Can lye soap burn your skin?

Lye is a caustic substance that can certainly damage your skin if you’re exposed to it. It can cause a number of problems, such as burns, blindness, and even death when consumed. But, and this is a big but, soap that is created with lye (which is all real soap) will do absolutely no harm to your skin.

Can homemade soap burn you?

So there you have it, folks. Lye can produce chemical burns but with proper gear (such as goggles, gloves, and disposable arm protectors) you should be just fine during your soap-making ventures.

What do you do for lye burns?

Treat small, mild lye burns just as you would any second degree burn. Keep the wound covered and moist with a water-based product. Do not use oily salves, butter, or other fatty products on any burn. Never, never, NEVER use vinegar on a lye splash anywhere on your body.

How long does it take for lye to burn you?

Sodium hydroxide is corrosive to tissues. The severity of sodium hydroxide burns may not be readily apparent until 24 to 48 hours after exposure.

Why is lye soap harsh?

When fat and lye are combined in proper proportions, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs. When saponification occurred, some lye was left in the soap, making it harsh on the skin. It is vitally important to measure carefully so that the correct amount of lye is used.

Why is my soap burning my skin?

Irritant contact dermatitis causes a nonallergic skin reaction as a result of exposure to certain chemicals. Soap is a common product that causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Cosmetics and fragrances also commonly cause contact dermatitis.

How do you neutralize soap making lye?

When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed.

Can vinegar neutralize lye?

Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. We don’t want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on.

Is homemade lye soap good for your skin?

GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is NOT harmful to skin. Soap making involves a chemical process where lye and oils are combined in exact amounts to form soap. This process is called saponification. Once curing is complete, the soap will have no traces of lye.