Caustic Soda Lye Sodium Hydroxide - 500G

Caustic Soda Lye is sodium hydroxide, an alkali used in soap making to trigger saponification when combined with oils and fats. It is a raw process ingredient rather than a finished cosmetic component, and it is essential for making true hard soap by cold or hot process methods. Used correctly in a tested soap recipe, the active lye is consumed during saponification.

This is a highly caustic material and must be handled with strict care. Why we love it: We choose to stock Caustic Soda Lye because it is a core soap-making ingredient for makers who want to create true handmade soap from scratch. It is a specialist raw material, but an essential one for serious soap craft.

Find all our beautiful soap recipes and soap making inspiration here: Soaps. Key Properties of Essentially Natural Caustic Soda Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) Ingredient: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Function: Alkali for soap making Form: Caustic solid What is Caustic Soda Lye Used For Cold process soap making Hot process soap making Producing hard soap through saponification with oils and fats Who is Caustic Soda Lye For Caustic Soda Lye Is For: Soap makers following correct lye-handling procedures Makers using verified soap recipes and accurate weighing Cold and hot process soap projects Caustic Soda Lye Is Not For: Cosmetic leave-on products Internal use Anyone unable to follow strict safety procedures How To Use Caustic Soda Lye As a Soap Making Ingredient: Weigh accurately according to a tested soap recipe and calculate lye amounts correctly for the oils used.

Processing Tip: Always add lye to water, never water to lye. Processing Tip: Mix in a well-ventilated area. Processing Tip: Allow soap to cure fully according to the chosen method before use. Caustic Soda Lye Safety Instructions Danger, causes severe burns Always wear protective gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing Avoid skin and eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion Mix in a well-ventilated area Keep away from children and pets If skin or eyes are contacted, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention Store tightly sealed, dry, and away from moisture, sunlight, and heat Not suitable for food use FAQs Q: Why is lye needed for soap?

A: It is required to convert oils into soap through saponification. Q: Can true soap be made without lye? A: No. True soap made from oils and fats requires an alkali such as sodium hydroxide. Q: Is finished soap harsh because it uses lye? A: When formulated correctly and fully cured, the lye is consumed during saponification and the finished soap should be suitable for normal use.