Got Pork? Finding Out Which Soaps Contain Animal Fats

For those avoiding animal products, it’s important to know what’s in your soap Surprisingly, many common bar soaps and body washes contain pork fat, tallow, or other animal-derived ingredients This article reviews which popular soaps contain pork or other animal fats, and some vegan soap alternatives.

The Use of Pork Fat in Soaps

Pork fat, usually in the form of lard or tallow, has traditionally been used in soap making. Here’s why:

• Makes a hard bar – Pork fat helps create a firm bar of soap that won’t get soft and mushy when wet The fat molecules bind with the other ingredients

• Lathering ability – Pork fats like lard and tallow readily form bubbles and lather well when mixed into soaps. They contribute to a rich, creamy lather.

• Mildness – Pork fat is considered milder and less drying than other fats like beef tallow. This makes the soap gentler on skin.

• Affordability – Lard and pork tallow are inexpensive ingredients compared to plant-based oils. This keeps costs down.

While synthetic ingredients are sometimes used now, many classic soaps still rely on pork fat for its useful properties. Let’s look at which major brands contain it.

Popular Soaps Containing Pork Products

Here are some of the most common bar soaps and body washes that contain pork-derived ingredients, based on a review of product labels and ingredients lists:

• Dove – All Dove bar soaps contain tallow/beef fat. The body washes are pork-free.

• Ivory – Ivory bars contain tallow. The body wash/liquid soaps don’t.

• Zest – Zest bars contain pork fat/lard. The shower gels/body wash products are pork-free.

• Safeguard – The classic Safeguard bars use pork fat. The liquid hand soap does not.

• Irish Spring – Their famous green bars contain pork fat. The body wash is pork-free.

• Lever 2000 – Lever 2000 bar soap contains pork fat, but the body wash liquid does not.

• Coast – Coast bar soap contains pork fat. Their body wash is pork-free.

• Camay – This floral soap contains pork fat in the bars but not the liquid hand soap.

• Caress – The Caress bars contain tallow/beef fat. Their liquid body wash is pork-free.

As you can see, nearly all classic bar soaps contain some type of animal fat. But most body washes and shower gels are free of pork fat.

Reading Labels to Identify Pork Fat

When purchasing soap, read the ingredients label carefully to determine if pork fat is included. Here are the terms to look for:

• Lard
• Tallow
• Sodium tallowate
• Sodium lardate
• Stearic acid (may be from pork)
• Glycerin (may be animal-derived)

Don’t assume vegetarian soaps marketed as “all-natural” are pork-free either. Check the label since “natural” fats like lard can still be used.

Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Soap Options

For those avoiding animal ingredients, look for soaps certified as vegetarian or vegan. Here are some good options:

• Dr. Bronner’s – All of Dr. Bronner’s castile soaps are vegan. Great for liquid hand soap or body wash.

• Tom’s of Maine – Offers several vegan bar soap options like fragrance-free and lavender.

• Kiss My Face – Vegan bar soaps in fun fragrances like lemongrass and olive oil.

• Nature’s Gate – cruelty-free and vegan soaps including peppermint, oatmeal, and aloe vera.

• Desert Essence – Vegan and eco-friendly bar soaps featuring ingredients like tea tree and coconut.

There are also many small artisanal soap makers offering handmade vegan soaps. Check sites like Etsy.

Or make your own simple vegan soap at home using all plant-based oils and fats like coconut, olive, or shea butter. There are recipes online.

Should You Avoid Animal-Fat Soaps?

Whether to avoid soaps containing animal fats is a personal choice. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of choosing vegan soaps:

• Aligns with vegan ethics of avoiding animal products

• Prevents animal cruelty and slaughter for tallow/lard

• Often uses more natural plant-based ingredients

Cons of avoiding animal fat soaps:

• May be more expensive than classic brands

• Harder to find in regular stores

• Formulas not as time-tested or well-known

Talk to your doctor if you have skin conditions before switching soap types. In the end, find a soap that leaves your skin feeling healthy, clean, and happy!

The Bottom Line

Many common bar soaps contain pork fat from lard or tallow. But most liquid body washes and hand soaps are animal fat-free. Read ingredients carefully when soap shopping if you wish to avoid products containing pork. There are an increasing number of vegan soap options on the market made from plant oils instead. With care in selection, you can keep pork off your face and body when you lather up!