what is soap made of?

Have you ever used soap? Do you know what it is made of?

Basically, soap is mainly composed of two ingredients: fat and alkali. In traditional soap making, the fat is usually animal fat or vegetable oil, such as olive, coconut or palm oil. The base of choice is usually sodium hydroxide (solid base) or potassium hydroxide (liquid base).

During the chemical process of soap making, alkali reacts with fat to form a compound called soap, with glycerin produced as a by-product. This process, called saponification, combines the fatty acids in the fat with the hydroxides in the base to form soap molecules.

In addition to the basic ingredients, soaps can have fragrances, colors, skin care ingredients, and more added to improve their appearance, smell, and skin care benefits. So, when you use soap, you are washing away dirt while also bringing care and cleansing to your skin.

In addition, soap is divided into three types according to process: machine-made soap, handmade soap, and cold soap.

Among them, machine-made soap is the cheapest and is generally used in hotels. It feels relatively hard and the effect is not that good.

Cold soap is the most expensive because it is a complete cooling process, so it can best retain the natural ingredients in the soap and is better for the human body. The texture is relatively soft.

Handmade soap is somewhere in between and is the most widely used soap.

how to make soap at home?

Making soap can be a fun and creative process! You can do it at home.Now follow me and do the following steps

Material:

sodium hydroxide

Olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, etc. one of them.

distilled water

Additives: Fragrance oils, herbs, spices or colors used to increase aroma and visual appeal.

equipment:

Safety equipment: Gloves, goggles and long-sleeved clothing to protect against caustic soda splash.

Heat-resistant container: Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic container for mixing caustic soda.

Thermometer: Used to accurately monitor temperature.

Scale: For accurately weighing ingredients.

Hand mixer: for mixing soap.

Molds: Silicone molds are a common choice for making soap.

Towel: Used to wrap soap to maintain temperature.

Production steps:

Step One: Put on safety gear – gloves, goggles and long-sleeved clothing.

Prepare sodium hydroxide solution:

In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the sodium hydroxide to the water while stirring. This mixture will heat up and release gas, so be careful.

Allow the sodium hydroxide solution to cool to approximately 100°F (38°C).

Prepare the oil:

If desired, melt the solid grease and mix with the liquid oil. Warm them gently to about 100-110°F (38-43°C).

mix:

Once the caustic soda solution and oil have both reached about 100°F (38°C), slowly pour the caustic soda solution into the oil while stirring gently.

Stir:

Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it reaches a "pure" state - similar to a thin soufflé.

additive:

Add any optional additives such as aromatic oils, herbs, spices or colors and mix thoroughly.

At the same time, you can also decorate your soap with latte art like coffee. Or add some decorations on the top or surface.

casting:

Pour the soap mixture into the mold.

Curing:

Cover the mold with a towel to keep it warm and let it sit for 24-48 hours.

Cutting:

After initial curing, remove the soap from the mold and cut into bars as desired.

Curing (continued):

Place the cut soap bars on a rack in a well-ventilated area to cure for 4-6 weeks. This allows excess water to evaporate, making the soap stronger and longer lasting.

Once curing is complete, your homemade soap is ready to use.

Isn’t it easy to make your own soap at home? In addition to using it yourself, it is also a good choice to give as a gift.

how long does soap irritation last

The duration of soap irritation can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the reaction, the individual's skin type, and how quickly appropriate measures are taken to alleviate the symptoms. Generally, mild irritation from soap can last from a few hours to a couple of days. If the irritation is more severe or if it progresses to a rash or dermatitis, it could take several days to a week or more to fully resolve.