Can soap be made without lye?

by Anonymous
(West Bend, WI USA)

Can soap be made without lye? Can I use LIQUID glycerin instead? If so, any suggestions?


Answer:

Unfortunately you can't make soap without using lye. If it doesn't contain lye then it isn't soap.

Soap is created when lye and oils/fats are combined and a chemical reaction called saponification takes place.

Glycerin is actually created during this chemical reaction and remains within the soap which is part of why handmade soap is so wonderful.

I'm wondering if you are confusing glycerin soap with the liquid glycerin?

Glycerin soap is actually another name for transparent soap which requires a more complicated process to create if you are making it from scratch.

The good news is you can make melt and pour soap without ever having to touch lye. It comes in transparent and opaque and can contain specialty ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, aloe vera, oatmeal and more.

With melt and pour soap, the lye stage is already done for you. All you have to do is melt it, colour it (if you want) and add any fragrance or botanicals you like. You then pour it into a soap mold and wait for it to harden. It is then ready for immediate use.

Cathy

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