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
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit
Protective Styling
Low-stress hairstyles that reduce tension and friction to help retain length and moisture.
Protein Conditioner (Reconstructor)
A strengthening formula that helps rebuild weak strands after damage from styling or chemicals.
Protein-Moisture Balance
Keeping strengthening and hydrating steps in balance to avoid brittleness or limpness.
Protein Overload
Too much strengthening that leaves strands stiff, rough, and prone to snapping.
Protein Selection
Choosing strengthening ingredients based on strand needs, feel, and risk of stiffness.
Pumice
A volcanic stone powder added to soap for strong exfoliation, ideal for heavily soiled or rough skin.
Pump Bottle
A dispenser designed to deliver controlled liquid amounts.
Purging (Acne)
Temporary breakouts caused by increased cell turnover during treatment.
Purging vs. Breaking Out
The difference between temporary breakouts caused by cell turnover and true irritation.
Purple Shampoo (Violet Shampoo)
A violet-tinted cleanser used to neutralize yellow tones.
Pustule
An inflamed blemish containing pus.
Raking
Distributing product by pulling through sections with fingers for even coverage.
Rancidity
The breakdown and oxidation of oils in soap, leading to off smells, discoloration, and reduced quality over time.
Reaction Rate
Speed at which the fizzing reaction occurs.
Reapplication
Applying additional product throughout the day to maintain protection.
Rebatch Soap (Hand Milled Soap)
A method of grating and remelting finished soap to reshape or enhance it without starting the saponification process from scratch.
Recipe Formulation (Cold Process)
The process of selecting and balancing oils, lye, and additives to create a stable, safe, and effective soap.
Recipe Library
Organized collections of tested formulas.
Record Keeping
Documenting formulas, dates, temps, and results to improve consistency and traceability.
Refrigeration (Skincare)
Cold storage used to extend freshness or calm skin.
Reheating Melt and Pour
Reheating Melt and Pour: Gently warming previously melted soap to return it to a pourable consistency without burning or boiling it.
Retinization Period
The adjustment phase where skin builds tolerance to vitamin A derivatives.
Retinoids
A class of vitamin A–based compounds used to improve texture, tone, and signs of aging.
Retinoids (Acne)
Vitamin A–based treatments used to reduce breakouts and improve texture.
Retinoids (Anti-Aging)
Vitamin A–based treatments used to reduce aging signs.