Many people turn to a vegetarian philosophy of life because they can no longer ignore the cruelty domestic creatures experience on their journey to becoming fast food. While soap is definitely not edible, it usually contains fat derived from animal sources, in combination with some form of lye. Organic vegan soap is made without using animal byproducts containing growth additives, and is not safety-tested on laboratory animals.

Non-vegetable based fats have been used to make soaps and similar personal products for thousands of years. Unless otherwise indicated by labeling, products manufactured today also contain additional chemicals used to enhance foaming, as well as imparting a fresh smell and an attractive appearance. Many contain traces of hormones or antibiotics used to stimulate animal growth prior to slaughter, unlike most vegetable-based products.

Beef fat and coconut oil are the two most common ingredient in most commercial brands, in combination with mixtures derived from other fat sources commonly including palm oils. While those ingredients are abundant, soap can be made from any type of fat in combination with ash or alkali. Animal fat is not really needed, but is widely used because of its easy availability and low cost.

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 combing stores or websites to find products not containing any trace of beef tallow or lard, many people have begun to make their own personal soaps. There are many recipes available online, and any type of vegetable fat will work, although some are preferable to others. Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient with a reputation as an excellent moisturizer. When firm bars are needed, coconut oils hold their shape while producing abundant lather.

Generic Castile soaps features olive oil as the primary ingredient, and has long been known to cause fewer skin irritations or allergic responses. Shea butter derived from African sources has existed for many decades, and is well known for retaining moisture while softening skin, and can be used as a stand-alone cosmetic product. Sweet almond oil conditions skin effectively, and is a lighter choice that appeals to many.

Palm oils are considered vegetarian, but in recent decades have been produced on increasingly large south-Asian plantations that displace the natural tropical vegetation, destroy endangered species habitats, and contribute to the environmental hazards associated with deforestation. There are some brands of palm oil produced using sustainable methods, a fact usually stated on the packaging.

Vegan and organically grown are not interchangeable descriptions, and eliminating animal fat does not automatically make a commercial product superior. Those interested in purchasing, using or eating only vegan products must be conversant with the terminology of labeling. The word natural is widely used, but is no guarantee that humane practices were employed, or that chemical additives are not present.