What is Transparent Soap?

Transparent soap is clear soap with a high glycerin content. Often referred to as “glycerin soap,” transparent soap is less drying than opaque soap, and can have additional emollient oils added to it, such as shea butter or jojoba oil. The first mass produced clear soap was Pears® brand, introduced in 1807 and still available as of 2010.
Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture. This property of glycerin soap is what makes it more moisturizing than opaque soaps that contain less glycerin. Referring to transparent soap as glycerin soap is slightly misleading because all soap contains glycerin, a sugar-based compound found in all animal and vegetable fats. Whether it's clear or opaque, homemade and handmade soap usually has all the glycerin in it. In commercial soap-making, the glycerin is extracted and used in more expensive soaps and creams.
Transparent soap is so gentle that it is often recommended for people with very sensitive skin, such as babies, small children, and people with allergies or dermatitis. Soap with a high glycerin content rinses more easily from the skin and doesn't leave a film that could cause irritation. Additionally, glycerin soap is generally less expensive than other moisturizing or anti-aging beauty bars.
Soap is made from lye mixed with an animal or vegetable fat, such as tallow or olive oil. This is called cold-process soap-making, where the fatty acids in the soap react with the alkali in the lye. The oils become hard in a process called saponification. To extract glycerin, hardened soap is shaved and melted again. Salt is added, which causes the soap to curdle and separate from the glycerin. Glycerin can be added to soap to make the bar clearer and more moisturizing. To do this, the soap-maker melts soap shavings, then adds high-proof alcohol, sugar, and glycerin. The soap is allowed to harden, and then is melted several more times to remove any extra water that causes the bar to look cloudy.
It can be challenging to learn how to make soap with the cold-process method, so many craft stores sell blocks of “melt-and-pour” soap. These blocks contain varying amounts of glycerin, and some are already transparent. Melt-and-pour products are cold-process soaps that can be re-melted to add additional ingredients, such as essential oil, coloring, or other decorations before pouring them into attractive molds. Glycerin can also be added to melt-and-pour soap to make it even more transparent.

What is the Difference Between an Enema and Suppository?

There is a marked difference between an enema and suppository, although they are both used for the relief of constipation in some cases. An enema is a liquid that is inserted into the rectum using a nozzle attached to a bag made of plastic or cloth. The liquid is forced into the rectum through this device to relieve occasional constipation or prepare patients for surgery. A suppository is a small solid or semi-solid plug made from a particular type of medication. The most commonly used type is made from glycerin and is used to relieve constipation, although other medicines may also come in the form of a suppository.
In most cases an enema and suppository are used for very similar things and work in a very similar way. Both the liquid found in an enema and the glycerin in laxative suppositories work to lubricate hardened stools so that they pass more easily. Enemas generally work more effectively at cleaning out the entire colon, as they have a farther reach and contain more medication with each use. Suppository laxatives, however, are generally safer and can be used for a longer period with fewer side effects. Glycerin, although a solid, quickly melts once inside the rectum and provides lubrication for hard to pass stools.
It is important that patients do not use an enema and suppository at the same time unless directed by a doctor. Enemas can cause damage to the colon if performed too often. Suppositories are not generally absorbed by the body, but they do cause rectal stimulation, and this can lead to problems of its own. If the rectal area is stimulated with a suppository too often, it may become difficult to pass stools without the added stimulus. This can lead to dependence on suppository laxatives.
Both an enema and suppository may be used for different things. The same type of bag and nozzle device used for the relief of constipation may also be used for feminine douching or to perform a vaginal rinse for infections. Suppositories can contain various types of medication and may be used to treat certain other illnesses or conditions, primarily nausea when an oral medication will not stay down.
If symptoms of constipation persist or become worse, patients should discontinue use of all medications and consult a doctor. In most cases, suppositories are symptom-free other than mild discomfort just after insertion. Enemas may cause mild abdominal cramping and strong urge to evacuate the bowels. Neither treatment should be used if constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal cramps, blood in the stools, nausea, vomiting, or fever without consulting a physician.

What are the Best Methods for Glycerin Soap Making?

Homemade glycerin-rich soap is great for the skin. This translucent soap is a byproduct of fat and lye and is well known for its moisturizing properties. It’s also an excellent degreaser. Glycerin soap making is a relatively easy process, depending on the method used. These include the cold process, hot process, melt and pour process, and rebatching.
Traditionally, the cold process method was the most common glycerin soap making technique used. Due to the vapors created during this process, as well as with the hot process method, most people nowadays prefer the melt and pour option. This method is deemed to be the easiest and least time-consuming.
Using the cold process of glycerin soap making, a lye solution known as the base is created using dry lye and water. Generally, three ounces of water is required for each ounce of lye. Too much water often results in softer soap while too little can make it become too dry and caustic. Oil or fat is then prepared by melting the recommended amount and becomes the acid. Once each solution has cooled to a specific temperature, the base and acid are combined.
When added together, the base and acid produce a saponification reaction, which results in the glycerin soap formation. The hot process of glycerin soap making is similar but the mixture is performed in layers that are heated and reheated several times. The bottom layer consists of the base; the next layer includes the acid, and bubbles or foam make up the top layer. It is then cooled until the bubbles are gone and reheated again. This process is repeated until the layers become one with a Vaseline-like consistency.
For the melt and pour method of glycerin soap making, large blocks of glycerin base are used. These can be obtained through craft stores or candle-supply companies. The clear soap base is then melted down. Rebatching is similar to the melt and pour. This method simply involves the melting and reusing of leftover soap bars.
Once the product has been melted, regardless of the method used, fragrance and color can be added. In addition to scented essential oils and coloring, other substances can be used for glycerinsoap making. For instance, castor oil is sometimes added for additional lathering. Shea or cocoa butter can provide additional moisturizing. Oatmeal or sugar can be added for exfoliating.
After the glycerin mixture is complete, it is poured into molds that have been sprayed with rubbing alcohol. These are then allowed to cool until hardened, at which time the glycerin soap is ready to use. While the best method depends on the individual, the melt and pour technique seems to be the most popular. However, for even more simplicity, glycerin soap making kits are available.

What Is Glycerin Used for?

Glycerin, also known commercially as glycerol, is a byproduct of the transesterifcation process for producing biodiesel fuel. This is a fortunate fact due to the increasing demand for biodiesel fuel worldwide and the widespread uses for glycerin in industry. Established uses for it include in many cosmetics and foods, and in a variety of soaps. It is also being evaluated as a useful ingredient in animal feed.

As the biodiesel fuel market skyrockets, glycerin waste from its production has saturated the marketplace. In the United States, biodiesel production was around 75,000,000 gallons per year (284,000,000 liters) in 2004. As of 2008, that volume had increased to 650,000,000 gallons per year (2,461,000,000 liters). With every metric ton of biodiesel produced, 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of glycerin byproduct is also produced. Estimates put current glycerin production as a waste product of biodiesel alone at around 1,224,000 metric tons, with a global demand slightly below that of 900,000 metric tons.

Though this is a boon to industries that purchase it for their products, using glycerin from alternative fuels is not the best of choices. It is typically about 80% pure when acquired as a byproduct of biodiesel production, whereas intentionally refined glycerin is 99.5% pure. Due to its level of impurity and the excess of supply on the world market, the value has dropped nearly to zero, and some biodiesel producers have to pay to have it taken away as waste and incinerated.

When supply and demand balances out, prices will rise, as glycerin has such a diverse range of uses. It is commonly used as an artificial sweetener in low-fat foods and as a thickening agent. It can be made into industrial foam and substituted for polypropylene plastic, which is derived from petroleum. Glycerin is a core ingredient in many industrial chemicals, including explosives, hydraulic fluids, and coolants. It is also one of the key plasticizers in industry, a material that gives plastics better flexibility, softness, or viscosity.

Aside from those common uses, one of the biggest markets for many years has been in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health and beauty products. Glycerin is routinely added to cough syrup, lotions, toothpaste, and more. Running athletes sometimes take glycerin as a method of staying hydrated in hot temperatures. Studies have shown that it can increase endurance at levels of between 22%-32%, and Olympic athletes have also used it for this reason. Stomach remedies for children are often made from liquid glycerin capsules as well.

While production levels increase, many researchers and companies are looking for further uses for the substance. Two big areas being investigated are as a 5% additive to chicken and other livestock feed, and as a suitable substitute for the propylene glycol market. Propylene glycol (PG) is currently used in pet food, paints, cosmetics, and many other compounds, and the market for PG is around 1,000,000 tons (907,184,740 kilograms) per year and growing. As glycerin is developed for these uses, it is finding its way into everything from fortified milk to ethanol and antifreeze.

What is Glycerin Soap?

Glycerin is an ingredient in oil and fat used to make translucent soaps. Glycerin soap may be made at home or purchased commercially. The opaque type of soap more commonly sold today has most or all of the glycerin removed; this takes out the moisturizing properties which is why many non-glycerin soaps can be drying to the skin. Soap with the highest amount of glycerin possible is translucent, while soaps with some glycerin are closer to being opaque.

Glycerin soap is sold in many different shapes, colors and scents. It may be round, oval, rectangular or shaped into novelty guest soaps such as flowers and animals. Most of the small guest soaps are more opaque and have less glycerin than the bar soap type. The scents of glycerin soaps include fruits such as peach and strawberry. Lavender and jasmine are common floral scents found in glycerin soaps.

Guest soaps look decorative on a bathroom countertop. They also make great hostess gifts. Some glycerin guest soap types are made in fun shapes for children to encourage them to wash their hands. A glycerin children’s soap may be shaped like a car or an animal. Some children’s glycerin soaps are just round or bar-shaped, but have different scents such as root beer or bubblegum.

Glycerin is a popular ingredient in shaving soaps because of its moisturizing quality. Some types of glycerin soap have moisturizers and skin nutrients added such as vitamin E and avocado oil. Green or white tea and cucumber scent can also be found in some glycerin moisturizing soaps.

The Pears® brand is the oldest glycerin soap made in the world. Its translucent amber color and oval shape are easily recognizable by many people. The glycerin used in Pears® soap is from vegetable oil rather than animal fat. Soap labels may or may not be required by law to list whether the glycerin is from animal or vegetable sources.

Some people like to make glycerin soap at home. Many craft stores sell a glycerin base for soap making. The soap can be cooked in a double boiler on a stove top or in a microwavable container in a microwave oven. Essential oils, herbs and flower petals as well as a small amount of beeswax are often added to homemade glycerin soaps. The soap mixture is poured into molds, cooled and removed from each mold. Some small home business entrepreneurs make and sell glycerin soap.

What are the Different Uses of Liquid Glycerin?

Liquid glycerin a compound that is widely used in food preservation, skin care products, and various medicines due to its unique physical and chemical properties. The organic compound is derived from animal fats, plants, biodiesel fuels, and several different types of cooking oils. It is water-soluble and hygroscopic, meaning it can easily absorb liquid water or vapor from its surrounding environment. Since it is so effective at maintaining desired moisture content, glycerin can be used in food recipes, lotions, and industrial lubricants. It is also an essential component in many cough syrups, laxatives, hair products, and soaps, among many other commercial products.

In its normal state, liquid glycerin is a colorless, sweet gel. It is commonly used in food laboratories and kitchens as a type of sweetener or preservative. Some cooks and consumers use it as a substitute for table sugar, as it is nearly as sweet as sucrose with fewer calories per serving. Since it's hygroscopic, it helps to preserve moisture in a number of different food products, including cake icing and candy. The compound is also an effective fruit preservative, as it prevents excess water from escaping from fruit through evaporation.

Glycerin's ability to absorb and hold moisture makes it perfect for use in many beauty products. It can leave skin dry and irritated in its natural state, but it helps to keep skin soft and healthy when diluted with water and other chemicals. Many soaps, hair gels, facial scrubs, lotions, and shaving creams are made with glycerin. Shampoos and conditioners also commonly contain the substance, as do toothpastes and liquid mouthwashes.

Several health products use liquid glycerin for its natural antiseptic and lubricating qualities. It is especially useful in cough syrups and expectorants to help soothe sore throats. Many oral gel tablets are made partially of glycerin, as it makes pills easy to swallow and allows medicine to be released quickly. When used as a suppository, it can provide lubrication to dry membranes and act as a laxative by irritating the colon, encouraging bowel movements.

Glycerin has many important industrial applications as well. Many manufacturing plants and trucking companies rely on it as a standalone lubricant for hydraulic parts and mechanical gears. It is also used in the production of watercolor paints, printing inks, and cosmetics. In addition, some alternative energy companies use this valuable chemical compound in producing hydrogen fuel and ethanol.

What are Glycerin Suppositories?

Glycerin suppositories are a type of medication that is placed directly into the rectum in order to relieve mild to moderate constipation. Most of the time they come in a torpedo-shaped capsule. The outer layer has a gelatin cover that will typically break down shortly after it enters the body, revealing glycerin in either liquid or solid form. Glycerin absorbs water and can soften stool, making it easier for a person to pass; the capsules also provide lubrication that can help reduce straining. These types of suppositories can get faster results than many oral laxatives, but in most cases they only work for blockages located in the lower intestine. They are generally considered safe though some medical experts discourage regular use because people can sometimes become dependent, and also because excessive exposure to glycerin can wear down the lining of the small intestine over time.

How They Work

The main goal behind most suppositories is to soften stool and make it easier and less painful to pass. Glycerin is unique in that it is a naturally occurring substance made primarily of sugar and alcohol that dissolves quickly and provides exceptional lubrication. These sorts of suppositories are usually made of hardened glycerin that will melt once in contact with the body’s internal heat; some also contain liquid that is released once the outer cover dissolves. In either case, the substance, if properly inserted high in the rectum, will stimulate the intestinal tract, absorb moisture from the immediate environment, and lubricate the way for stool to move down and out of the body. People usually take this sort of medication when they’ve been constipated for a few days or when surgery or other medical issue — childbirth is a common one — makes it painful to strain or push stool out naturally. It is best for mild to moderate blockages, and isn’t normally strong enough to combat serious intestinal issues.

Basic Usage Instructions

Glycerin suppositories must be inserted directly into the rectum, usually with one or two fingers. Manufactures often recommend that people use a glove coated with a water-based lubricant to push the suppository, which makes it easier to get it high up because it reduces friction; wearing a glove is also a good way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Ideally the suppository should be held in place for about a minute in order to prevent it from being forced out. Many people find it helpful to lie down on their side and clench the anal muscles for several minutes after use to help keep the suppository in place. This may speed up the dissolving process. It’s also usually suggested that people wait at least 15 minutes before using the bathroom to get the best effect. This can be challenging because the urge to “go” gets tends to get strong when a suppository is in place. Still, even if people use the toilet and expel the suppository before the 15 minutes are up, they may retain some of the benefits and constipation could still be alleviated.

Different Kinds of Constipation

These sorts of suppositories usually only work to address constipation in the lower bowel. In most cases they works through direct contact, and as such they’re best suited in situations when fecal matter is hardened and difficult to pass near the rectal opening. If the blockage is in the upper gastrointestinal areas the glycerin may not do much at all, since it likely won’t be able to reach the problem. Oral laxatives are often better in these situations.

Risks and Warnings

Some experts have expressed concern that using these suppositories too often may create a dependence on them, to the extent that people may find it very difficult to have bowel movements without using one. Most medical professionals don’t recommend that people use these for more than about a week at a time. People who have constipation lasting longer than this may have a chronic condition that needs more aggressive treatment. There are also some concerns in the medical community that repeated use of suppositories of any kind can damage the tissue lining the intestine and colon. This sort of damage is usually only seen with extensive use over a long period of time, but it is something patients should consider. Most suppositories are intended for adult use, too, and should not be given to children or infants without express direction from a medical care provider.