The Vitamins in Natural Soap Oils and the Beauty of Naturally Created Glycerine.
Natural soap is not made by accident. Every oil and butter is chosen with intention, each bringing its own vitamins, fatty acids, and skin-supporting qualities. When these oils are combined with lye, a natural chemical process takes place that creates both soap and glycerine.
The Role of Plant-Based Oils and Traditional Fats in Natural Soap
Olive Oil Key Vitamins: With vitamin E and vitamin K, olive oil is known for its gentle, conditioning qualities. Oleic acid creates a mild, creamy lather that supports the skin's natural moisture barrier. Olive oil is especially well suited for sensitive and dry skin.
Coconut Oil: Vitamin E is the key vitamin in coconut oil. It provides cleansing power and bubbly lather. Lauric and myristic acids help lift dirt and impurities from the skin. When properly balanced in a formula, it cleans effectively without over-drying.
Castor Oil: With vitamin E castor oil is valued for its ability to stabilize and enhance lather. Ricinoleic acid acts as a natural humectant, helping the soap feel smooth, silky, and conditioning, even in small amounts.
Avocado Oil: With vitamins A, D, and E avocado oil is deeply nourishing and rich in fatty acids of oleic and palmatic that support soft, comfortable skin. In soap, it contributes conditioning properties while helping create a well-balanced bar.
Shea Butter: Also with vitamins A, D, E with stearic and oleic acids Shea butter adds richness and creaminess to soap. Stearic acids create a firm, long-lasting bar, while oleic acid supports conditioning and a smooth lather.
Cocoa Butter: With vitamin E cocoa butter provides hardness and stability in soap bars. Stearic and palmatic fatty acids help produce a durable bar with a creamy. luxurious lather and a smooth feel on the skin.
Rice Bran Oil: With vitamins E and B, oleic acid and linoleum acid, rice bran oil contains natural antioxidants such as gamma-orzanol. In soap, it contributes gentle cleansing and a light, silky lather suitable for a wide range of skin types.
Jojoba Oil: With vitamin E, B-complex vitamins jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. when used thoughtfully in soap, it contributes conditioning properties and helps support balanced skin.
Grass-Fed Beef Tallow: With vitamins A,D,E, and K grass-fed beef tallow is a traditional soapmaking fat that has been used for centuries. It creates a hard, long-lasting bar with a dense, creamy lather. Its Stearic and palmatic fatty acids profile closely mirrors that of human skin, which helps create a gentle yet effective cleanser.
The Natural Creation of Glycerine During Saponification
When Lye is poured into the oils, a chemical reaction called saponification begins. During this process:
- Fatty acids from the oils and butters react with sodium hydroxide
- Soap molecules are formed
- Natural glycerine is created as a byproduct.
Glycerine is not added- it is naturally produced during soapmaking.
Why Naturally Occurring Glycerine Matters
Glycerine is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture. In handcrafted soap, glycerine remains in the bar, helping the skin feel comfortable and hydrated after cleansing.
This is one of the key differences between handmade soap and many commercial soaps, where glycerine is often removed for use in other products.
Crafted With Intention
At May Natural Soaps, every oil and butter is chosen with care, honoring both traditional soapmaking and the natural chemistry that allows soap to nourish while it cleanses.