Anna Mae Soaps "Not your grandmother's lye soap"
|
What is lye soap?
Lye soap is true soap. When a solution of water and lye is mixed with
oils, saponification occurs. During saponification, the lye is used up
and produces soap and glycerin. Glycerin is a by product of true soap.
Only soaps that use this process can be labeled soap. A lot of
commercial companies pour off the glycerin and sell it. What is left is
similar to detergent. If you go through a grocery store isle, you will
notice cleansing and moisturizing bars. These bars cannot be labeled
soap since they did not use lye.
What does "cold process" mean?
Cold process lye soaps are not heated during the
saponification. The saponification process produces it's
own heat needed to complete the process. The oils are
heated enough to melt and thoroughly blend them. Water
is mixed with lye. This lye solutions produces it's own
heat and is cooled before mixing with the oils. Both
solutions are mixed together until trace occurs. Trace is
the beginning of the saponification process. Other
ingredients are added at this point and then the mixture
is poured into molds to set up.
Why use vegetable oils?
Vegetable oils are superior to animal
fats in that vegetable oils are more readily
absorbed by the skin. Vegetable oils are
less likely to aggravate skin conditions or
to clog pores.