What is a substitute for lye in soap making?

The main way that you can make soap without handling lye is by using melt-and-pour soap. It’s already been through saponification (oils reacting with lye) and is safe to use and handle straight out of the package. All you do with it is melt it, add your scent, color, and other additives, then pour it into molds.

Can you use lye from the hardware store to make soap?

I started off buying my lye in a hardware store. As long as it is 98\% pure you can use it in soap making. 100\% is great and food grade is even better.

Can you buy lye in stores?

Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide.

Can I make sodium hydroxide at home?

Dissolve 1 tablespoon (17 grams) of salt in 1.24 cups (290 mL) of water. Add the water to a glass and gently pour the salt into the water. Stir it in well with a spoon until the salt is completely dissolved. If your cup has a lid, attach it after adding the salt and shake it up and down to mix the salt it in.

What kind of lye is best for soap making?

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• Lye is also known as sodium hydroxide and caustic soda.
• Technical grade lye (non-food grade) is the lye of choice for soap making.
• Lye has traditionally been used as the main ingredient in soap making.
• Lye is used as a drain cleaner and clog remover.

How can I buy lye?

Where can I find lye for soap making?

You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. Otherwise, do not buy it.

Can you make soap without lye or sodium hydroxide?

It is simply impossible to make real soap without lye or sodium hydroxide because there are no substitution for the purpose of saponification of oil. You need lye to saponify base oils in order for it to turn to soap. However, you can still make soap at home, if you are using Melt and Pour Soap Bases.

Is Lye safe to use in Singapore?

Unlike some countries where pure lye can be bought easily, it is controlled in Singapore because of safety and protection for the environment. Concentrated lye solution can cause bodily damage if you are unfamiliar with the usage and you should always wearing gloves, eye protection, and an apron—especially if you are new to soap making.

What is the difference between sodium hydroxide and lye?

Lye is the commonly used word for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). Both compounds are strong alkali, highly soluble in water, and they produce caustic base solutions. Although the potassium compound is more appropriately called potash instead of lye, it is often confused for the sodium compound.