Glycerin soap is soap in which the glycerin isn't removed during the manufacturing process. The combination of fat and lye makes two products: soap and glycerin. At one point, they were inseparable, and not considered two distinct products at all. Now, manufacturers remove the glycerin from most soap to use in more lucrative products, such as lotions and skin creams. Soaps in which the glycerin hasn't been removed are healthy for the skin.
Saponification
Soap is produced through a process called saponification, which is the chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base are combined. The Soap Making Resource website explains that during saponification "two things happen: The oils or fats combine with the lye to form soap, and the glycerol molecule (located within the triglycerides that make up the acid) is released, and turns into skin nourishing glycerin."
Fat
One component of glycerin soap is fat, specifically a fatty acid. Glycerin soap can be made from animal fat such as tallow, also known as beef fat. Glycerin soap is also commonly made from vegetable fats like olive oil, palm oil and coconut oil. The type of fat the soap is made from changes the properties of the soap, from strong to gentle, hard to lathery.
Lye
Lye is the base used in the saponification process that produces glycerin soap. To produce solid soap, sodium hydroxide is used. Historically, the lye used to make soap was made by running water through wood ashes.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a very versatile chemical found in many of the products we use every day. The Soap and Detergent Association states that "glycerin has over 1,500 known end uses, including many applications as an ingredient or processing aid in cosmetics, toiletries, personal care, drugs, and food products." It is a clear, odorless, slippery liquid that has a sweet taste. It is nontoxic in standard doses, and can be found in soaps, lotions, foods, lubricants and many other products. The Soap and Detergent Association explains that glycerin can be found "in all animal fats and vegetable oils and constitutes, on average, about 10 percent of these materials." So until it is removed, it is found in all soap, because all soap is made from fat.
Manufacturing
The saponification process creates an alkali salt known as soap, and also glycerin. So at that point, glycerin soap has been made. Glycerin soap is clear. It is excellent for maintaining moisture in skin, as glycerin is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the surface of the skin, and also from the air. This is why glycerin soap will be coated in beads of moisture if left uncovered.
In order to separate the glycerin from soap, salt is added before the soap sets, separating the soap the two products. The soap is removed, and glycerin remains. It is then used to make other products.
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