Miyabi Soap Story

Ever since I started using handmade soaps, I have asked myself this question. Several years later, this lingering thought motivated me to study analytical chemistry in college.　

  Soap is made through a chemical reaction called saponification, between lye (sodium hydroxide) and fats (oils). In the process of saponification, glycerin is created as a by-product. Glycerin is an excellent skin moisturizer because it stays on your skin and attracts moisture from the air. However, mass-produced commercial soaps are usually processed to remove the glycerin to manufacture other cosmetic products.

 Oils are an essential component of the soap-making process. Each oil has its own fatty acid composition, and they provide finished soap with crucial characteristics such as hardness, cleaning, bubbly or creamy lather, and conditioning.

At college, I studied analytical chemistry theory and how to use analytical equipment. Then, I researched component analysis and comparison between my soaps and mass-produced commercial soaps using analytical equipment in my final project. As a result, I confirmed that my soaps are rich in glycerin and good fatty acids, which are incredibly nourishing and gentle on the skin.

  In contrast, there was almost no glycerin and many synthetic substances in commercial soaps. This experiment proved that commercial soaps are made by combining detergents, lathering agents, and synthetic ingredients. Therefore, by definition, mass-produced soaps cannot be called soap.

  I have experimentally proven from this final college project that my handmade soaps are superior to commercial ones. Using this experimental knowledge, I'm always trying to polish my skills to produce authentic soaps of the highest quality.