The Role of Sodium Lactate in Soap-Making: Benefits and Usage Explained

Have you ever wondered about the secret ingredients that go into making those lovely bars of soap? Well, one of those magical components is sodium lactate. Soap-making has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Accordingly, sodium lactate has become quite essential in the soap-making community. Yes, it’s like the behind-the-scenes ingredient that brings various benefits to your homemade soaps. For example, it makes your soap harder, lasting longer, and overall performing. Well then, let’s dive into the role of sodium lactate and see its benefits and usage!

So, What Is Sodium Lactate Exactly?

In simple words, sodium lactate is like the sodium salt in soap of lactic acid. Basically, it is a natural ingredient found in foods and even in our own bodies. The best thing is that it is made by fermenting sugars, usually from things like corn or beets, using lactic acid bacteria. Yes, this amazing compound is not just for soap making. More than that, it is also used in foods, medicines, and cosmetics.

What Does Sodium Lactate Do in Soap?

Now, when it comes to soap, we all want those lovely bars to last longer, right?

Fortunately, sodium lactate is here to make that happen. You know how some soaps can be a bit on the soft side?

Well, sodium lactate takes care of that by being a bit of a moisture ingredient.

As your soap cures and dries, sodium lactate keeps just the right amount of moisture around. Thus, preventing your soap from getting too dry and brittle. As a result, you will get a soap bar that is not only sturdy but can take on some other ingredients you want to place inside them.

How Much Sodium Lactate Should You Use?

Now, the big question: how much sodium lactate in soap?

Well, it's not set in stone. Generally, people suggest using around 1-3% of the total oil weight in your ingredients. Yes, too much sodium lactate in soap might end up making it super hard and possibly even crack. However, if you add it in too small amount, you might not get the hardness you're aiming for

What Is Sodium Lactate Used for in Soap?

To understand more, let’s take a closer look at the differences between soap that uses sodium lactate and soap that doesn't!

Soap with Sodium Lactate

Hardness and durability

Soap bars made with sodium lactate are noticeably harder and more durable. Yes, this simply means they will not soften or dissolve as quickly when they come into contact with water. Moreover, your soaps will hold their shape well. Plus, they will withstand the rigors of daily use without crumbling or disintegrating.

Longevity

Sodium lactate-infused soaps have a longer shelf life. As they cure, the presence of sodium lactate helps retain moisture within the soap. Thus, preventing excessive evaporation and hardening. This translates to soap bars that remain usable for a much longer time, especially if you pack them in exclusive soap boxes.

Unmolding ease

As a soap maker, you might often struggle with unmolding when your soap is too soft. Well, sodium lactate comes to the rescue here. This compound can make your soap firm enough to be easily removed from molds. Of course, without losing its shape or intricate design.

Lathering experience

Using sodium lactate in soap can lead to a richer and creamier lather. Eventually, this enhanced lathering experience will add a touch of luxury to every wash.

Skin benefits

Sodium lactate also offers humectant properties. What does it mean?

It means that it attracts and retains moisture. Thus, the soap that is enriched with sodium lactate will be gentler on the skin. As a result, it will leave a hydrated feeling and less prone to dryness.

Balanced pH

Sodium lactate helps regulate the pH of soap. This way, it ensures that your soap falls within the desired skin-friendly range. The best part is that it prevents your soap from being too alkaline or too acidic, both of which can potentially irritate the skin.

Soap without Sodium Lactate

Standard hardness

Soap without sodium lactate will have a more typical hardness level. While still effective, these soaps might not be as hard as sodium lactate-enriched.

Shorter longevity

Without sodium lactate, your soap could dry out and harden faster during the curing process. The worst is that it might result in a slightly shorter shelf life.

Unmolding challenges

Soap bars without sodium lactate might be softer. Accordingly, it will make the unmolding process a bit trickier. Thus, delicate or intricate designs could be at risk of alteration or damage during removal from the molds.

Lathering experience

The lather in soaps without sodium lactate might still be good. However, it might not have that extra level of richness and creaminess that sodium lactate can bring.

Skin interaction

While traditional soaps are effective cleansers, they might not have the same moisturizing properties as those containing sodium lactate. Plus, consumers with dry or sensitive skin might need to follow up with moisturizers more frequently.

pH variability

Soaps without sodium lactate might have a less consistent pH level. Unfortunately, it could potentially affect their mildness on the skin. Thus, some experimentation might be required to find the right balance.

In essence, soap with sodium lactate offers a range of benefits that contribute to a superior user experience and better skin care. On the other hand, soap without sodium lactate can still be effective. However, the addition of sodium lactate elevates the overall quality of your soap bars. Yes, it will make it harder, longer-lasting, and more skin-friendly.

Final Ideas

So there you have it, the explanation about the role of sodium lactate in the magical world of soap-making. Undoubtedly, this ingredient is the best supporting thing that takes care of everything from soap hardness to skin-friendliness.

So, whether you're a seasoned soap-making pro or just starting out, considering sodium lactate can be the secret ingredient that elevates your soap. Even better, it can be awesomely long-lasting and skin-loving too.

Happy soap-making!