Common Ingredients in Soap
The most basic ingredient to make soaps is sodium hydroxide, better known as lye. Highly soluble in water, lye induces saponification and is often a strong alkali. Saponification is simply the name of the process of soap making, and it involves reacting a base and acid in order to form a salt. Lye is in all soaps, though it may come labeled as sodium hydroxide, sodium cocoate, or sodium tallowate. Sodium hydroxide forms bar soaps, while potassium hydroxide forms liquid soaps.
For soaps, the primary use of sodium chloride is to produce sodium hydroxide by a process of electrolysis. The sodium hydroxide crystalizes on the rods and is ready to be used in making soap.
Phenoxyethanol is a germicide and has been shown to be effective in killing a wide range of bacteria. Phenoxyethanol is used in vaccines for its ability to kill germs and is added to soaps for its use as an antibacterial agent. Phenoxyethanol is found naturally in green tea, but the ingredient used in soaps is produced commercially and is identical to the natural chemical.
Parabens are another antibacterial and antimicrobial agent commonly used in soaps to kill bacteria and other microbial factors. Parabens function as a preservative in soaps and help contribute to a long shelf life that most mass produced soaps have.
Propylene glycol is another hydrating ingredient often used by soap makers to add a hydrating benefit to skin. For soap manufacturers, propylene glycol is a useful ingredient as it also extends the boiling and freezing point of liquids, extending shelf life and improving overall product quality. Propylene glycol is used in extremely small amounts in making soap and has been found safe for human use, even in very large concentrations.
Ethyl alcohol, sometimes labeled as “alcohol” on soap, is found in many different types of soaps. Alcohol degreases skin and dries quickly, leaving a fresh feel behind. If ethyl alcohol is one of the primary ingredients in your soaps, it may dry and possibly erode the skin. It is important to note that “alcohol” refers to a large group of ingredients. Many different kinds of alcohol, including cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol may provide benefits in soap while avoiding some of the less desirable qualities.
Summary
A process called saponification, which involves the chemical reaction of a base and an acid to form a salt, produces soap. Soaps are cleaning agents, and they are excellent emulsifiers that extract oils and dirt for removal with water. Lye is an essential ingredient in soaps, but it sometimes is referred to as sodium hydroxide. Paraben, xanthan gum, and fragrances are also common ingredients of soap. Soaps are created to fulfill many cleaning duties; from cleaning dishware to cleaning hands, soap is an excellent cleansing agent due to its versatility.
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