Please choose a product category:

Glossary

Please select a letter below to view that page's listings.

Saponification:

Complex chemical reaction of an acid (fats and oils) and a base (a solution of sodium hydroxide and water, also called lye) reacting, to form soap and glycerin

Soap:

a substance used for washing and cleansing purposes made by treating a fat with an alkali.

Seborrhea:

increased secretion of sebum, an oily secretion from the sweat glands.

Sedative:

an agent that reduces functional activity, calming.

Sodium Hydroxide:

the solid form of a caustic alkali, the base used in the soap making process. NaOH, also named caustic soda, comes in three forms: solid, liquid, and flakes.

Stearic acid:

a saturated fatty acid, usually derived from either beef tallow or hog fat. A vegetable form is available from palm oil. Used in the soap making process for its ability to produce "hard" bars with a strong lather.

Stratum corneum:

outermost horny layer of the epidermis, or skin.