Shalom,

 Over the past few months my wife and I have been analyzing the products that we use for possible sources of unclean animal products. We have uncovered that this byproduct called Glycerin/Glycerol is in most products including soap, cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines, lubricants, and liquid laundry soap to name a few http://www.happycow.net/health-animal-ingredients.html.  With research we have discovered that Glycerin comes  from a variety of animals and mostly from pork http://www.happycow.net/health-animal-ingredients.html (para 10). We have been in the culture 9 months and we are wondering if we are being too extreme in trying to avoid subtle abomination contamination.

Glycerin. Glycerol.
A byproduct of soap manufacture (normally uses animal fat). In cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines, lubricants, transmission and brake fluid, and plastics. Derivatives: Glycerides, Glyceryls, Glycreth-26, Polyglycerol. Alternatives: vegetable glycerin—a byproduct of vegetable oil soap. Derivatives of seaweed, petroleum. http://www.happycow.net/health-animal-ingredients.html

In as much as glycerin is derived from fat, and that it is often derived from animal fat - among the most common of these being pork, there are some obvious concerns with Glycerin.  Generally, it is understood that vegetable glycerin is fine; however, one must determine what methods were used to bleach the glycerin (if it was bleached) in order to determine whether or not it is permissible.  All other forms of glycerin in food, soap or other products are prohibited. http://www.orahsaddiqim.org/Kashrut/glycerin.shtml

Of course we all know about the gelatin and jello products. And if not this is some info on the matter.

Gelatin. Gel.
Protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. From cows and pigs. Used in shampoos, face masks, and other cosmetics. Used as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings (e.g., "Jello"). In candies, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, yogurts. On photographic film and in vitamins as a coating and as capsules. Sometimes used to assist in "clearing" wines. Alternatives: carrageen (carrageenan, Irish moss), seaweeds (algin, agar-agar, kelp—used in jellies, plastics, medicine), pectin from fruits, dextrins, locust bean gum, cotton gum, silica gel. Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marsh mallow plant. Vegetarian capsules are now available from several companies. Digital cameras don't use film. . http://www.happycow.net/health-animal-ingredients.html

Lard.
Fat from hog abdomens. In shaving creams, soaps, cosmetics. In baked goods, French fries, refried beans, and many other foods. Alternatives: pure vegetable fats or oils.

Stearic Acid.
Fat from cows and sheep and from dogs and cats euthanized in animal shelters, etc. Most often refers to a fatty substance taken from the stomachs of pigs. Can be harsh, irritating. Used in cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, candles, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, chewing gum, food flavoring. Derivatives: Stearamide, Stearamine, Stearates, Stearic Hydrazide, Stearone, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearoyl Lactylic Acid, Stearyl Betaine, Stearyl Imidazoline. Alternatives: Stearic acid can be found in many vegetable fats, coconut. (These are other names given for this product, Stearates, Stearamine, Stearamide, Stearic Hydrazide, and Stearone.)

Of course some things are now sinthetic but are not labeled as so. Also I had a question about cologne! We put it on our skin but it comes from whales. Whales are considered to be unclean right? We are getting the product from them when they are dead. So is that considered an unclean act. I've only been in the culture for 10 months. So can anyone tell me if Im digging too far into this matter with what we put on our bodies, and what we put in them. I would love to get feed back on if I am too extreme or not!

Toda family,
Rick Strong