Q. What is Saponification in soap manufacturing?

Answer

Saponification is a process that involves the conversion of fat, oil, or lipid, into soap and alcohol by the action of aqueous alkali. It is an age-old chemical process where triglycerides like plant or animal fats and oils, are mixed with aqueous lye like sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide, dissolved into water and then heated to reaction. The triglycerides are then converted into glycerol and sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, which we know as soaps. The entire process ideally takes about 24 to 48 hours to complete once the lye and oils have been mixed and the raw soap has been poured into the mold. Then after, it should be left to air-dry to allow any excess water to evaporate out of the soap.