Yes. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a required ingredient in the traditional soap-making process.

All true soap is made by combining oils with lye in a chemical reaction called saponification. During this process, the lye is fully consumed and transformed into soap and naturally occurring glycerin.

Is lye present in the finished soap?

No. When soap is properly formulated and cured, there is no active lye left in the finished bar.

Our recipes are carefully measured and fully cured to ensure the final soap is gentle, stable, and safe to use.

Why lye is necessary

Without lye, soap cannot exist. Products labeled “soap” but made without lye are typically synthetic detergents rather than true soap.

What about sensitive skin?

The mildness of a bar has more to do with the oils, butters, and curing process than the presence of lye. Many people with sensitive skin use traditional bar soap daily without issue.

Still have questions?

If you’d like to know more about our ingredients or how our soap is made, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.