Some notable examples of soap fillers

Soap filler is a substance that is usually infused in a body soap or detergent in order to tweak its physical attribute so as to make it effective for a specific application. For instance, sodium dodecyl sulfate and ammonium lauryl are two of the most widely used foaming agents in detergents and laundry soaps that help in better rinsing of clothes. Then again, adding borax as soap filler fortifies the product’s free-flowing property and imparts hardness.

So, you see, adding fillers during the process of soap manufacturing serve a particular purpose. The weight of the filler in the soap could vary from 5%-20%, depending upon the manufacturer as well as the chief purpose for which the product will be used. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used fillers in the soap manufacturing industry:

1. Sodium Silicate

Sodium silicate also referred to as ‘water glass’ and ‘soluble glass’ is the term used for a group of compounds that have a varied range of manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial uses. This compound is extensively used as soap filler, particularly in bars of laundry soaps for enhancing their shelf life. This filler has anti-oxidant properties that checks soap corrosion.

1. Kaolin

Also known as China Clay, Kaolin is a soft, fine white clay derivative of feldspar which is basically used for producing china and porcelain. Kaolin also finds use as filler in medicinal absorbents, textiles, paper, and soaps. This is aluminum silicate clay which is chemically inert and does not dissolve in water. The purpose behind adding Kaolin is to lend whiteness to the soap or detergent cake, resulting in the better cleansing of clothes and other items.

1. Talc

 Talc is very much similar to Kaolin in terms of structure and properties, and is actually a magnesium silicate mineral. Like Kaolin, talc, also known as ‘talc powder’ is inert by nature and insoluble in water. Talc is mostly added to body soaps for imparting whiteness and helps in cleansing away dirt and grime from skin surface.

1. Borax

Borax is added to detergent cakes and bars for making them more free-flowing. Chemically called sodium borate, Borax is largely used for cleaning purposes and has anti-fungal attributes as well. This compound transfers alkalinity or abrasiveness to the soap or detergent which results in better cleansing of clothes.

1. Green Tea

Green tea extract is another filler that is more often added to soaps and has two distinct benefits. This extract is infused with caffeine that can go a long way in giving you the energy boost you need to kick off your day perfectly. The human skin has a particular affinity for caffeine, enabling the compound to be absorbed for taking advantage of its benefits.

Green tea also contains ECGC which is a kind of free radical that helps offset the skin’s ageing by preventing the formation of wrinkles. Antioxidants in green tea can help repair dying and damaged skin cells, thus enabling individuals to cope with numerous skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

Different kinds of additives too are used in soaps. For instance, the addition of glycerin transfers skin conditioning property to soaps.

Soap is an item that people use on a regular basis. There is a wide variety of soaps available in the market, each claiming to be better than others and consisting of properties that are beneficial for the consumers. However, it is a common observation that most soaps contain high amounts of chemicals that actually harm the skin rather than providing nourishment to it, as per their claims. Under such conditions there emerges a requirement for an alternative variety of soap that contains natural ingredients that are not harmful to the skin.

What is Green Soap?

Green soap is a variety of soap made of natural ingredients and has a glycerin base made of vegetable oil. The soap gets its name from the yellow or greenish tint that the soap acquires from the natural elements it is made of. Moreover, it is completely organic and biodegradable. The production of this soap is undertaken by custom soap manufacturing units as it is not readily available.

Custom Soap Manufacturing Uses

• Tattoo and piercing – Most tattoo and piercing parlors use a mixture of green soap and water known as tincture green soap. The solution comes into use both before and after the procedure.
• Household cleaning – Individuals try their best to keep their house clean. However, the chances of contamination by germs are way higher than the level that a person can tackle by regular cleaning. A mixture of green soap with water in a ratio of five to one can be used as a spray or water to clean or wipe the house. Its organic nature ensures that the house is not exposed to any harmful chemicals during the cleaning process.
• Personal cleaning – Green soap manufacturing is also beneficial for personal cleaning. It can be used as body wash or hand wash. It is mild thus it does not cause harm to the skin. In comparison of the wide varieties of soap that contain chemicals and claim to be good for the skin, green soap provides nourishment to the skin in reality. People can also use it as a shampoo as it not only cleans the hair but gives it a soft and shiny feel as well.

Soap is one of the most common articles of daily use that is available in different shapes and compositions. They may be used for bathing, dishwashing or cleaning clothes. Over the years there have been many custom soap manufacturing companies that have evolved new and innovative methods to produce soaps and allowed consumers to choose from a wide range of options depending on the ingredients, fragrance, etc.

Basic composition and history of soap manufacturing

Over the years, soap has been known to serve many purposes such as curing skin sores, dying hair, serving as a skin ointment, etc. However, its primary function is to break away dirt from the surface when it dissolves in water due to the action of its components that include animal fat/plant oil and caustic soda.

It is believed that the use of soap was common in France, Spain and Rome much before it became common across the rest of Europe. The Celts, who were the ancient inhabitants of Britain, were also known to make soap. However, it may come as a surprise that in ancient times, there was a high tax levied on soap production as it was regarded as a luxury item and a symbol of status for the rich.

Soap fillers

At present, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Another important component is the soap filler that is made of substances that enhance the quality of the soap and make it more useful for a particular application. Kaolin, talc, glycerin and sodium silicate are all examples of soap fillers. Manufacturers may also add perfumes and essence to give the soap a fragrance that makes it more appealing to the consumers.

Green soap its advantages

A new variety of soap known as tincture green soap is fast gaining ground for its natural and non-chemical composition. It is a vegetable oil based and plant-based water friendly soap. It is safe and eco-friendly as it is not harsh on the skin due to the absence of chemicals. Thus it prevents the skin from drying and helping it to retain the moisture. The soap is green due to ectoplasmic coloring and the presence of glycerin as well as vegetable oil.

People who have recently got a tattoo or piercing on their bodies are advised to use green soap as it is effective in cleaning the area and does not contain chemicals preventing further damage to the wounded area.

Moreover, the non-corrosive quality of green soap allows artists to soak their equipment in the solution to clean it. Disinfectant soap cannot be used in case of a tattoo or piercing because it makes the skin dry leading to itchiness. Consumers may have the question “where can I buy green soap?” in mind. But the best thing is that green soap is widely available around the world at both online and offline stores.

In the past decade, custom soap manufacturing has been on the rise. Many people prefer handmade soap and know which questions to ask the manufacturers. People are rediscovering the advantages of making soap at home or at least checking the ingredients used by the promotional soap manufacturers. Let’s talk about two popular soap making methods that can help you understand what the process is all about.

1. Melt-and-Pour

The whole process is in the name. It involves melting and pouring. This is a simple choice for beginners and hobbyists. All you have to do is buy a soap base and melt it down. Then, other soap fillers, such as fragrances, are added to the mix and the solution is left in the molds to harden. Some people believe that this process can’t technically be called soap making since it’s not prepared from scratch.

Pros:

• A wonderful soap making method for beginners. You can even do it with children.
• You don’t need safety gear since you don’t come into contact with lye.
• It’s a very quick method. The soap hardens overnight or in a few hours.
• Fragrance oils don’t ruin the melt-and-pour soap with time.
• This method can create beautiful bars of soap. You can make pretty layers to create true masterpieces.

Cons:

• This type of soap usually contains too much glycerin and can produce glycerin sweating, ruining the beauty of the bar.
• You can’t choose the base ingredients, such as oils and butter. You have to work with what you buy.
• You can’t add fresh ingredients such as milk. In fact, most of the additives don’t work well with such soap.
• The melt and pour soap hardens fast and doesn’t allow you to create swirls.
• If the soap becomes too hot, it can burn and the base will be hard to work with.

2. Cold Process

The processes for cold soap making allow you to make the soap from scratch. In most cases, it’s better to be left up to a professional. Some soaps, such as tincture green soap, are better off being made in a laboratory rather than at home. The cold process combines oil, lye, and other soap ingredients. This method provides the soap manufacturers a greater freedom of choice.

Pros:

• You can customize all the ingredients depending on your/a customer’s personal preference.
• The cold process allows you to manipulate the substance to create beautiful soap bars that include layers and swirls. It provides you with an opportunity to use your imagination.
• The soap mass is thick enough to accommodate heavy ingredients/additives.
• This process creates a more natural soap than the melt and pour

Cons:

• You need to work with lye, which requires certain safety measures and can become dangerous when used the wrong way.
• This is a long process, which may take up to 6 weeks.
• Not all fragrance oils are suitable to be used with this soap-making process.
• Glitter can’t be placed inside the soap.

The process involves a long cleanup.