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.
Fat derived from non-vegetable sources has long been used to make soaps and related personal products. Unless the label says otherwise, there are usually additional chemical ingredients used to enhance cleaning characteristics and make the product smell and look better, as well as traces of the antibiotics or hormones originally administered to maximize growth. Certified pesticide-free vegetable-based soaps contain none of those substances.
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.
Advertising a product as organic does not automatically mean it is vegan. Ingredients that include lanolin, beeswax, mink, fish, and emu oil, royal jelly, and urea can come from creatures that have been raised as humanely as possible, with little exposure to common pesticides or other chemicals. They are still animal products, and considered unacceptable for use by most strict vegetarians.
Rather than searching for retail products that contain no hint of beef tallow or lard, many people are learning to make their own. Virtually any vegetable-based fat will work, and there are a wide variety of recipes available on line. Cocoa butter is widely featured, and has a good reputation for moisturizing. If a firmer bar is needed, coconut oil produces good lather while maintaining a solid shape.
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.
Organic does not mean vegan, and the avoidance of animal products does not necessary make a brand superior. People interested in opting out of animal cruelty by buying, using and eating vegan products must become aware of the real meaning behind labeling. Simply calling a product natural does not guarantee that it is made humanely, or does not contain unnecessary chemicals.
Fat derived from non-vegetable sources has long been used to make soaps and related personal products. Unless the label says otherwise, there are usually additional chemical ingredients used to enhance cleaning characteristics and make the product smell and look better, as well as traces of the antibiotics or hormones originally administered to maximize growth. Certified pesticide-free vegetable-based soaps contain none of those substances.
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.
Advertising a product as organic does not automatically mean it is vegan. Ingredients that include lanolin, beeswax, mink, fish, and emu oil, royal jelly, and urea can come from creatures that have been raised as humanely as possible, with little exposure to common pesticides or other chemicals. They are still animal products, and considered unacceptable for use by most strict vegetarians.
Rather than searching for retail products that contain no hint of beef tallow or lard, many people are learning to make their own. Virtually any vegetable-based fat will work, and there are a wide variety of recipes available on line. Cocoa butter is widely featured, and has a good reputation for moisturizing. If a firmer bar is needed, coconut oil produces good lather while maintaining a solid shape.
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.
Organic does not mean vegan, and the avoidance of animal products does not necessary make a brand superior. People interested in opting out of animal cruelty by buying, using and eating vegan products must become aware of the real meaning behind labeling. Simply calling a product natural does not guarantee that it is made humanely, or does not contain unnecessary chemicals.
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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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