Essentially Natural Caustic Soda Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
Essentially Natural Caustic Soda Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
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Essentially Natural Caustic Soda Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is an alkali used in soap making. When combined with oils and fats, it triggers saponification, the chemical reaction that creates solid soap. Used correctly, the lye is consumed during the reaction and the finished soap contains no active lye. This is a highly caustic raw material and must be handled with strict safety precautions.
Why we love lye: it is used to make soap! Find all our beautiful soap recipes and soap making inspiration here: Soaps.
Key properties
- Ingredient: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- Function: Alkali for soap making
- Form: Caustic solid
- Size Options: 500g, 1kg or 5L
What it’s used for
- Cold process and hot process soap making
- Producing hard soap through saponification with oils and fats
Who it’s for
- Soap makers who follow correct lye-handling procedures
- Makers using verified soap recipes and accurate weighing
- Cosmetic leave-on products
- Internal use
- Anyone unable to follow strict safety procedures
This product is suitable for:
This product is not for:
How to use
- As a Soap Making Ingredient: Weigh accurately according to a tested soap recipe and calculate lye amounts correctly for your oils.
- Processing Tip: Always add lye to water, not water to lye, and mix in a well-ventilated area.
- Processing Tip: Allow soap to cure fully according to your method before use.
Safety instructions
- Danger, causes severe burns
- Always wear protective gloves, eye protection and protective clothing
- Avoid skin and eye contact, avoid inhalation and ingestion
- Mix in a well-ventilated area and keep away from children and pets
- If skin or eyes are contacted, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention
- Store tightly sealed, dry and away from moisture, sunlight and heat
- Not suitable for food use
Faqs
Q: Why is lye needed for soap?
A: It is required to convert oils into soap through saponification.
Q: Can I make soap without lye?
A: True soap made from oils and fats requires an alkali such as sodium hydroxide.
Q: Is finished soap harsh because it uses lye?
A: When formulated correctly and fully cured, the lye is consumed during saponification and the finished soap should
be safe for normal use.

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