How does soap work?
Soap works as an extremely effective cleanser. Not only does it cleanse by removing dirt and oil from the skins surface, it also sanitises by destroying microbes, bacteria and viruses. The majority of us use soap to cleanse our hands, face or body at least once per day. Research shows that in 2020, an estimated 3.7 million people in the UK used a bar of soap ten times a day or more.
Such a common household object is often used without a second thought, but why do we wash with soap? We are all aware that soap works to remove dirt and grease in order to produce a cleaner, more sanitised result – but how? How does soap work and what is the science behind it?
What is soap?
‘Soap’ is defined as fat or oil combined with an alkali. The oil is derived from an animal or plant, whereas the alkali is a chemical known as lye. The lye used in the production of bar soap is sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide is required for liquid soap.
Soap is produced by combining and then heating oil and lye. This chemical reaction is known as saponification. With soap bar production, the formula is then pressed into moulds.
The History of Soap
Records show that soap was produced as early as 2800BC by the Ancient Babylonians, but soap became particularly popular during the Victorian era, when mass production became feasible following the industrial revolution. This combined with a growing understanding of sanitary practises and advertising to encourage bathing with soap, ensured that the humble soap bar fast became an essential household object.
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The Benefits of Washing with Soap
Soap Deals with Grease
When you wash with soap and water, the soap molecules attach to fat and grease molecules. This is why a good lather is important. The grease is then rinsed away alongside the soap lather.
Scented Soap
Fragrance is often added to the soap formula during the manufacturing process. When it comes to soap fragrance, the choice is endless! Explore The English Soap Company fragrances here.
Soap Nourishes the Skin
Added ingredients such as shea butter and vitamin E ensure washing with soap nourishes the skin and locks in moisture. Other natural ingredients such as sulphur, aloe vera and tea tree oil can reduce irritation and skin complaints.