SODIUM HYDROXIDE (LYE)

The ingredient that becomes soap.

Every ingredient has a story—and a practical reason to be here.

What Is It?

Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used with water to react with fats and oils in cold-process soapmaking.

Why We Chose It

It enables saponification, the chemical reaction that turns fats and oils into soap and naturally produces glycerin.

Fun Fact

The same chemical that helps turn oils into soap has also been used in food processing to reduce the bitterness of certain olives. Chemistry can have some very different jobs.

Fact source: Explore the story