Raw materials of handmade soap Harms of handmade soap

Handmade soap is a product that many of us have used. Handmade soap is handmade soap, but many people are not clear about the raw materials of handmade soap. So what are the raw materials of handmade soap? What is the pH value of handmade soap?

Handmade soap raw materials

The raw materials of handmade soap are natural oils and alkali liquid. When oil meets alkaline substances, a chemical reaction will occur to form soap. This process is called "saponification". Handmade soap is generally used when washing the body. It can effectively remove residual dirt, chemicals, bacteria, etc. on the body. The alkaline substance in handmade soap is generally "sodium hydroxide" (NaOH). Soap-making principle: fat + (sodium hydroxide + water) = soap + glycerin. In addition to cleansing the skin, handmade soap also has the function of protecting the skin and preventing moisture loss. This is because the oil contained in handmade soap not only cleans the skin, but also forms a protective film on the surface, which can protect the skin to a certain extent.

What is the pH value of handmade soap?

The pH value of general soap is above 7, because the sodium hydroxide involved in the reaction is mainly an alkaline substance. If the pH value is 5-6, it is acidic. Generally, the pH value of the face of people with oily skin can reach this level. So it is conceivable that if the pH value of handmade soap is 5-6, it cannot achieve the purpose of cleaning. Soap is mainly used for cleaning, so it is better to have a neutral or slightly alkaline soap to help the skin achieve a balance of water and oil. Alkaline soaps will generally lower their pH value over time. pH value is simply the acid-base value, a unit of measurement used to determine whether a liquid is acidic or alkaline. It is related to the concentration of hydrogen ions in water. The chemical definition is pH=-log[H+]. By definition, pH 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic, the smaller the number, the more acidic, and greater than 7 is alkaline, the larger the number, the more alkaline.

Handmade soap making process

The first step is to weigh the sodium hydroxide needed to make the alkaline solution, which requires the use of a weighing tool, usually an electronic scale. Then dissolve the sodium hydroxide in water to form an alkaline solution. This step requires caution because sodium hydroxide will generate high temperature when dissolved in water. Therefore, it is best to use water containing ice cubes and add the sodium hydroxide in batches. The next step is to weigh the oils needed. This depends on the type of handmade soap being made. Commonly used oils include coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, glycerin, castor oil, etc. More special oils include avocado oil, jojoba oil, etc. Then mix the oil with the alkaline solution prepared earlier and stir. At this time, it should be noted that the temperature difference between the two should not exceed 10 degrees Celsius. If you want to heat the alkaline liquid, you must use a water-insulated heating method, and do not heat it directly. Stirring must be continued until the mixture becomes a thick consistency. This mixing operation may take tens of minutes or longer. If you want to save manpower, you can also use an electric mixer to mix. When the stirring is almost complete, other necessary materials can be added to make the handmade soap have different moisturizing, skin care, exfoliating and fragrance properties, such as various plants (such as Plectranthus amomum, rose, etc.), various plant essential oils, Echinacea pollen, Herba Lycopodii powder, Mugwort powder, bamboo charcoal powder, coffee grounds, etc. Finally, pour the finished handmade soap concentrate into the mold and maintain the ambient temperature not too cold. It can be demolded after about a day and can be cut again if necessary. If the ambient temperature is not appropriate, the finished handmade soap may be unusable due to poor saponification.

The harm of handmade soap

Because the alkalinity in handmade soap is too strong, it damages the sebum membrane. The oil is washed away, the barrier function is destroyed, and the moisture in the skin is lost. You should know that the normal cleaning time is about 2-3 minutes. The reason why some people recommend using handmade soap for cleaning should not exceed 30 seconds and should be rinsed with plenty of water is that handmade soap itself is very irritating. Once it comes into contact with the skin for too long, it will cause irritation to the skin. High saponin content. After washing your face, if a small amount of soap remains on your skin, it will cause your skin to lose moisture quickly. The emphasis on moisturizing immediately after cleansing is also because the alkaline nature of handmade soap can easily damage the skin's own stratum corneum, impairing the skin's own moisturizing function.