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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Pineappling
Gathering hair high and loose to preserve curls and reduce flattening overnight.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Mineral-rich salt crystals added to soap for exfoliation, visual appeal, and a firm, long-lasting bar.
Pink Himalayan Salt (Bath Bombs)
Mineral-rich pink crystals used sparingly for visual appeal and gentle exfoliation.
Pink Himalayan Salt (Body Care)
Pink-toned mineral crystals added for exfoliation and visual appeal.
Pipettes/Droppers
Small transfer tools for dispensing tiny amounts accurately, especially liquids.
Plastic Molds
Lightweight molds commonly used for beginners.
Plopping
Drying curls by wrapping in a soft fabric to reduce frizz and encourage definition.
Polawax
A versatile emulsifier that produces stable, smooth emulsions across many formulations.
Polypropylene Bags
Clear packaging material used for moisture resistance.
Polysorbate 20
A lighter emulsifier used for fragrance or color dispersion in water.
Polysorbate 80
An emulsifier that helps oils disperse in bath water instead of floating on top.
Pomade
A pliable styler that adds shape and shine with medium-to-strong hold.
Poor Melt Pool
A melt pattern that’s too narrow or uneven, often linked to wick size or airflow.
Poppy Seeds
Tiny natural particles added to soap to provide firm exfoliation and visual texture.
Pores Opening and Closing
A misconception about pore behavior, as pores do not physically change size.
Porosity
The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Discoloration left behind after inflammation or breakouts heal.
Post-Wax Treatment
A calming treatment used after hair removal to reduce irritation.
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
A highly caustic alkali used in soapmaking, especially for creating soft or liquid soaps.
Pouring Pitcher
A heat-safe container used for measuring, melting, and controlled pouring.
Pouring Temperature (Candle Making)
The temperature range used when filling containers to reduce issues like frosting, sinkholes, or wet spots.
Praying Hands Method
Smoothing product over sections with flat hands to reduce frizz and keep clumps intact.
Pregnancy Body Care
Products formulated to support skin changes during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Safety
Ensuring ingredients and formulas are safe for use during pregnancy.
Premature Activation
An unwanted early reaction caused by excess moisture during mixing or storage.