What is the difference between soft soap and soap?

In today’s post, we will take a closer look at an interesting aspect of soapmaking: the difference between genuine hard soap and soft soap. There is some confusion surrounding these terms and their use, so let’s explore this topic to clarify the differences and understand why they matter.

 

 

 

Last edited on May 22, 2024

 

 

 

 

To make genuine hard soap, sodium hydroxide is used, while potassium hydroxide produces a softer soap = soft soap. Genuine liquid soap has an ingredient list with INCI names such as Potassium olivate (saponified olive oil), Potassium-xxx, and so on. This means that the soap contains fatty acid salts saponified with potassium hydroxide (potassium hydroxide) and an oil. Potassium hydroxide creates soft soap crystals. Genuine soft soap, such as linseed oil soap and Västerbottenssåpa, is a genuine liquid soap/soft soap = fatty acid salts from potassium hydroxide. Only in the Nordic countries do we have a specific word for soft soap; in other countries, it is called, for example, Cleaning Soap and liquid soap, so there is no linguistic distinction between soft soap and soap.

We received the latest real reminder of the importance of hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the media gave us daily information about the importance of washing our hands and using soap and water.

 

 

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1. What is used to make genuine hard soap, and what produces a softer soap?

Genuine hard soap is made with sodium hydroxide, while potassium hydroxide produces a softer soap called soft soap.

 

2. What ingredients are found in genuine liquid soaps, and what is their origin?

Genuine liquid soaps contain fatty acid salts from potassium hydroxide and oil, which combine to create the soap’s consistency and cleaning properties.