Many people turn to a vegetarian philosophy of life because they can no longer ignore the cruelty domestic creatures experience on their journey to becoming fast food. While soap is definitely not edible, it usually contains fat derived from animal sources, in combination with some form of lye. Organic vegan soap is made without using animal byproducts containing growth additives, and is not safety-tested on laboratory animals.
Non-vegetable based fats have been used to make soaps and similar personal products for thousands of years. Unless otherwise indicated by labeling, products manufactured today also contain additional chemicals used to enhance foaming, as well as imparting a fresh smell and an attractive appearance. Many contain traces of hormones or antibiotics used to stimulate animal growth prior to slaughter, unlike most vegetable-based products.
Beef fat together with coconut oils are commonly found in many commercially sold brands, which may also contain formulas or mixtures derived from other sources, including palm oils. These substances are abundant and easily accessed, and soaps can be made from any form of fat when combined with ash or alkali-based ingredients. Animal fat is not really necessary, but is inexpensive and plentiful.
Products advertised as organically produced may not qualify as truly vegan. Natural ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, honey, royal jelly, fish, emu, and mink oil, and others are made by or from creatures that may have enjoyed life on a humane, sustainable farm, with no additional pesticide use or chemical growth additives. They are still organic, but are not considered vegetarian.
Rather than combing stores or websites to find products not containing any trace of beef tallow or lard, many people have begun to make their own personal soaps. There are many recipes available online, and any type of vegetable fat will work, although some are preferable to others. Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient with a reputation as an excellent moisturizer. When firm bars are needed, coconut oils hold their shape while producing abundant lather.
Olive oil is the prime ingredient in making the mild variety widely known as Castile, which generally produces fewer allergic reactions or skin irritations. Shea butter comes from an African tree, is is touted for its moisture-retaining properties, and is also manufactured for use as a product by itself. Sweet almond oil adds a feeling of lightness, and conditions the skin. Many oils are blended for use as more effective combinations.
Palm oils are considered vegetarian, but in recent decades have been produced on increasingly large south-Asian plantations that displace the natural tropical vegetation, destroy endangered species habitats, and contribute to the environmental hazards associated with deforestation. There are some brands of palm oil produced using sustainable methods, a fact usually stated on the packaging.
Vegan and organically grown are not interchangeable descriptions, and eliminating animal fat does not automatically make a commercial product superior. Those interested in purchasing, using or eating only vegan products must be conversant with the terminology of labeling. The word natural is widely used, but is no guarantee that humane practices were employed, or that chemical additives are not present.
Non-vegetable based fats have been used to make soaps and similar personal products for thousands of years. Unless otherwise indicated by labeling, products manufactured today also contain additional chemicals used to enhance foaming, as well as imparting a fresh smell and an attractive appearance. Many contain traces of hormones or antibiotics used to stimulate animal growth prior to slaughter, unlike most vegetable-based products.
Beef fat together with coconut oils are commonly found in many commercially sold brands, which may also contain formulas or mixtures derived from other sources, including palm oils. These substances are abundant and easily accessed, and soaps can be made from any form of fat when combined with ash or alkali-based ingredients. Animal fat is not really necessary, but is inexpensive and plentiful.
Products advertised as organically produced may not qualify as truly vegan. Natural ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, honey, royal jelly, fish, emu, and mink oil, and others are made by or from creatures that may have enjoyed life on a humane, sustainable farm, with no additional pesticide use or chemical growth additives. They are still organic, but are not considered vegetarian.
Rather than combing stores or websites to find products not containing any trace of beef tallow or lard, many people have begun to make their own personal soaps. There are many recipes available online, and any type of vegetable fat will work, although some are preferable to others. Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient with a reputation as an excellent moisturizer. When firm bars are needed, coconut oils hold their shape while producing abundant lather.
Olive oil is the prime ingredient in making the mild variety widely known as Castile, which generally produces fewer allergic reactions or skin irritations. Shea butter comes from an African tree, is is touted for its moisture-retaining properties, and is also manufactured for use as a product by itself. Sweet almond oil adds a feeling of lightness, and conditions the skin. Many oils are blended for use as more effective combinations.
Palm oils are considered vegetarian, but in recent decades have been produced on increasingly large south-Asian plantations that displace the natural tropical vegetation, destroy endangered species habitats, and contribute to the environmental hazards associated with deforestation. There are some brands of palm oil produced using sustainable methods, a fact usually stated on the packaging.
Vegan and organically grown are not interchangeable descriptions, and eliminating animal fat does not automatically make a commercial product superior. Those interested in purchasing, using or eating only vegan products must be conversant with the terminology of labeling. The word natural is widely used, but is no guarantee that humane practices were employed, or that chemical additives are not present.
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Find a summary of the benefits you get when you use organic vegan soap and view our selection of skincare products at http://www.batteriesincluded.org now.
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