Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Ashley L.
status       student
age          15

Question -   What effect does glycerin have on soap?
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Ashley,

Glycerin is a moisturizer that softens the soap and makes it rinse away more easily.

Regards,
ProfHoff 658
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Glycerin serves two purposes. 1. Because it is very polar, that is, a lot of hydroxyl 
groups--
chemical formula is: CH2(OH)-CH(OH)-CH2(OH) -- it acts as a moisturizing agent. It forms 
hydrogen bonds with water and slows down the evaporation of water from the skin. 2. It acts to 
soften the fatty acids and fatty acid salts that are the primary ingredients in soap. This keeps 
the soap from breaking should you drop it in the shower or on the floor.

Vince Calder
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