Solid toilet soap, it would seem, has long been a well-known cosmetic product for personal hygiene. But few people are familiar with its history, manufacturing standards and other tricks. Recently, homemade soap making is gaining more and more popularity, and manufacturers indulge in great aromas and natural ingredients. Store shelves are literally bursting with a huge assortment designed for every taste and budget.
Ancient recipes
The first mention of solid toilet soap was found on clay tablets of the ancient Sumerians. These historical artifacts are already about 3000 years old, and the compositions on them are not much different from modern recipes. In ancient Babylon, as now, they used a fat base, and wood ash as an absorbent.
Also, firsthand, they were familiar with soap and in ancient Egypt, papyrus withdescribing the use of soap for at least 3,500 years. Initially, Egyptian recipes were similar to Sumerian ones, but later the ash was replaced with a natural mineral - soda.
Soap was used for personal hygiene, washing and laundering wool. In addition, it was actively used in the treatment of skin diseases.
On an industrial scale, soap making began during the Middle Ages. The French king was an ardent admirer of luxury and expensive fragrances, it was thanks to him that essential oils began to be added to soap. These precious bars were only available to nobles and clergy.
Key Features
In today's world, solid toilet soap is also intended for personal hygiene. It consists of natural or synthetic fatty acids and s alts, various perfumes, plant extracts and other components that further determine its classification.
The main task of soap is to wash away dirt and bacteria from the surface being cleaned. This is achieved due to the alkaline environment, which actively eliminates impurities and a thin layer of sebum that protects against harmful microorganisms and infections. The upper layer of the epidermis loosens and intensively loses moisture. Therefore, for washing dry and sensitive skin, it is better to use mild alkali-free products and carefully read the composition indicated on the package. To protect the epidermis from damage, it is advisable to use a cream after cleansing.
Soap classification
Cosmetic product according to the All-Russian classifier belongs to class 91. According to GOST 28546-2002 "General specifications. Solid toilet soap", depending on consumer properties, it is divided into four grades:
- neutral;
- extra;
- baby;
- ordinary.
The main requirement for any brand is the integrity of the piece, without visible damage and cracks, as well as a clear and even stamp. High foaming is also a prerequisite. The presence of a certificate for toilet solid soap in any outlet is strictly required and is a guarantee of the quality and safety of a cosmetic product.
There is also another type of soap that is not listed in the GOST standards. Glycerin - differs in a translucent or transparent base. Unlike ordinary soap, it is boiled with glycerin, thereby eliminating harmful alkali. This product lathers well, moisturizes and cares for the skin.
Ingredients used
The main composition of solid toilet soap includes vegetable and animal fats, as well as their derivatives. In addition to them, it is allowed to use in production:
- soda ash;
- table s alt;
- whitening ingredients;
- titanium dioxide;
- boric acid;
- perfume fragrances;
- dyes;
- zinc white;
- moisturizing ingredients;
- lanolin and others.
"Neutral" and"Extra" should be produced only in packaging, which will necessarily indicate: composition, expiration date, date of manufacture, manufacturer, storage conditions, barcode and trademark. "Baby" and "Ordinary" can be produced without wrapping.
Types of soap
According to the purpose, the funds are divided into the following subgroups:
- Hygienic soap for general use (for normal and oily skin). It usually does not contain additional caring components, only dyes and fragrances.
- Hygienic special (for normal and oily skin). Contains special oil-based ingredients that leave a protective film.
- Disinfectant and treatment-and-prophylactic. Contains disinfecting and healing ingredients.
Main differences
The "Neutral" and "Extra" types are of higher quality, they contain highly purified components, plant extracts and high-quality fragrances. In the manufacture of such products, the composition must contain at least 78% fatty acids. It can be rendered edible animal fats of the highest grade, as well as coconut oil.
"Neutral" is distinguished by the absence of potassium and sodium carbonates, and in "Extra" they contain no more than 0.2% of the total mass. These brands are the hardest, because of the low swelling they soften less and do not "melt" from interaction with water. According to consumer reviews, after using this soap, the skin remains smoothand soft without feeling tight.
"Baby" solid toilet soap is made with the lowest alkali content to avoid irritation and allergies on delicate skin. In addition, manufacturers often add decoctions of chamomile, string and other useful herbs during production to help fight diaper rash.
"Ordinary" solid toilet soap is the most base. Its lower grade is due to the possibility of using synthetic components, unlike other brands. Reviews on the use of such soap are most often negative, many consumers complain of dry skin and tightness. This product is especially not recommended for sensitive skin.
Natural soap
In the manufacture of this product, only sparing components are used. This eliminates the risk of allergies, irritation and other troubles. In the recipe, s alt is replaced with saponins - vegetable extracts from soap root, horse chestnut, violet or Tatar soap grass. They have good cleansing properties and lather well.
Reviews on the use of this soap are mostly positive, because everyone can choose the ingredients to their liking that meet all the needs of the skin.
As a fatty base, vegetable oils rich in useful substances are taken: olive, avocado, wheat germ, sea buckthorn and jojoba. The glycerin in this product will help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment.
To make soap at home, you can purchase a ready-made soap base. Duringmanufacturing, the mass is melted in a water bath, not exceeding 60 degrees. Any ingredients can be added to the melted base, based on the needs of the skin. Abrasives are used for an exfoliating effect, and algae (kelp) are added for an anti-aging effect.
Additional ingredients
Black cumin proved to be excellent in the composition of soap. It has excellent healing and antiseptic properties. In addition, it promotes skin renewal by exfoliating dead skin cells.
Ground coffee is ideal for making body soap, exfoliates and tightens the skin. Improves turgor and enhances blood circulation, helps to get rid of the "orange peel".
Cosmetic clay in the composition will benefit for owners of oily and problem skin. White clay does not cause allergies, improves tone and evens out relief.
As a perfume, natural essential oils are used, such as ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, mint, orange, rose and others. Milk, honey, dried flowers are also used as useful additives. To give a beautiful shade to the product, you can use food coloring. They are absolutely safe for the skin.