Vegan soaps have recently joined the growing list of cruelty-free products. Originally synonymous with anti-cruelty crusaders, these detergents have piqued business owners’ interest, too. And while skeptics abound, it’s undeniable that vegan soaps will be the next big thing in business hygiene.
Here’s a definitive guide to vegan soap, including how they’re manufactured and why these cruelty-free detergents are trending in corporate circles.
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What Are Vegan Soaps?
Vegan soaps are manufactured from plant-derived oils and fats instead of saponified animal fats. They’re also known as vegetable soaps, connoting their origin.
According to the Vegan Society, vegan soap entails any detergent 100% free from animal ingredients. Again, the emphasis is on vegetable and plant-based oils.
Vegan soap has become a common staple in business hygiene. As mentioned, these detergents are no longer exclusively associated with animal protection groups. The soaps provide many health and environmental benefits that endear them to many users.
How Are Vegan Soaps Made?
Most soaps follow a similar manufacturing process. The primary difference is the chief raw materials used.
Vegan detergents rely on all-natural, plant-based ingredients like organic coconut oil, castor oil, hemp seed oil, rice bran wax, and shea butter. Other common ingredients in vegan soaps include aloe vera, corn syrup, cornstarch, pectin, walnut shell powder, oatmeal, and flower petals.
The manufacturing process typically begins by mixing lye into a combination of essential oils and water. The solution is gently heated, after which more essential oils are added.
The mixture is then infused with natural flavorings like lavender and mint. These compounds are responsible for the soap’s pleasant scent. Some also contain therapeutic benefits, such as lavender, which is famous for its sleep-aiding properties.
Another key stage in manufacturing vegan soaps is the infusion of natural colorings. Ingredients here depend on the product’s desired appearance. Manufacturers may add annatto seeds for an orange color, spirulina for a green tint, or carob for a chocolaty hue.
Finally, the solution is poured into molds and dried for about 24 hours. Another thirty days is necessary for the product to cure, after which it’s ready for use.
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Why Are Vegan Soaps Trending in Corporate Circles?
1. They’re Cruelty-Free
Vegan soaps gained initial fame by the fact that their production is free from any form of exploitation of, or cruelty to, animals.
These products lack the common animal ingredients in regular detergents, such as gelatin, lanolin, tallow, and lard. Instead, they’re formulated with plant-derived compounds.
Many companies have since replaced their regular soaps with vegan detergents as a gesture of kindness to animals.
Using vegan soaps in your business is a proactive way to appeal to the interests of anti-cruelty crusaders in your staff.
2. They Contain Therapeutic Ingredients
Not only are vegan soaps created from vegetable oils. They also boast various ingredients that could benefit your employees’ health.
Aloe vera oil is a noteworthy inclusion in most vegan detergents. Studies have shown that the compound has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may treat skin disorders like atopic dermatitis.
Additional research suggests that applying aloe vera topicals might improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production. The latter benefit is important in reversing aging symptoms like wrinkles.
Lavender and mint, the two popular natural fragrances in vegan soaps, are incredibly soothing. Inhaling these scents might relieve work-related stress and anxiety, potentially increasing employee productivity.
Last, most essential oils in vegan soap are potent antioxidants. These compounds may cushion your staffers from a host of chronic skin conditions.
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3. They’re Free from Problematic Chemicals
Vegan soaps contain all-natural ingredients, which makes them suitable for employees with different skin types. These detergents are free from harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SSL).
SSL is one of the most toxic chemicals in regular detergents. Multiple findings associate the compound with skin inflammation and water loss.
Thanks to their ingredient profile, vegan soaps are particularly suitable for users with sensitive skin. Cases of employee skin irritation will reduce significantly when you switch to these detergents.
4. They’re Tailored for Every User
There’s a long list of healthy ingredients that a vegan soap may be formulated with. As already hinted, most of these compounds have specific therapeutic properties.
Businesses can now choose a vegan detergent depending on the target users.
For instance, vegan soaps containing olive oils or aloe vera are highly moisturizing and nourishing. Such detergents may be ideal during humid conditions with elevated skin moisture loss.
There are also charcoal-based soaps known to reduce pore sizes and accelerate wound healing. You could designate these detergents to handwashing sinks used primarily by manual laborers in your company, such as janitors and landscapers.
5. They’re Environmentally Friendly
The past few years have seen a growing awareness of environmental conservation. Many employees and customers today prefer to engage with eco-friendly companies.
Shifting to biodegradable products is an ingenious way to capture the interests of eco-conscious staffers and shoppers. It’s a sustainable approach to improving employee and customer retention.
Fortunately, vegan soaps contain all-natural ingredients that are easier on the environment.
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Summary
Vegan soaps boast numerous skincare and ecological benefits. The soaps contain mild ingredients, making them ideal for different skin types.
Switching to these products may not only improve hygiene at your workplace. It can also boost employee productivity and endear your brand to your customers.