Natron?

[tomahtashi]

Has anyone here used natron or baking soda (in place of lye) in soap making?

 

[MelissaG]

Why would you those in place of lye? No lye, no soap. And natron or baking soda is in no way remotely like lye and won't have the same effect.

 

[Vicki C]

This post might be helpful - baking soda is an alkali substance, and will make soap, but it’s more difficult to do so.
Post in thread 'Just three ingredients... olive oil, water, and... ... ... baking soda?!?!'
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/thr...e-oil-water-and-baking-soda.86315/post-923276

 

[tomahtashi]

Why would you those in place of lye? No lye, no soap. And natron or baking soda is in no way remotely like lye and won't have the same effect.

I've made regular cold-processed soap (with lye), but I was interested in trying something different

 

[tomahtashi]

This post might be helpful - baking soda is an alkali substance, and will make soap, but it’s more difficult to do so.
Post in thread 'Just three ingredients... olive oil, water, and... ... ... baking soda?!?!'
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/thr...e-oil-water-and-baking-soda.86315/post-923276

Thanks, I'll give that a look

 

[DeeAnna]

Baking soda (sodium BIcarbonate) won't work with any normal soap making process. Very high heat is required to force the saponification reaction.

Natron contains some sodium carbonate, so yes it can be used in a "boiled" soap making method. It's a valid ingredient to try if you are researching historical soap making methods. Back in the day, however, it was considered to be a poor substitute for ash-based lye.

You might be happier using washing soda rather than natron, if soap is your goal. Washing soda is pure sodium carbonate so it will be more effective.

Carbonate-based lyes will foam and release CO2 gas during saponification and they will require a long heated cook with constant stirring and careful management of heat input. You cannot use carbonate lye with a cold process method or even with a normal hot process method.

 

[BWt]

Baking soda (sodium BIcarbonate) won't work with any normal soap making process. Very high heat is required to force the saponification reaction.

Natron contains some sodium carbonate, so yes it can be used in a "boiled" soap making method. It's a valid ingredient to try if you are researching historical soap making methods. Back in the day, however, it was considered to be a poor substitute for ash-based lye.

You might be happier using washing soda rather than natron, if soap is your goal. Washing soda is pure sodium carbonate so it will be more effective.

Carbonate-based lyes will foam and release CO2 gas during saponification and they will require a long heated cook with constant stirring and careful management of heat input. You cannot use carbonate lye with a cold process method or even with a normal hot process method.

Was so hoping for a @DeeAnna response to this question. Love the history of soap making science. Thank you for your detailed explanation.