Understanding Lye: What It Is and How It's Used in Cold-Process Soap Making
At The Natural Lather, we're dedicated to crafting high-quality, all-natural, safe and effective bath and body products that men and women of all ages can enjoy! Our family-owned and operated business prioritizes core family values and a commitment to natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices. In this this post we are going to address a common question and concern many of our customers have.
What Is Lye?
Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is the key ingredient in cold-process soap making. You cannot make a true authentic soap without it. Lye a strong alkaline substance that plays a vital role in the saponification process, transforming fats and oils into soap.
How Is Lye Used in Cold-Process Soap Making?
Here at The Natural Lather, we carefully mix lye with water at the proper ratios, to create what's called a lye solution. This solution is then blended with a variety of all-natural oils and butters, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. As the mixture is stirred and emulsified, it creates what is called a batter and the saponification process begins, resulting in the formation of soap.
Common Concerns About Lye
We understand that many people have concerns about using lye in skincare products and this is completely understandable. However, when done properly, all the lye is consumed during the saponification process, leaving behind a gentle and nourishing bar of soap.
What is Superfatting?
Superfatting is when a soap maker intentionally leaves a percentage of unsaponified oils and butters in the final soap product, somewhere around 5% of the total weight. This extra fat provides added moisturizing properties, ensure all the lye has been properly saponified, and makes the soap a bit gentler on the skin. By superfatting, we ensure that our cold-process soaps at The Natural Lather not only cleanse effectively but also leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated.
Why Choose Cold-Process Soap?
Our cold-process soaps offer a range of benefits, including:
- Natural Ingredients: Our soaps are made with pure, natural ingredients that are safe for the whole family.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: We prioritize sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly practices to minimize our environmental impact.
- Gentle on Skin: Cold-process soaps retain the natural glycerin produced during saponification, resulting in a moisturizing and gentle cleansing experience.
By understanding the role of lye in cold-process soap making, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and care and effort that goes into each bar of The Natural Lather soap. If you'd like to learn more about our ingredients, please visit our Ingredients Page.
If you have any questions or would like to explore our range of products, feel free to visit our online store or contact us. Thank you for supporting our family-owned business!