AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

[yavimaya]

Greetings everyone! I was wondering if anybody has ever tried to add alpha hydroxy acids in their cold pressed soaps? Are they still effective even though the soap passed through an exothermic (release of heat) reaction before solidifying? Thank you for taking the time to read my thread Have a wonderful day peeps!

Cheers,
Yavi

 

[Hazel]

I don't know if this will help but Harmony discussed AHAs in soap awhile back. http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?p=354206

I don't know how accurate her info is because it's been a long time since I've studied AHAs. I'm not an expert but some of my thoughts about this subject. I don't know if all would survive heat or lye but AHAs efficacy is due to the low pH and percentage amount in a product. I wonder how the alkalinity of soap would effect any benefit which could be derived from using them. Also, as Harmony mentioned in her post, how would you be able to ensure the right proportion or balance in your soap. I've read lactic acid is heat stable and is converted to sodium lactate by the lye. I don't know if all is converted but I've seen discussions and advertisements which mention lactic acid in milk soaps. However, sodium lactate is also good since it is a humectant and does have slight exfoliating property. I just don't know how effective it would be in a rinse off product. I sometimes use sodium lactate to help harden CP soap so I can get it out of a mold sooner, in HP to help with fluidity and in lotions as a humectant.

It's an interesting question. Maybe someone else knows more about the subject and will be able to answer.