In today's post, I will discuss a common question that many have about soap making: how can soap, which is made with lye, be natural and harmless? This is an important question because there can be a misconception about the chemicals used in the process. Let's explore further and clarify how soap becomes a safe and natural cleaning agent despite its manufacturing process.
This is a common question, and this is how it works: sodium hydroxide / potassium hydroxide are completely natural chemicals, a sodium salt / potassium salt, which are completely non-toxic and biodegradable in nature. In their pure form, however, they are highly corrosive due to their high pH value, so you need to protect yourself when handling them.
The finished soap has transformed oils and lye (potassium hydroxide / sodium hydroxide) into a new substance: soap. So there is no lye left in the finished soap. Soap made from organic oils and pure sodium hydroxide is classified as organic in all eco-labels and is the mildest form of all detergents / surfactants you can find, i.e. completely natural.
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1. Why are sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide considered natural and harmless substances in soap making?
Both sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are natural chemicals that are biodegradable and non-toxic in their pure form, even though they are corrosive in high concentrations.
2. What happens to lye in the process of making soap?
In the finished soap, oils and lye are transformed into soap, and none of the lye remains in the final product.
3. How is soap made from organic oils and pure sodium hydroxide classified?
Soap made from organic oils and pure sodium hydroxide is classified as organic and is considered a mild and natural cleaning agent.
4. What is the advantage of using soap as a cleaning agent compared to other chemicals?
Soap is a mild and natural cleaning agent that is gentle on the environment and the skin, making it a more sustainable alternative than many other chemicals.
5. How can you protect yourself when handling lye in soap making?
To protect yourself against the corrosive effect of lye, you should use protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection when handling it in its concentrated form.