FAQs

Truths about LYE

caseyr — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:03:13 +0000

Lye , also known as caustic soda, is defined as a strong alkaline liquor rich in potassium carbonate leached from wood ashes and essential in making soap and for washing.
“Lye” is commonly an alternative name of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or historically potassium hydroxide (KOH)
The ancient use of lye for soap-making and as a detergent is the origin of the English word, deriving from Proto-Germanic *laugo and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *leue-, “to wash.”
Sodium hydroxide is commonly the major constituent in commercial and industrial oven cleaners and clogged drain openers, due to its grease-dissolving abilities.
Lye breaks down greases via alkaline ester hydrolysis, yielding water-soluble residues that are easily removed by rinsing.
Sodium hydroxide is VERY caustic and must be used with care. It can burn holes in clothes and leave burn marks on skin.
- Lye looks like water once it is dissolved in water, so you must take every precaution and keep it away from kids and pets.
- Never stand directly over lye when mixing it with water. It will release fumes into the air for about 30 seconds. These fumes can cause a choking sensation in your throat, but are not harmful unless you inhale them directly.
- Use gloves and eye protection when you mix lye.
- Keep vinegar handy. Vinegar, an acid, counteracts lye if you do get burned.
Lye mixes with oil and saponifies, or becomes soap. At first, you have lye, water, and oil. Then the curing process begins and after a few days the lye, water, and oil is transformed into soap. At the end of the curing process, perhaps 3-4 weeks (sometimes more), there is no lye left in the soap, no oil, and no water. What is left behind is pure soap with nothing of the original ingredients left behind. (https://www.diynatural.com/sodium-hydroxide-lye/)

Rosewater & Glycerine BENEFITS:

caseyr — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:01:08 +0000

Rosewater contains phenyl ethanol, an astringent which fights acne. It’s a natural mild antiseptic recommended for skin irritation. It helps to improve the appearance of inflamed skin by stimulating the circulation in tiny blood vessels beneath the skin.

Rosewater also helps to maintain the pH of your skin. It’s safe to use on skin conditions like eczema, and has healing and soothing properties that can sooth insect bites and sunburn.

Glycerin absorbs very well into the skin allowing it to moisturize without leaving an oily appearance. Glycerin is a humectant= keeps your skin hydrated by attracting moisture from the environment to your skin.

TEST: Spray on your wrist before using it on your face to see it’s effects on your skin type.

How to prolong the life of your soap bar.

caseyr — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 03:30:26 +0000

NEVER LEAVE YOUR BAR IN A PUDDLE OF WATER!

Keeping your soap bar as DRY as possible is key to getting the longest use of your soap bar. This does not mean you can’t leave your bar of soap in the shower. Just keep it out of water streams as much as possible. Best if the bar is kept on a holder where air can circulate around all sides.

If a “luxurious layer” (never slime) develops around your soap bar, simply take a DRY WASHCLOTH and rub the outside layer to reveal a drier soap bar. Next, wet the washcloth and enjoy the luxurious lather!