You will find no shortage of opinions when it comes to soap making, soap-making methods, and the best soap making ingredients and it is no different when it comes to melt and pour soap. Some people like to say melt and pour soap is not “real soap”, but what is “real soap”? We are going to take a look at what is considered soap and answer the question once and for all about whether or not melt and pour soap is real soap.
Yes, melt and pour soap is real soap. Melt and pour soap is made using fats, lye and other ingredients to create the saponification process and make the soap base. The key difference is that melt and pour has additional ingredients to let you melt it multiple times.
This base can then be melted down, mixed with different ingredients such as essential oils and colorants, and poured into molds. The soap mixture is then allowed to cool and harden. Most melt-and-pour bases contain glycerin, which helps keep the skin moisturized. Let’s take a closer look at melt and pour soap.
Melt and Pour Soap Explained
It is often referred to as “glycerin” or “melt-and-pour” soap. It is a premade soap base that has been pre-made with glycerin and other skin-nourishing ingredients. This soap base can be melted down and poured into soap molds, then colored and scented in a variety of ways.
Definition of Melt and Pour Soap
Melt and Pour soap is a pre-made soap base that is melted down and poured into molds to create customized soap bars. It is made from a combination of vegetable oils and glycerin, which gives it a transparent appearance. It is available in a variety of scents and colors, and can be customized with natural additives like herbs, exfoliants, and essential oils.
Ingredients of Melt and Pour Soap
Melt and Pour soap bases typically contain a combination of vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil, and safflower oil, as well as glycerin and other additives. Some soap bases may also contain synthetic ingredients, so it is important to read the label carefully before purchasing.
What Do People Mean By Real Soap?
When it comes to soap making, there is a lot of discussion around what constitutes “real soap.” Some soap makers argue that certain methods or ingredients are necessary for soap to be considered real, while others believe that any soap that cleanses the skin is real.
Definition of Real Soap
Real soap is a cleansing agent made from the saponification of fats or oils. The saponification process involves mixing the fats or oils with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide, to create soap and glycerin. The resulting product is a natural and biodegradable substance that cleanses the skin without leaving behind any harmful residues.
Ingredients of Real Soap
The ingredients used to make real soap vary depending on the method and recipe used. However, some of the most commonly used ingredients include:
- Fats and oils – These are the primary ingredients in soap making and provide the cleansing properties. Some of the most commonly used oils include coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, and castor oil.
- Alkali – Sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide are the most commonly used alkalis in soap making. These ingredients react with the fats and oils to create soap and glycerin.
- Water – Water is used to dissolve the alkali and create a lye solution, which is then mixed with the fats and oils.
- Essential oils – Essential oils are used to add fragrance to the soap. They are typically added after the saponification process is complete to ensure their properties are not affected by the alkali.
- Natural colorants – Natural colorants, such as herbs and spices, can be used to add color to the soap. These are typically added during the soap making process and can provide additional benefits, such as exfoliation or soothing properties.
Overall, real soap is a natural and biodegradable substance made from a combination of fats or oils, alkali, and water. It is a versatile and customizable product that can be made using a variety of ingredients and methods.
The Debate Over Melt and Pour Soap
Opinions of Soap Makers
Some soap makers argue that melt and pour soap is not a real soap because it does not involve the saponification process of creating soap from scratch. They argue that melt and pour soap is simply a pre-made soap base that has been melted down and customized with additives.
However, others argue that melt and pour soap is still a real soap because it contains natural oils and glycerin, and still provides the same cleansing and moisturizing benefits as traditional soap.
Opinions of Consumers
Consumers generally have a more relaxed view of what constitutes “real” soap. Many consumers appreciate the convenience and versatility of melt and pour soap, and are not concerned with the technicalities of how it was made. They value the fact that it is a natural and biodegradable product that cleanses and moisturizes the skin without leaving behind any harmful residues.
Industry Standards
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all soap is considered a “true soap” regardless of the method used to create it. As long as the soap is made from natural oils or fats and an alkali, it can be classified as a soap. The FDA also requires that all soap products be labeled as soap and not make any medical claims.
Overall, the debate over whether or not melt and pour soap is a real soap is largely a matter of personal opinion. While some soap makers may argue that it is not a real soap because it does not involve the saponification process, the FDA considers all soap to be a true soap regardless of the method used to create it.
Ultimately, it is up to consumers to decide whether or not they consider melt and pour soap to be a real soap based on their own preferences and values.
Melt and Pour Soap Real or Not?
Contains Glycerin
One of the main reasons why melt and pour soap is considered a real soap is because it contains glycerin. Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps to moisturize the skin, and is naturally produced during the soap making process.
In many commercial soap products, glycerin is removed and used in other cosmetic products, but in melt and pour soap, it is retained in the soap base. This means that melt and pour soap provides the same moisturizing benefits as traditional soap, making it a real soap in the eyes of many.
Can Be Customized with Natural Additives
Another reason why melt and pour soap is considered a real soap is because it can be customized with natural additives. Many soap makers choose to add natural ingredients like essential oils, herbs, and botanicals to their melt and pour soap bars to enhance their cleansing and moisturizing properties.
These natural additives can provide additional benefits to the skin, such as soothing irritation or improving skin tone. By incorporating these natural ingredients, melt and pour soap can be seen as a real soap that provides additional benefits beyond basic cleansing.
Cleanses the Skin
Finally, melt and pour soap is considered a real soap because it cleanses the skin just like traditional soap. It effectively removes dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
Melt and pour soap is also a biodegradable product, which means that it does not leave behind any harmful residues on the skin or in the environment.
The Verdict on Melt and Pour Soap
It is my opinion that melt and pour soap is “real soap”. With so many products labeled as soap being sold in big box store, grocer stores and dollar stores it seems silly to be arguing over melt and pour soap being real or not.
I would even go as far as to say melt and pour soap is more “real” than a lot of the soap you see for sale in stores around the world because you have a better grasp as to what is in it than you do some of the other soaps available on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melt and pour soap is generally more affordable than cold process soap, due to the fact that it requires fewer ingredients and less time to make.
Yes, essential oils can be added to melt and pour soap. Essential oils are a great way to customize your soap with natural ingredients that provide additional benefits to the skin.
Yes, melt and pour soap is a popular product to make and sell. It is a great way to get started in the soap making business.
Melt and pour soap can be made in as little as 30 minutes. The time it takes to make melt and pour soap depends on the size and complexity of the recipe, but most recipes can be made in less than 1 hour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melt and pour soap is a real soap that has been around for a long time. It is easy to make, affordable, and customizable with natural ingredients and cleanses the skin just like a traditional soap. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder melt-and-pour soap is a popular choice among those looking for an easy way to make their own soaps at home. Whether you consider it to be “real” or not, melt-and-pour soap can provide you with a quality product that caters to your individual needs.
