The main ingredient in homemade soap is lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Lye is a strong alkali that reacts with oils and fats to create soap. This process is called saponification.
When lye is mixed with water, it creates a highly caustic solution that can cause severe burns if not handled carefully. Therefore, it is crucial to work with lye in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear.
While lye is the main ingredient, homemade soap recipes also typically include:
- Oils and fats: These can include olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and other vegetable oils.
- Water: This helps to dissolve the lye and create a solution that can react with the oils.
- Additives: These can include essential oils, herbs, and other ingredients to add fragrance, color, or other properties to the soap.
The exact proportions of lye, oils, and water will vary depending on the specific recipe. However, the basic principle remains the same: lye reacts with fats to create soap.
