Why is sodium hydroxide used in soap?

When mixed with water, sodium hydroxide dissociates completely to just hydroxyl and sodium ions. The hydroxyl ions carry a negative charge, and the sodium ions have a positive one. This influx of ions leads to a strong exothermic reaction, which helps hydrolyze fats in the saponification process to form soaps.

Why is castor oil used in soap?

Basic Information About Castor Oil Castor oil added to a soap recipe results in a stable lather that is low, dense, and creamy. What it does do is add moisturizing qualities to soap. Though it’s thick and sticky straight out of the bottle, it is easily absorbed by the skin.

What does sodium hydroxide do to oil?

such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), acts on natural fats or oils, such as tallow or vegetable oil, to produce sodium fatty acid salt (soap) and glycerin (or glycerol). This saponification reaction is the basis for all soapmaking.

Do you need sodium hydroxide in soap?

The answer is — yes, of course. No lye — No soap! All REAL soap is made with lye (sodium hydroxide mixed with liquid). Any skin or hair cleansing product made without sodium hydroxide is not soap, it is detergent.

Is sodium hydroxide in soap bad for skin?

The CDC reports that “Skin contact with sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns with deep ulcerations. Pain and irritation are evident within 3 minutes, but contact with dilute solutions may not cause symptoms for several hours. Solutions as weak as 0.12\% have shown to destruct healthy skin cells within one hour.

Is sodium hydroxide in soap safe for skin?

The lye gets entirely used up during the process, which means it’s no longer present and can do no harm to your skin.

Is castor oil soap good for skin?

Pure castor oil soap is used for improving skin and hair conditions today with its healing and nourishing quality. It easily penetrates the skin layers and makes the skin smooth, supple to vitalize it naturally. Moreover, castor oil soap possesses a thick consistency and produces medium lather when applied.

Is castor oil and Castile soap the same?

Most castile soap today is actually a blend of olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, or any other commonly used vegetable oil. Castile soap can be made as either a hard bar soap or a liquid soap. There are several good brands available.

Why does sodium hydroxide burn skin?

Spilling sodium hydroxide over large areas of the skin or swallowing sodium hydroxide may cause shock and even death. Sodium hydroxide can break down proteins and generates heat when dissolving in water.

How does sodium hydroxide replace soap?

The main way that you can make soap without handling lye is by using melt-and-pour soap. It’s already been through saponification (oils reacting with lye) and is safe to use and handle straight out of the package. All you do with it is melt it, add your scent, color, and other additives, then pour it into molds.

What does Naoh do to skin?

Skin Contact: CORROSIVE. Contact can cause pain, redness, burns, and blistering. Permanent scarring can result. A severe exposure can cause death.