Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a crucial ingredient in traditional soap-making, responsible for transforming oils and fats into soap through a process called saponification. Though it is necessary for creating soap, no Sodium Hydroxide remains in the final product, leaving behind a gentle, cleansing bar that nourishes the skin.

The Role of Sodium Hydroxide in Soap-Making

Sodium Hydroxide plays an essential role in the production of natural soap, enabling the transformation of oils into cleansing and moisturising bars. Without it, handmade soaps would not have the creamy lather and skin-conditioning benefits that make them so effective.

Saponification: Turning Oils into Soap

Sodium Hydroxide initiates the saponification process by reacting with natural oils, breaking them down and restructuring them into soap and glycerin. This reaction is carefully balanced so that no Sodium Hydroxide remains in the final product—only nourishing, skin-friendly ingredients.

A Gentle & Skin-Safe Process

While Sodium Hydroxide is a strong compound in its raw form, it is entirely neutralised during saponification. The result? A beautifully mild, moisturising soap that gently cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Why Handmade Soap is Different

Unlike many commercial soaps that contain synthetic detergents, handcrafted soaps rely on this traditional process to create a luxurious, skin-friendly product. The presence of naturally occurring glycerin ensures that our soaps remain hydrating and gentle on all skin types.

Committed to Quality & Safety

At The Little Goat Soap Company, we take great care to ensure our soap recipes are perfectly balanced, resulting in safe, high-quality products. Every batch is carefully formulated to deliver a rich lather, effective cleansing, and a soothing feel on the skin.

Conclusion

Sodium Hydroxide is an essential ingredient in creating natural, handcrafted soap. While it plays a critical role in saponification, it is completely transformed, leaving behind a nourishing, skin-loving bar. At The Little Goat Soap Company, we embrace this time-honoured tradition to craft gentle, high-quality soaps that cleanse, hydrate, and care for your skin.