Why Handmade Soaps Melt Faster During Use

Handmade soaps tend to melt faster during use for several reasons, but understanding these can help you enjoy them even better. Let's delve into the specific factors that contribute to their quick melting and explore ways to extend their usage life.

Glycerin Content

One of the primary reasons handmade soaps melt faster is their glycerin content. Glycerin, a natural humectant, is retained more in handmade soaps due to the lack of synthetic hardening agents. This glycerin attracts moisture, which makes the soap more moisturizing and soft to the touch. However, this soft texture leads to a greater likelihood of the soap dissolving more quickly in water, contributing to its faster melting.

Lack of Hardening Agents

Commercial soaps are often fortified with synthetic hardening agents to promote longevity. Handmade soaps, on the other hand, often use natural ingredients that lack these additives. As a result, the soap ends up being softer and more prone to melting away more quickly than store-bought versions.?

Ingredient Composition

The oils and fats used in handmade soap play a significant role in its hardness and melt rate. Soaps made with softer oils like olive or coconut oil may succumb to the melting process more easily compared to those made with harder oils. For instance, palm oil or cocoa butter tend to create harder soaps, whereas softer oils result in more fragile bars.

Air Exposure

Handmade soaps are often air-cured, leading to a more porous structure. This increased porosity means that the soap dissolves more readily when exposed to water. Proper storage strategies can mitigate this effect by keeping the soap in a dry area and using a soap dish with good drainage.

Temperature and Water Quality

The environment also plays a role in how quickly handmade soaps melt. Hot water and hard water can further accelerate the melting process. Handmade soaps may be more sensitive to these conditions compared to commercial soaps. When you take a long, hot shower in a warm and humid environment, the temperature and moisture combine to accelerate the melting process, making the soap more susceptible to dissolving.

While handmade soaps may melt faster, it doesn't necessarily mean they are of lower quality. Instead, it's a characteristic linked to their natural ingredients and the conditions under which they are used. To extend the life of your handmade soaps, consider storing them in a dry area between uses and using a soap dish that drains well to minimize water exposure.

So, the next time you notice your handmade soap melting faster, remember it's a testament to its natural, moisturizing properties. Enjoy the unique qualities of handmade soaps and appreciate the care and effort that goes into creating them.