Soaps

Soaps are a type of cleaning agent that are typically used for personal hygiene and cleaning tasks. They are made by combining a fat or oil with an alkali, such as lye. The process of making soap is known as saponification.

History

The earliest recorded evidence of soap production dates back to around 2800 BC in Ancient Babylon. A formula for soap consisting of water, alkali, and cassia oil was written on a Babylonian clay tablet. The Ebers papyrus (Egypt, 1550 BC) indicates that ancient Egyptians bathed regularly and combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create a soap-like substance.

Composition

Soaps are made from fats and oils, or their fatty acids, by treating them chemically with a strong alkali. The fats and oils are derived from animal and plant sources. The alkali most commonly used today is sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide can also be used.

Types of Soaps

There are several different types of soaps, including:

• Bar soap: This is the most traditional type of soap. It is typically used for personal hygiene, and it is often formulated to be gentle on the skin.
• Liquid soap: This type of soap is often used for hand washing in public places. It is typically dispensed from a pump bottle.
• Detergents: These are synthetic soaps, usually made from petroleum products. They are often used for cleaning clothes and dishes.
• Medicated soap: This type of soap contains ingredients intended to help treat certain skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.

Soap Making

The process of making soap is known as saponification. This involves the reaction of a fat or oil with an alkali, resulting in a chemical compound known as a soap. The process can be done at home using basic ingredients and equipment.

Environmental Impact

While soaps are generally considered to be environmentally friendly, some types of soap can have a negative impact on the environment. For example, soaps that contain phosphates can contribute to water pollution.

See Also

• History of soap
• Saponification
• Detergent
• Hygiene