People often turn to a vegetarian lifestyle when confronted with the cruelty that some domestic animals endure while being prepared for commercial slaughter. Although soap is not an edible item, it can contain fats originally derived from cattle and other creatures originally grown for food. Organic vegan soap is made without ingredients containing residual growth hormones or pesticides, and product testing is not conducted on animals.
Animal fat has traditionally been a primary ingredient in many widely-used personal care formulas. Unless contradicted by the label, there are also additional chemicals commonly incorporated to enhance both smell and appearance, as well as to improve lathering. Some products also contain residual traces of hormones and antibiotics originally placed in feed to maximize growth prior to slaughter.
Beef fat together with coconut oils are commonly found in many commercially sold brands, which may also contain formulas or mixtures derived from other sources, including palm oils. These substances are abundant and easily accessed, and soaps can be made from any form of fat when combined with ash or alkali-based ingredients. Animal fat is not really necessary, but is inexpensive and plentiful.
A product advertised as organic does not necessarily qualify as vegan. Ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, fish, mink, and emu oil, honey, royal jelly, and even urea are produced by creatures that may have been raised in the most accommodating, humane manner without any exposure to additional pesticides or chemicals. Because they are still animal products, they are considered non-vegetarian.
Rather than searching for personal care products containing no traces of lard or beef tallow, some people prefer to make their own. Any non-animal fat can be used, and a variety recipes are widely available online. Cocoa butter is a favorite ingredient, and is well known for its moisturizing characteristics. For a firmer bar, coconut oil works well, and also produces a good amount of lather.
Olive oil is the prime ingredient in making the mild variety widely known as Castile, which generally produces fewer allergic reactions or skin irritations. Shea butter comes from an African tree, is is touted for its moisture-retaining properties, and is also manufactured for use as a product by itself. Sweet almond oil adds a feeling of lightness, and conditions the skin. Many oils are blended for use as more effective combinations.
Even though palm oil is a vegetarian product, it is increasingly produced by huge plantations located in tropical south Asia. These massive farms are often located in formerly wild areas, and rapid deforestation destroys the habitats of many endangered species, while generating multiple environmental problems. Some palm oil is produced in a sustainable fashion, and that is usually indicated on the label.
Organically grown and vegan are not synonymous, and avoiding animal-based ingredients does not automatically create a superior product. People genuinely intent on avoiding participation in commercial cruelty must become aware of the actual translation of the information provided by labels. Stating that a product is natural has little real impact on humane farming methods or the use of additives.
Animal fat has traditionally been a primary ingredient in many widely-used personal care formulas. Unless contradicted by the label, there are also additional chemicals commonly incorporated to enhance both smell and appearance, as well as to improve lathering. Some products also contain residual traces of hormones and antibiotics originally placed in feed to maximize growth prior to slaughter.
Beef fat together with coconut oils are commonly found in many commercially sold brands, which may also contain formulas or mixtures derived from other sources, including palm oils. These substances are abundant and easily accessed, and soaps can be made from any form of fat when combined with ash or alkali-based ingredients. Animal fat is not really necessary, but is inexpensive and plentiful.
A product advertised as organic does not necessarily qualify as vegan. Ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, fish, mink, and emu oil, honey, royal jelly, and even urea are produced by creatures that may have been raised in the most accommodating, humane manner without any exposure to additional pesticides or chemicals. Because they are still animal products, they are considered non-vegetarian.
Rather than searching for personal care products containing no traces of lard or beef tallow, some people prefer to make their own. Any non-animal fat can be used, and a variety recipes are widely available online. Cocoa butter is a favorite ingredient, and is well known for its moisturizing characteristics. For a firmer bar, coconut oil works well, and also produces a good amount of lather.
Olive oil is the prime ingredient in making the mild variety widely known as Castile, which generally produces fewer allergic reactions or skin irritations. Shea butter comes from an African tree, is is touted for its moisture-retaining properties, and is also manufactured for use as a product by itself. Sweet almond oil adds a feeling of lightness, and conditions the skin. Many oils are blended for use as more effective combinations.
Even though palm oil is a vegetarian product, it is increasingly produced by huge plantations located in tropical south Asia. These massive farms are often located in formerly wild areas, and rapid deforestation destroys the habitats of many endangered species, while generating multiple environmental problems. Some palm oil is produced in a sustainable fashion, and that is usually indicated on the label.
Organically grown and vegan are not synonymous, and avoiding animal-based ingredients does not automatically create a superior product. People genuinely intent on avoiding participation in commercial cruelty must become aware of the actual translation of the information provided by labels. Stating that a product is natural has little real impact on humane farming methods or the use of additives.
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