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Q: What is saponification?

A: Saponification is the scientific name for the chemical reaction that occurs when a fat (I use olive oil, coconut oil, and beef tallow) combines with an alkali (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) to produce soap and glycerine.

Fat is made up of triglyceride molecules, which are shaped like a capital E with three fatty acid molecules attached to a fat; the lye breaks down into sodium ions and hydroxide ions. The sodium attaches to the glycerol backbone to form glycerine.

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Q: Do you teach people how to make soap?

A: I don't teach classes, but I can recommend a great listing of books.

Please see my Recommended Reading page for a complete list of the books available at your favorite bookstore, or your local library.

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Q: Do you need special equipment to make soap?

A: There is no special equipment to make soap. In fact, it's all in your kitchen.

All you need is:

• A bowl large enough to hold the recipe you're using. (Enameled or stainless steel bowls are preferred. Do not use glass or aluminum bowls; they will react with the lye.)
• A slotted spoon to stir
• A scale to measure
• A good recipe
• A soap mold
• Soap cutting tools

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Q: Is soap making a safe project for children?

A: I don't recommend soap making as a project for children with out supervision.

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