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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Can soap be made without lye?

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starstarstarstarstar 		Another Option Without Use Of Lye
by: Shay

There is also another option if using the lye bothers you. Some people have a fear of using lye and this fear stops them from trying to make soap. As one option mentioned by Cathy with out using Lye is melt and pour soap which all you do is melt it add your additives, coloring etc and pour into the mold. This is one great option for someone not wanting to use Lye. Another great option is to purchase a loaf of already made cold processed soap that is unscented and uncolored and you could rebatch that soap and add your scent and your colour and then mold it. That's another option to consider and you don't have to use Lye it's already been done for you. Happy Soaping which ever method you use :>) It's all fun :>)

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