Everything worth asking.
Answers about our soap, the craft and practical everyday use.
What is true soap?
A cleanser made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids created through saponification.
What is saponification?
The chemical reaction of oils and fats with alkali that produces soap and glycerol.
Why is potassium hydroxide used?
KOH is the alkali commonly used to manufacture traditional liquid soap. Appropriate formulation and processing are important to avoid excess caustic alkali in the finished soap.
Are the original oils still in the product?
The oils largely react to create soap. The supplied label states that no free oils remain after saponification.
Is soap the same as body wash?
Not always. Some products sold as body wash use synthetic surfactants rather than traditional fatty acid soap.
Is natural soap always gentler?
No. Formula, pH, intended use and individual skin sensitivity are more informative than “natural” alone.
Why does soap have an alkaline pH?
Fatty acid salts generally function in alkaline conditions. Skin tolerance varies across formulations and individuals.
Does soap contain glycerin?
Glycerol is created during saponification, though retained quantities depend on manufacturing.
Is the product scented?
The pictured 8 fl oz soap is labeled Unscented.
Which oils are used?
Coconut, palm kernel, olive, castor, hemp seed and jojoba are listed as starting ingredients.
Can it be used for dishes?
The back label provides directions for handwashing dishes, along with handwashing, household cleaning and stain pretreatment.
What is the shelf life?
The label instructs use within 24 months after opening.
Why might the soap appear cloudy?
The label explains that cold conditions may temporarily cause cloudiness; clarity may return at room temperature.
Where did soapmaking originate?
Ancient records describe soaplike materials in Mesopotamia; soapmaking evolved across many regions over centuries.