Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all forms of animal exploitation, including the use of animal products in personal care products. This means that vegan soap is made without any animal fats, oils, or other derivatives.Traditional soap is made by combining animal fat with lye, a strong alkali. The lye reacts with the fat to form soap and glycerin. However, there are now many vegan soap recipes that use plant-based fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. These fats react with lye to form soap that is just as effective as traditional soap, but is also cruelty-free and vegan.In addition to the fat, other ingredients that may be used in soap can also be vegan or non-vegan. For example, some soaps contain colorants, fragrances, or preservatives. These ingredients can be derived from both plant and animal sources. It is important to read the ingredient label carefully to make sure that a soap is vegan if this is important to you.Here are some of the common ingredients that are used in vegan soap:
- Vegetable oils: Olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, avocado oil, almond oil, etc.
- Lye: Sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide
- Water
- Essential oils: For fragrance
- Colorants: For coloring
- Preservatives: To prevent bacterial growth
Here are some of the common ingredients that should be avoided in vegan soap:
- Animal fats: Tallow, lard, suet, etc.
- Animal-derived glycerin: Glycerin can be derived from both plant and animal sources. To be sure that a soap is vegan, look for glycerin that is labeled as "vegetable-derived" or "plant-derived".
- Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax that is made by bees. It is often used in soap to make it harder and more durable. However, it is not vegan.
If you are looking for a 100% vegan soap, there are many brands available. You can find them at natural food stores, health food stores, and online retailers.Can’t wait? Browse my vegan soap shop here.When choosing a vegan soap, it is also important to consider the other ingredients. Look for soaps that are made with natural ingredients and that are free of harsh chemicals.Using vegan soap is a great way to care for your skin and the environment. It is also a way to live a cruelty-free lifestyle.