Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
The essential alkali ingredient required to make bar soap from scratch. While lye is caustic and requires careful handling with gloves and eye protection, it's completely safe when used properly. During saponification (the reaction between lye and oils), lye transforms completely—properly made soap contains no lye in the finished product. Melt and pour and rebatch soap makers don't work with lye directly since saponification already occurred during base manufacturing.
Other Terms
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Percentage vs. Weight
Two methods of measuring ingredients that affect accuracy and consistency.
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
A heavy occlusive that locks in moisture and protects compromised skin.
pH-Adjusting Toner
A toner used to help restore optimal skin pH after cleansing.
pH Adjustment
Modifying acidity levels to reach a safe and effective range.
PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)
Large-molecule acids that exfoliate gently with minimal irritation.
pH-Balanced Body Wash
A cleanser formulated to match the skin’s natural acidity.
pH-Balanced Cleanser
A formula designed to match the skin’s natural acidity.
pH-Dependent Products
Formulas that rely on specific acidity levels to function correctly.
pH Effect on Bath
How the reaction influences bath water acidity.
Phenonip
A paraben-based blend used to preserve a wide range of cosmetic formulas.
pH Level
A measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, indicating its potential effect on skin or chemical reactions.
Photoaging
Skin aging caused specifically by sun exposure.
Photosensitivity
A reaction where certain oils increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Photostability
The ability of sun-protective ingredients to remain effective under light exposure.
pH Strips/pH Meter
Tools used to measure acidity/alkalinity to ensure a product is safe and stable.
pH Testing
Measuring acidity or alkalinity to ensure skin compatibility and ingredient performance.
pH Testing Information
Educational resources explaining acidity and testing methods.
pH Testing Resources (Hair Care)
Guides and tools for measuring and adjusting acidity to keep formulas safe and stable.
Phthalate-Free
Indicates a product is made without phthalates, making it a safer and cleaner option for skin and home use.
Phthalate-Free Fragrance (Bath Bombs)
Scent oils formulated without certain plasticizers, often preferred for cleaner labeling.
Phthalate-Free Fragrance (Candle Making)
A scent formulated without certain plasticizers, often preferred for specific markets or preferences.
Physical Exfoliation
Manual removal using scrubs or tools to slough off surface cells.
Physical Exfoliation (Body)
Manual exfoliation using grains or tools to slough off dead skin.
Physical Sunscreen (Mineral)
Sun protection using mineral filters that sit on the skin and reflect radiation.
Pillar Candles
Free-standing candles molded to hold their shape while burning without a container.