Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide

by | Jan 30, 2023 | Chemicals, Ingredients

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

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:

  1. Soap making: Sodium Hydroxide is a key ingredient in the production of bar soap.

  2. Cleaning and detergents: Sodium Hydroxide is used to produce cleaning products and laundry detergents.

  3. Textile processing: Sodium Hydroxide is used to soften and prepare textiles for dyeing.

  4. Pulp and paper production: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the production of paper products.

  5. Food and beverage processing: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the production of chocolate, cocoa, and soft drinks.

  6. Water treatment: Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust pH levels in water.

  7. Oil refining: Sodium Hydroxide is used in the refining of petroleum products.

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