Liquid Hand Soap 101: Understanding the Basics
Liquid hand soaps, like hand sanitizers, witnessed an explosive demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these products have been around for much longer. And if recent statistics are anything to go by, the future points to a potential shift from traditional bar soaps to liquid detergents.
Findings by Global Market Insights suggest that the global liquid hand soap market stood at over USD 3 billion in 2022 and may register an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2023 to 2032.
This article will serve as a practical handbook for liquid hand soap. The post shall start by tracking down these detergents’ history and exploring what gives them an edge over regular bar soaps.
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Liquid Hand Soaps Are Over a Century Old
Liquid soaps first appeared in the mid-1800s and are credited to several inventors.
In 1865, William Sheppard patented the first version of the liquid hand soap as we know it today. However, it was not until 1898 that B.J. Johnson developed the first proper liquid soap.
Johnson’s product was formulated with palm and olive oils. His eponymous soap company developed it and sold it under the “Palmolive” brand. Johnson’s invention became so popular that he renamed his company Palmolive, marking the first mass production of liquid detergent. Many other soap brands would later cash in on the growing demand for liquid soaps.
Today, we have companies dedicated specifically to manufacturing premium-quality liquid hand soap. Others focus on liquid detergents for kitchens, bathrooms, counters, and laundries.
Liquid Hand Soaps Boast Numerous Ingredients
Liquid hand soaps can contain various ingredients, depending on the brand. Most detergents are formulated with aqua and different sodium salts, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride, and sodium benzoate.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) deserves special attention for its immense dermatological benefits. The compound works primarily as a surfactant. It reduces the surface tension between ingredients, which explains its role in cleaning and foaming products.
Research has shown that SLS can improve skin dryness and replenish lost vitality. The compound may also unclog blocked skin pores, increasing the absorption of other useful ingredients in liquid hand soaps.
There have been widespread concerns about long-term exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate, with many reports claiming that this sodium salt may be carcinogenic. However, a 2015 study allayed those fears by confirming SLS’s safety in household cleaning products.
Besides water and sodium salts, the following are other common active ingredients in liquid hand detergents;
- Glycerin
- Dipropylene glycol
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Anthemis nobilis flower oil
- Graveolens flower oil,
- Citric acid
- Panthenol
- Pantolactone
- Tocopheryl acetate
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Liquid Hand Soaps Are Remarkably Convenient and Hygienic
The convenience of liquid hand detergents explains their surging popularity, especially in public lavatories.
Each liquid soap bottle contains a dispenser that you press gently to release the soap onto your hands.
This reduces the time otherwise required to grab a bar of soap and rub it in your hands to lather. More importantly, it minimizes the transfer of germs from one user to another.
Thanks to their hygienic nature, liquid hand soaps have found their place in many business centers. Adding these detergents to your staff washrooms can significantly improve overall workplace sanitation. Your employees will be happy to wash their hands without worrying about cross-contamination.
Liquid hand soaps are also an excellent add-on to handwashing centers in other public areas, including hospitals, schools, and festivals.
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Liquid Hand Soaps Are Travel-Friendly
Traveling the world lets you explore breathtaking sceneries as you meet new people. But it also exposes you to unfamiliar skincare products, particularly liquid hand washes, and bath soaps.
Initial contact with a new liquid detergent brand may trigger hypersensitivity reactions. That’s especially true if you have sensitive skin and the product contains known irritants.
Fortunately, knowing you can safely travel with your liquid hand soap is exciting. A standard bottle lasts several trips, minimizing the risks of exposure to potentially toxic ingredients in unfamiliar products.
Unlike bar soap, you don’t have to wait for liquid hand detergent to dry before stashing it in your suitcase. Just put the cover on, and you’re good to go.
However, be sure to store the dispenser upright to prevent accidental spills.
Liquid Hand Soaps Are Incredibly Durable and Cost-effective.
Liquid hand detergents are designed with smart dispensers to prevent unnecessary spills. Simply press the top gently to release the desired amount of soap onto your hand.
That’s in contrast to bar soaps, which retain some water after every handwashing. As the water drains off a mushy bar soap, it takes a decent amount of soap with it.
It’s also worth noting that bar soaps can shrink over time when used in wet sinks or counters. Comparatively, liquid detergents are unaffected by constant water splashing or prolonged contact with standing water.
Liquid hand soaps are also refillable. You can purchase larger quantities, say 10 or 20 liters, and refill the dispenser whenever it runs dry.
The ability to buy liquid soaps in bulk not only prolongs their durability. It also saves you money in the long-run.
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Summary
Understanding liquid hand soaps is critical before integrating these detergents into your personal or business hygiene.
In conclusion, it’s important to emphasize the significance of researching a liquid hand soap’s active ingredients before buying the detergent. Insist on products formulated with natural cleaning, moisturizing, and therapeutic agents.
