Glycerin is a naturally occurring humectant (water-binder) that forms during saponification—the chemical reaction that turns oils into soap. In cold process bars, the glycerin stays in the soap and helps skin feel soft and comfortable after washing. Some mass-market makers remove it to sell separately or to change how the bar behaves. At Minyi Naturals, we keep every drop. 

What exactly is glycerin?

Chemically, glycerin (also called glycerol) is a small, colorless, syrupy molecule that’s incredibly good at attracting and holding onto water. In skincare, it’s one of the most time-tested, gentle humectants—found in everything from cleansers to face creams.

Where does glycerin in cold process soap come from?

It’s born right inside the soap pot. When we mix plant oils with lye (sodium hydroxide), saponification happens:

oils (triglycerides) + lye → soap + glycerin

That natural glycerin remains inside the finished bar after curing. In traditional, small-batch cold process, we don’t “wash” or separate it out—so your bar is naturally glycerin-rich.

Why is glycerin good for you in a bar soap?

• Gentler cleanse: Glycerin helps counteract the “tight” feeling sometimes associated with cleansing.

• Soft, conditioned feel: Even though soap is a rinse-off product, a little glycerin stays behind in the microscopic soap film, leaving skin more comfortable.

• All-skin-types friendly: It’s non-comedogenic and well-tolerated by most people, including dry and combo skin.

Reality check: A bar of soap can’t replace your moisturizer, but glycerin makes a noticeable difference in how your skin feels post-wash.

If glycerin is great, why would anyone remove it?

Some large-scale manufacturers intentionally remove glycerin from soap during processing. Common reasons:

1. It’s valuable: Glycerin is a premium ingredient they can sell or reuse in lotions and other products.

2. Bar behavior: Lower glycerin can make bars harder and reduce “dew” (that tiny bead of moisture you sometimes see on humid days, which is glycerin pulling water from the air).

3. Process control: Industrial methods often separate and re-blend components to standardize texture, transparency, and shelf life.

The result is sometimes labeled a “beauty bar” or syndet bar (synthetic detergent). Those can be fine products, but they’re different from true, glycerin-rich cold process soap.

How much glycerin is in handmade soap?

It varies with recipe and cure, but a well-made cold process bar typically contains a meaningful percentage of naturally occurring glycerin—commonly cited in the single-digit to low-teens range by weight. In short: enough to matter for skin feel.

Tips: get the most from a glycerin-rich bar

• Use lukewarm water (very hot water can feel drying).

• Pat dry and follow with a moisturizer if your skin is dry.

• Store on a well-drained soap dish; let air circulate so the bar fully dries between uses.

• Seeing tiny moisture beads? That’s glycerin dew—normal and harmless.

How we do it at Minyi Naturals

• We keep the natural glycerin. No removal, no shortcuts.

• Plant-based oils only. Our glycerin is naturally plant-derived (from olive, rapeseed, coconut and castor oils).

• Comfort-first formulas. We use thoughtful superfat levels and a 4–6 week cure for a firm, long-lasting bar with a creamy lather.

A few customer-favorites to try

• Calendula Olive Oil (fragrance-free): Small-batch bar infused with calendula for a gentle, creamy cleanse—great if you prefer unscented.

• Green Clay & Peppermint: A refreshing cleanse with green clay for a silky slip and peppermint’s cool pick-me-up.

• Rose-Infused Olive Oil Soap: Slow-infused olive oil with rose petals for a creamy, gentle cleanse. Naturally glycerin-rich for a comfortable, soft-skin feel.

(P.S. We list Glycerin on our ingredient panels so you know it’s there—formed naturally during saponification.)

Quick FAQ

Is glycerin vegan?
Yes—ours is plant-derived from the oils we use.

Will glycerin clog pores?
No. Glycerin is non-comedogenic and commonly used in face care.

Why does my bar “sweat” in summer?
That’s glycerin drawing moisture from humid air—normal and cosmetic only. Keep your bar on a draining dish away from direct steam.

Why do some bars still feel drying even with glycerin?
Cleansing feel depends on the oil blend, superfat, cure, and water hardness. We balance these so our bars cleanse without leaving you “squeaky-tight.”

The takeaway

Glycerin is one of the reasons handmade cold process soap feels so good: it naturally forms during saponification and helps your skin stay comfortable after washing. While some manufacturers remove it, we don’t—because your skin can tell the difference.

Ready to try a glycerin-rich bar? Explore the collection and find your new daily ritual.