The-Alchemy-Behind-Soap-Lye-NaOH East Darrington Trade

Soapy Science: The Alchemy Behind Soap: Lye (NaOH)

Lye, The Unsung Hero of Soapmaking

Author: Lazy Dairy Maid

 

Lye. ---   The word itself might conjure images of harsh chemicals and dangerous burns. But in reality, lye is a fascinating substance with a rich history and a surprisingly wide range of uses.

 

What is Lye?

 

Lye is a strong alkaline substance typically produced from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). It's a powerful base that reacts strongly with acids and fats.

A Bit of History

The use of lye dates back centuries. Ancient civilizations used it for various purposes, including Cleaning. Lye solutions were used to clean and sanitize surfaces. Even Food Preparation. Lye was used to make certain foods, such as pretzels and lye hominy. And the best one yet, Soapmaking. This is perhaps the most well-known use of lye. Early soapmakers used lye derived from wood ash to create soaps that tended to be harsh.  The concentration of ash produced Lye is often unpredictable,  leading to excess Lye left in the finished soap.  

Lye in Soapmaking

Lye is the crucial ingredient in the traditional cold process method of soapmaking. Here's how it works

When lye is mixed with oils or fats, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs.  During this process, the triglycerides in the oils and fats are broken down, and the glycerol is released.  Soap is formed. The fatty acids then combine with the sodium or potassium ions from the lye to form soap molecules.  You can learn more about Saponification in our other Blog Posts.  

The Lies about Lye: Misconceptions About Lye Soaps

"Lye soaps are dangerous"  is a common misconception. Properly made lye soaps are completely safe to use. During the saponification process, virtually all of the lye is used up to create soap. Any residual lye is neutralized, leaving behind a gentle cleansing product.

"Lye soaps are harsh on the skin" is also a common misconception about cold process soap. High-quality lye soaps, made with nourishing oils and fats, can actually be gentler on the skin than many commercial soaps. This is because they lack harsh detergents and synthetic chemicals.

Important Notes About Working with Lye :

Safety First: Working with lye requires caution. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.

Accurate Measurements: Precise measurements are crucial in soapmaking. Using too much lye can create a harsh soap, while using too little can result in an incompletely saponified product.

Lye, when used responsibly, is a valuable ingredient in soapmaking and other applications. By understanding its properties and following proper safety procedures, you can harness its power to create effective and enjoyable products.

Thanks for Reading! -- The Lazy Dairy Maid

Author: Lazy Dairy Maid -- 

Sharing a daily routine with these animals and nurturing the land has instilled a deep appreciation for natural ingredients and time-honored traditions, like bread baking, cheesemaking, and the art of cold process soap production.


Read More Here--- Meet the Maker: Lazy Dairy Maid

Side Note: This blog post focuses on the use of lye for making soap. It does not delve into the specific properties of any soap itself, as those would fall under the purview of the FDA as cosmetics or drugs.

This blog post aims to inform it's readers about lye and saponification, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in creating this natural and luxurious product.

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