they help maintain skin elasticity and suppleness, making them excellent for those looking to keep their skin youthful and radiant.
6. Aesthetic & Customizable Appeal
At Anthousai Apothecary, our transparent soaps are designed to be as beautiful as they are functional. With swirling colors, delicate botanicals, and biodegradable packaging, they make gorgeous gifts or a stunning addition to any skincare collection.
Potential Drawbacks of Glycerin-Based Soaps
While glycerin and sorbitol soaps are fantastic for most skin types, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Dissolves Quickly
Because glycerin absorbs moisture, it can dissolve faster than traditional soaps. To extend its lifespan, store your soap in a dry place and use a well-draining soap dish.
2. More Expensive than Synthetic Soaps
Natural ingredients like glycerin and sorbitol are more costly to produce than commercial soaps filled with detergents and sulfates. However, their benefits for skin health and sustainability make them a worthwhile investment.
3. Less Lather than Traditional Soaps
Glycerin-based soaps don’t produce as much lather as commercial soaps containing foaming agents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). However, they still cleanse effectively without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
How to Use Glycerin Soap in Your Routine
Incorporating glycerin or sorbitol-based soap into your skincare routine is simple:
- Use Daily for Gentle Cleansing
- Perfect for morning and night cleansing
- Safe for the face and body
- Store Properly
- Keep in a dry place to prevent excess water absorption
- Use a soap dish with drainage
- Pair with Moisturizer
- Although glycerin is hydrating, following up with a moisturizer helps lock in additional moisture
- Use on Sensitive Areas
- Safe for delicate skin, including the face, hands, and even babies
How to Choose the Best Glycerin Soap
Not all glycerin soaps are created equal! Many commercial brands mix glycerin with synthetic additives that reduce its benefits.
What to Look For:
✅ Transparent Soap – Pure glycerin and sorbitol soaps have a naturally clear or translucent appearance
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Avoid artificial fragrances, colors, and sulfates
✅ Natural Oils & Extracts – Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils enhance the moisturizing effects
At Anthousai Apothecary, our sorbitol-based soaps are handcrafted with plant-based ingredients, ensuring a gentle, nourishing, and visually stunning cleansing experience.
Making Your Own Glycerin Soap
For those interested in DIY soap making, glycerin soap can be made using two main methods:
1. Cold Process (Advanced)
- Requires lye, plant-based oils, and time to cure
- Produces a fully customizable bar of soap
2. Melt and Pour (Beginner-Friendly)
- Uses pre-made glycerin soap base
- Simply melt, mix in desired oils or botanicals, and pour into molds
While making soap from scratch can be fun, buying high-quality, handcrafted bars like those from Anthousai Apothecary ensures purity, beauty, and convenience.
Final Takeaway: Why Choose Glycerin or Sorbitol Soap?
If you’re looking for a moisturizing, gentle, and naturally nourishing soap, glycerin and sorbitol-based soaps are the perfect choice. They:
âś” Keep skin hydrated and soft
âś” Are safe for all skin types (even sensitive skin)
âś” Help with dryness, acne, and aging concerns
âś” Are biodegradable and eco-friendly
At Anthousai Apothecary, our sorbitol-based transparent soaps offer all these benefits while bringing an artistic touch to your skincare routine. Each bar is crafted with care, packaged sustainably, and designed to nurture both your skin and your senses.
Ready to experience the magic of a beautifully crafted, skin-loving soap? Try one of our Goddess-inspired transparent bars today!