can someone help clarify glycerine?

[vinessa4freedom]

I was under the assumption that glycerine was entirely plant based, but a fellow veg showed me a couple of edu websites that stated glycerine was in all cells and was derived either from plant or animal sources. That doesn't agree with what I had previously read. Can anyone shed some light?

[smbolisnch]

1. Vinessa

It is my understanding that glycerin is typically derived from animal fat, however there is vegetable and soy glycerin also. Most vegan products use the latter if any, but chain and big name brands are probably much more ambiguous. I suppose the only way to find out is to check labels and/or with the manufacturer on each product in question.
Hope that helps!
Meg

[vinessa4freedom]

2. oh, no!

My apparent ignorance has me guessing about some of the things I've put into my body. Thanks for the advice, Meg. I'll be on the phone to food companies all weekend, as we do have some big company stuff in the pantry, and the freezer.

[smbolisnch]

3. Glad I could help....

I'm no expert, and I'm still learning new things all the time. That's why I am so glad this board is here, so that we can help each other with this stuff!! ;)

[smurfygirl]

4. glycerin is simply the by product of soap making

I don't know all the facts but I do know that glycerin is made in the soap making process. Regardless of the type of soap, whether made from tallow and lye or coconut oils or whatever else, glycerin will be made. Most companies seperate the glycerin from the soap and sell this seperately or to fine soap makers. I use a bar soap made by sappo hill.

It can be found in most health food stores, but you can order directly from their site. It is the best vegan soap I have ever used. It won't dry out your skin and the bars last a long time. The fragrances are divine as well. If you are on the oily side the oatmeal soap is really nice. I use the almond soap. I used to hate bar soap but my husband has to use it. He hates anything else. I used it one day in the bath and have used it ever since.

Anyway, they have a section on the site that explains some of the soap making process, it might help you out.
The site is http://www.sappohill.com/

Hope this helps.
Keep on veggin!!!

[vinessa4freedom]

5. that is a great website, thank you.

I appreciate it