Inlet Soap Company
Inlet Soap Company
Behind The Bubbles:
The Inlet Soap Co. Blog
Product Spotlight: Ramie Shower Poof – Natural Lather for a Refreshing Cleanse
What Is Ramie Fiber and Where Does It Come From?
Ramie fiber is a natural textile fiber derived from the stalks of the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea), a member of the nettle family. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily in China, India, and Southeast Asia. The plant produces long, silky fibers that are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to mildew and bacteria.
The Magic of Saponification: How Lye Turns Oils into Powerful Cleansing Soap
Have you ever wondered how soap actually cleans? It all comes down to a fascinating chemical process called saponification. This reaction is the key to creating soap’s unique ability to break down grease, dirt, and bacteria, leaving your skin and surfaces fresh and clean.
Understanding Lye: Its Role in Soap Making
Lye, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a crucial ingredient in traditional soap making, yet it is often misunderstood. Despite its strong, caustic properties, lye is not only necessary for soap production, but it also plays a transformative role in the process that turns fats and oils into soap. Soap simply cannot be made without lye, and products that claim to be “lye-free” are typically not true soap in the traditional sense. In this essay, we will explore what lye is, why it is needed for soap making, and why soap made without lye does not qualify as authentic soap.