Introduction to Soap

What is soap?

Soap is actually derived from the Latin word “Sapo”

Which is a salt that is produced from saponification

It was first produced by the Babylonians in the early 2800 BC

Saponification is a chemical reaction between the fat and sodium hydroxide (lye) to produce soap

Base (lye) + Acid (Oil/fat) = Salt (Soap)

Sodium Hydroxide (LYE)

Lye is a strong alkali which is highly soluble in water and in various form like flakes, pellets, microbeads, coarse powder or a solution.

It is also used in food, soap making, household cleaner, tissue digestion and fungus identification.

IMPORTANT:

When handling with lye, you need to wear long sleeves, gloves and eye goggles for protection.

Lye is dangerous because lye is a very corrosive material.

It is toxic and fatal if it is consumed or swallowed. It can cause chemical burns (eats up skin) as well as causing blindness. Its exothermic when dissolved into water and it is explosive when combined/touches with metals – therefore stainless steel is used instead. It produces carbon monoxide when combined with sugar.

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