Lye: what it is and how to use it

To make soap using the slow process we need lye, also known as sodium hydroxide. This is the active component in the saponification process that is the base of our soaps.

So, to create soap we will be using lye. The quantity of lye and the lye concentration depends on which oil we are going to use for our soap.

An important thing to take into consideration is that lye could be dangerous to work with, so we need to take certain care when working with it. First we need to wear gloves and googles, as well as long sleeves. This is to prevent getting burns and the fumes entering your eyes. A good idea is to have vinegar on hand in case some of the lye touches your skin (it would cause a burn feeling). Do not clean it with water since it would only make it worse.

Maybe the most important thing is to add the lye to the water, the other way around could cause an explosion. The first 30 seconds would cause a reaction that makes the mixture really hot and that's why we should use a container that is heat-resistant and better if it's not glass. Be careful not to inhale the fumes during this process.

The lye mixture is ready to be incorporated to your oils when it returns to a clear color.