Glycerin, or melt and pour, soaps are recognized for their crystal-clear appearance, quick production time, and superior moisturizing properties, making them ideal for customization.
Purpose and Formulation: Unlike cold process methods where glycerin is naturally produced, melt and pour soaps start with a pre-made, neutral base that is already fully saponified and rich in added glycerin. The base is melted down, and then colorants, fragrances, essential oils, and exfoliating materials (like oatmeal or coffee grounds) are stirred in before the mixture is poured into molds. The clear, translucent look is achieved by adding alcohol or sugar to the base ingredients. Because glycerin is highly soluble and a powerful humectant, these soaps tend to be extremely gentle and hydrating; however, their high glycerin content means they also draw moisture from the air, making them “sweat” or develop condensation if not stored correctly. While often gentler than commercial detergents, the finished bar’s moisturizing quality depends entirely on the quality and purity of the pre-made base used by the artisan, as the soap maker is simply customizing the base rather than creating the soap from scratch.
