Transparent soap has a long history dating back to 1789, when Andrew Pears first manufactured the bar that bears his name. Making soap transparent is an extra step for the soap maker, but one that is most worthwhile. Transparent soap can be made from the same solid fats (palm and coconut oil) as opaque soap, but usually the only liquid oil that is ever used is castor oil.
Why is transparent soap transparent?
Soap is transparent when it contains no large crystals, and theoretically all opaque soap can be made transparent, although some oil combinations do not result in a very clear soap. Recipes for transparent soap are usually a closely guarded secret because of the amount of experimentation involved in achieving the desired results. If you've ever tried to make any soap yourself, you'll realize that the combinations of oil and the proportions of them are infinite.
What is the definition of transparent soap?
According to one reference, soap is considered to be transparent if you can read 14pt bold text through a 1/4 inch thick slice of soap.
What makes transparent soap so good?
Transparent soap feels good, lathers beautifully and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean while not drying it. How does it do all this? Because the soap crystals in transparent soap are small and there is no unnecessary excess oil, the soap is, in effect, pre-dissolved and ready for action, and feels extremely smooth to the skin. It takes little effort to lather up thick, creamy lather, and it takes little effort to rinse. No residue is left on your skin or in the sink and tub. No residue means less clogged pores and blemishes and no soap scum to scrub clean. Other handmade natural soaps (that are not transparent) contain up to 15% extra oil to ensure that there is no free lye left in the bar. This extra oil softens and weakens the solidity and effectiveness of the bar, lowers the lathering, and leaves oily residue on your skin and on the sink and tub. This is not our definition of clean!
How long does transparent soap last?
Transparent soap lasts a long time and smells fresh right down to the last tiny
sliver. Because transparent soap is ready for action, you need only a very little bit to build up voluminous lather. Challenge yourself to see how two strokes of the bar through your hair builds to a mountain of silky smooth lather!How is transparent soap made?
To produce transparent soap, opaque soap is dissolved in hot ethanol (grain alcohol), glycerine and a sugar solution. Once the opaque soap has dissolved, and the mixture has been allowed to cool a little, scent and colour are added. The soap broth is cooled quickly in molds until completely solid. The addition of the alcohol and sugar, combined with quick cooling prevents crystal growth. The opaque 'base soap' that is used can not contain any extra fat or extra lye, or the soap will not be clear. Working with alcohol can be dangerous, especially at high temperatures. Since special equipment is necessary to produce transparent soap safely, we don't recommend you try to make it at home.
Check out our selection of handmade natural transparent soap!
No comments:
Post a Comment