A lye is a metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching wood ashes, or a strong alkali which is highly soluble in water producing caustic basic solutions. “Lye” most commonly refers to sodium hydroxide, but historically has been used for potassium hydroxide.
Where To Buy Lye In South Africa
The Soap Barn
Address: 90 7th Ave, Edenvale, 1609, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5Pm
Phone: +27 87 702 4347
The Soap Factory cc
Address: Building 14, Unit, 2 6th Ave, Kensington, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 4:30PM
Phone: +27 21 593 6599
BUCO Honeydew
Address: Cnr Beyers Naude &, Juice St, Honeydew, Johannesburg, 2170, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Phone: +27 11 795 3733
Builders Express Craighall Park
Address: c/o Rothesay and Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: +27 860 284 53.
Is lye sold 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 soap be made without lye?
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.
What can I use instead of lye?
A common home alternative to lye when making pretzels or bagels is to use a baking soda solution.
Is lye good for 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.
Is lye a natural ingredient?
Lye has been on the USDA approved list for organic products from day one, The FDA specifically exempts soap from it’s labeling requirements, and The Natural Ingredient Resource Center exempts soap and allows it to be listed as 100% natural if all the ingredients (which they require to be listed) are all natural.