Nayah Natural Blog
We provide up-to-date research to provide you with the most accurate information about ingredients, chemicals, recalls and products
FTC
FTC The FTC, or the United States Federal Trade Commission, is an independent federal agency charged with protecting consumers and promoting competition in the marketplace. The agency was created in 1914 and is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing...
HHS
HHS HHS stands for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which is a cabinet-level department of the US federal government. The HHS is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for...
EPA
EPA The EPA is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations and standards that address a wide range of environmental issues, including air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, chemical safety, and climate change. The EPA, or the United States...
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound often used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics to balance the acidity of a product. It is also used as a cleansing and emulsifying agent. Sodium Hydroxide is safe when used in cosmetics in small amounts and at...
Read the Labels
Read the LabelsWelcome to Nayah Natural we are dedicated to providing you with information and resources to help you make the best decision for your skincare needs.When it comes to personal care products, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients that are...
Diazolidinyl urea
Diazolidinyl ureaDiazolidinyl urea is a preservative and antimicrobial agent that is used in a variety of personal care and cosmetic products, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and creams. It is added to these products to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast,...
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Laureth SulfateWelcome to Nayah Natural we are dedicated to providing you with information and resources to help you make the best decision for your skincare needs.When it comes to what you rub on your body everyday you better be sure that you know what the...
Dioxane
DioxaneDioxane is a chemical compound that is clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. Dioxane is used as a solvent and as a stabilizer in a variety of personal care and cosmetic products, such as shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths.Dioxane is...
Parabens
ParabensPreservatives used to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetics. They have been linked to hormone disruption, breast cancer, and reproductive toxicity.Parabens are a class of synthetic chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in personal care products,...
Sulfates
SulfatesSulfates are a type of synthetic detergents commonly used in many personal care and cleaning products, including soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and household cleaning agents. The most common sulfates used in personal care products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)...
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide is safe when used in cosmetics in small amounts and at appropriate concentrations, but it can be irritating to the skin and eyes in high concentrations. Prolonged exposure or excessive use can cause skin irritation, redness, and chemical burns. It is recommended to patch test cosmetic products containing Sodium Hydroxide and follow usage instructions carefully.
Why is Sodium Hydroxide Used?
Sodium Hydroxide is used in soap making because it reacts with oils or fats to form soap through a chemical reaction called saponification. Sodium Hydroxide acts as a strong alkaline catalyst in this reaction, breaking down the long-chain fatty acids in oils and fats into shorter chain carboxylic acids, which then form soap.
This reaction creates a mixture of sodium salts of various fatty acids that are highly soluble in water and help to clean the skin. The resulting soap has a pH that is basic, which helps to neutralize the acidity of dirt and oils on the skin. The use of Sodium Hydroxide in soap making allows for a wide range of oils and fats to be used, including animal fats and vegetable oils, and helps to produce a soap that is both effective and mild.
How is Sodium Hydroxide Used in Soap?
Sodium Hydroxide is used in the process of making soap through a chemical reaction called saponification. In this reaction, Sodium Hydroxide reacts with oils or fats to form soap and glycerol. The reaction between Sodium Hydroxide and the oils/fats breaks down the long-chain fatty acids into shorter chain carboxylic acids, which then form soap.
The resulting soap is a mixture of sodium salts of various fatty acids, which are highly soluble in water and help to clean the skin. The glycerol produced in the reaction acts as a moisturizer. The saponification process typically takes several hours to complete and the soap must then be cured for several weeks before it can be used.
What is Sodium Hydroxide Used In?
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda, is used in a variety of industries and applications, including:
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Soap making: Sodium Hydroxide is a key ingredient in the production of bar soap.
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Cleaning and detergents: Sodium Hydroxide is used to produce cleaning products and laundry detergents.
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Textile processing: Sodium Hydroxide is used to soften and prepare textiles for dyeing.
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Pulp and paper production: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the production of paper products.
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Food and beverage processing: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the production of chocolate, cocoa, and soft drinks.
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Water treatment: Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust pH levels in water.
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Oil refining: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the refining of petroleum products.