At Rustic Art, we believe in creating products that are not only effective but also safe and transparent. One of the most common questions we get is: Why do you use alkalis like KOH (potassium hydroxide) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) in Rustic Art products? Let’s break it down for you!
What is Saponification?
In the simplest terms, saponification is the process of turning oils into soap. It’s a bit like a chemistry magic trick! When oils (like coconut, olive, or almond) react with alkalis like KOH or NaOH, they transform into soap and glycerin. Remember our high school chemistry? This is how we represent the reaction -
C₃H₅(OOCR)₃ + 3NaOH → 3RCOONa + C₃H₅(OH)₃
Explanation:
- C₃H₅(OOCR)₃: Triglyceride (a glycerol backbone with three fatty acid chains/ Cold pressed oils or vegetable oils).
- NaOH: Sodium hydroxide (lye).
- RCOONa: Sodium salt of fatty acids (soap).
- C₃H₅(OH)₃: Glycerol (a moisturizing by-product).
This process is essential for making any soap-based product. Without an alkali, soap simply cannot exist. However, here’s the important part: there’s no free alkali left in the final product. Every molecule of alkali reacts completely with the oils, leaving behind a beautifully balanced, skin-friendly soap.
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No Free Alkali—1000x Safer Than FDA Standards
We take safety seriously. That’s why all Rustic Art products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are completely free from any traces of unreacted alkali. In fact, our free alkali content is 1,000 times less than the FDA-approved safety range! You can trust that every product you use is gentle, safe, and effective.
Why Alkalis Are Non-Negotiable
It’s important to know that no soap can be made without an alkali. Whether it’s a bar of soap or liquid soap, alkalis are essential to kickstart the saponification process. However, rest assured that our final products are free from any unreacted alkali, making them completely safe for your skin.
What Makes Rustic Art Products Special?
The secret to the superior performance of Rustic Art soap-based products lies in our ingredients. We use natural, cold-pressed oils and high-quality vegetable oils for saponification. These premium ingredients ensure that our soaps are not only effective but also nourishing for your skin.
The result? Products that cleanse without stripping, moisturize without clogging, and leave your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and loved.
FDA-Approved and Skin-Loving
Every Rustic Art product is FDA-approved and carefully formulated to provide the best results without compromising on safety. Our commitment to using the highest quality oils and ensuring zero free alkali makes our products stand out in the world of personal care.
Transparency You Can Trust
At Rustic Art, we’re proud of what goes into our products—and what doesn’t. No harsh chemicals, no compromises, just thoughtfully crafted products that care for you and the planet.
Next time you use a Rustic Art soap-based product, you can feel confident knowing the science behind its creation and the love with which it’s made.
Stay safe, stay natural, and let your skin thrive with Rustic Art. 🌱
