Lye and Glycerine

We use Tasmanian-made lye in our soap range. Lye is an alkali (base) and can be a harsh chemical on its own. Yet, when it is combined with acids, in the form of the oil ingredients in soap, a chemical reaction (called saponification) takes place, producing soap and glycerine. There is no lye left. Unless you are using liquid soap (which uses potassium hydroxide), then soap contains lye. We also ‘superfat’ our soap. This means that there are no unsaponified oils in the soap and that all the lye has been taken up by the oil molecules in the chemical process. So, our soap has surplus natural oils to nourish and moisturise your skin. While commercially produced soap often has the glycerine removed as it makes the soap bar softer, it remains in our handmade soap. It is well worth the extra care needed to take care of our soap bars as it has many benefits:

• Hydrates: glycerine not only locks moisture in the skin by acting as a barrier stabiliser, but it is a humectant providing superior hydration to the skin;
• A topical remedy: psoriasis is caused when skin cells grow too slow without maturing, causing the build-up of scaly skin. Glycerine improves the skin’s appearance and soothes eczema;
• Anti-allergenic: it is often used as the basis of soap for sensitive skin. It won’t cause irritation;
• Anti-ageing: wrinkles occur because of the loss of moisture and elasticity. Glycerine slows the appearance of wrinkles by restoring these natural skin abilities;
• Speeds healing: glycerine hydrates the skin cells and speeds healing, resulting in less bruising.

Lye, a natural compound, enables the other ingredients to synergise and produce soap and it is responsible for the extra gift of glycerine!