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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Sea Salt Spray
A spray that boosts grip and airy texture for a beachy feel.
Sebaceous Glands
Oil-producing glands attached to follicles.
Sebum
The natural oil produced to lubricate hair and scalp.
Seizing
A sudden thick, grainy texture change during soap making that causes the mixture to clump and solidify rapidly.
Self-Care Ritual
Intentional routines that promote relaxation and overall well-being through care practices.
Self-Trimming Wick
A design that curls or breaks off naturally to keep the tip shorter during burning.
Sensitive Skin
Skin that reacts easily to products, environmental factors, or ingredients.
Sensitization
The process by which skin develops a reaction after repeated exposure.
Sensitized Skin
Skin that reacts easily due to barrier damage or overuse of actives.
Separation
Separation is when the soap mixture splits into distinct oily and watery layers instead of staying smoothly blended.
Serum
A concentrated product delivering targeted ingredients into the skin.
Shampoo
A cleansing product designed to remove dirt and oil from hair.
Shampoo Bar Base
A solid soap base formulated for hair, designed to cleanse while maintaining moisture and promoting healthy scalp care.
Shaving Cream/Gel
A lathering product used to protect skin during shaving.
Shea Butter
A rich, creamy fat that deeply moisturizes and nourishes skin, adding a luxurious feel to soap.
Shea Butter (Body Care)
A deeply nourishing butter used to soften and protect skin.
Shea Butter Melt and Pour Base
A rich, creamy soap base infused with shea butter, offering extra nourishment and hydration for the skin.
Shea Butter (Melted)
A rich butter added in liquid form to increase hardness and moisturization.
Sheet Mask
A fabric-based treatment infused with serum for hydration and nourishment.
Shelf Life
The length of time soap remains safe, effective, and stable before quality begins to decline.
Shelf Life (Bath Bombs)
Expected period before quality begins to decline.
Shelf Life (Body Care Products)
The expected usable lifespan before quality degradation.
Shelf Life (Hair Care)
The time a product stays stable, safe, and effective when stored and used properly.
Shelf Life (Skincare)
The period a product remains safe and effective before degrading.
Shimmer and Glitter
Shimmer and Glitter refers to adding mica or cosmetic glitter to soap to create a sparkling, light-catching finish.