It’s frustrating when your handmade soap starts to sweat and lose its shape after being exposed to wet weather. But why does this happen, and how can you keep your soap dry in the rain?
What causes natural handmade soaps to 'sweat' in wet weather?
When soap is made, it is created with a certain amount of moisture that is necessary for it to be properly formed and shaped. This moisture can evaporate quickly in dry conditions, but when there is high humidity in the air, the soap absorbs the extra moisture and starts to sweat. This can cause the soap to become soft, sticky, and eventually lose its shape.
Natural glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air, is found in handmade soap. Because of this, handmade soap "sweats" when the humidity rises. The moisture in the air can cause the soap to become saturated with water in humid weather, resulting in sweat-like droplets forming on the soap's surface.
The humidity in the air draws the water out of the soap bar, causing the glycerin to draw water from the air and accumulate on the bar's surface.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help keep your handmade soap dry in wet weather.
First, you can store your soap in a cooler location, such as a storage room or closet, away from direct sunlight. You can also store your soap in a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep out moisture. Additionally, you can add some dry ingredients, such as rice or Silica Gel Sachets,to the container to absorb some of the moisture.
Finally, you can wrap your soap in a cloth before storing it. This will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture. Remember to avoid using plastic wrap or bags, as these can trap moisture and cause your soap to sweat.
By following these steps, you can help keep your handmade soap dry in wet weather and maintain its original shape.
Despite this minor annoyance, handmade soaps are still enjoyable. They are made from natural ingredients and are free of synthetic chemicals and preservatives.
Furthermore, because of their natural oils and fats, handmade soaps are extremely moisturizing and can leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. So don't let the sweat of handmade soaps keep you from reaping its incredible benefits!