Glycerin (also called glycerol) is a naturally occurring alcohol compound formed during the saponification (soapmaking) process. Glycerin is non-toxic, and is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. Glycerin is removed from commercially produced soaps, extracted by the manufacturer for higher-margin cosmetics such as lotions and creams.
All our Glycerin soap bases are made with the following base ingredients:
Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Soybean Protein, Essential Oils
- Coconut oil comes from the kernel of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years, and is an abundant natural source of lauric acid. Lauric acid content in soaps made with coconut oil makes them effective in treating a variety of skin conditions. Lauric acid has antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-itch properties. It promotes wound healing, helps with insect bites, and is an effective treatment for many other skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea.
- RSPO Palm oil contains healthy plant fats, and high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K, and beta carotene. Palm oil benefits include anti-aging, moisturizing and even cancer fighter. We only use sustainably produced and manufactured palm oil.
- Sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) sounds a little scary, but it’s important to note that the caustic qualities of lye are removed during the saponification (soap bonding) process. When the lye interacts with the oils or fats, it creates glycerin, a natural, nutrient-rich base.
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol derived from fruits, corn and seaweed; it prevents moisture loss by pulling water from the air, hydrating skin. Sorbitol is FDA approved and has received the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rating.
- Sortian oleate is derived from vegetable sources, and serves as an emulsifier, basically a water/oil bonding agent, for vegetable-based soaps. The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database considers Sorbitan Oleate a low hazard ingredient.
- Soybean protein is a complete protein, providing all of the essential amino acids for human nutrition; it helps replenish, condition and protect skin.
- Pure therapeutic grade essential oils are derived from plant extracts, adding a healthy aroma for your mind and body. They’reused by many for far more than aromatherapy, so many soapmakers tend to use fragrance oils as a more cost-effective alternative. Fragrances are propriety by nature, and sadly unregulated, so they’re chemical constituents and toxins are greatly unknown. It’s estimated that approximately 95-100% of fragrances used today are synthetic; these chemicals are generally derived from chemical reactions from base materials such as crude oil or turpentine oil. Synthetic compounds can be very dangerous when inhaled or applied to the skin. If you’ve ever had a rash or reaction from soap, it may likely have been the result of a reaction to fragrances and dyes.
Additional conditioning agents: We include an extra all natural conditioning agent to each of our bases (e.g. Evening Primrose oil, argan oil).
Our bases: Each gnome recipe is available with the addition of either goat’s milk or oatmeal (for a vegan alternative).
The extras: Each soap gnome also contains its own mixture of dried herbs and additional moisturizing oils. Look for their individual properties within the product detail page of each gnome.