In today's post, we will take a closer look at an interesting aspect of soap making: the difference between real hard soap and soft soap (såpa). There is some confusion surrounding these terms and their usage, so let's explore this topic to clarify the differences and understand why they are important.
Last edited May 22, 2024
To make real hard soap, you use sodium hydroxide, while potassium hydroxide gives a softer soap = såpa. Real liquid soap has an ingredient list with INCI names such as Potassium olivate (saponified olive oil) Potassium-xxx, etc. This means that the soap's content is fatty acid salts saponified with potassium hydroxide (potassium hydroxide) and an oil. Potassium hydroxide creates soft soap crystals. Real såpa like linseed oil såpa, Västerbottenssåpa is a real liquid soap/såpa = fatty acid salts from potassium hydroxide. It is only in the Nordic countries that we have our own word for Såpa, in other countries it is called e.g. Cleaning Soap and liquid soap, so there is no linguistic distinction between såpa and soap.
We received the latest real reminder of the importance of hygiene during the Corona pandemic when we received daily information via the media about the importance of washing hands and using soap and water.
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1. What is used to make real hard soap and what gives a softer soap?
Real hard soap is made with sodium hydroxide, while potassium hydroxide gives a softer soap, called såpa.
2. What ingredients are found in real liquid soaps and what is their origin?
Real liquid soaps contain fatty acid salts from potassium hydroxide and oil, which are combined to create the soap's consistency and cleaning properties.