Soap and Summer Heat: Understanding Glycerin Dew
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Ever unwrap a bar of soap and notice it looks a little damp or even tacky? Maybe it feels soft, almost like it broke a sweat during the trip. That’s something called glycerin dew—and it’s completely natural, especially in the summer heat.
What Is Glycerin Dew?
Glycerin dew (also known as soap sweat) happens when moisture from the air collects on the surface of your soap. It’s most common in natural, cold process soaps—like the ones we make at Brick Box—because they still contain glycerin, a natural byproduct of the soapmaking process.
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air. That’s great for your skin—but when the air is hot and humid, it can also make the soap itself look like it’s sweating.
Why It Happens More in the Summer
You’re more likely to see glycerin dew:
- After shipping in high heat
- When the soap is stored in humid or poorly ventilated areas
- If it’s unwrapped too soon after being moved from one climate to another
Hot weather and humidity amplify the effect, especially on freshly made or freshly unboxed bars.
Is It a Problem?
Not at all. Glycerin dew doesn’t affect how the soap performs, how long it lasts, or how well it cleans. In fact, it’s a sign your soap hasn’t been stripped of its natural ingredients—the way many commercial bars are.
Sometimes the heat can also make a bar feel softer than usual. Just let it sit out in a cool, dry spot for a day or two, and it’ll firm right back up.
How to Minimize It
If you’d rather avoid the dew:
- Store soap in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space
- Avoid airtight containers—let it breathe
- Use a slatted soap dish once the bar is in use
Before We Go…
Soap that sweats is just soap that’s been somewhere warm and wild. It’s harmless, it’s natural, and it’s part of what makes handcrafted soap like ours so good for your skin.
So if your bar shows up with a little sheen on it, don’t worry—it’s just adjusting to life outside the box.
A Quick Note About Shipping
At Brick Box, we don’t ship during periods of extreme heat. That’s because we want every bricc to arrive looking and feeling its best—not soft, sweaty, or roughed up from the road. We’ll always keep you posted if weather delays your order.
Written by Bill Musall
Founder, Brick Box Natural Soap Company