Well, from a scientific point of view, there would be no need to list 'lye' as a component of the finished product, because after the lye and fats have saponified, there is no lye left.  It's a complete chemical reaction, where you add A and B, and instead of getting AB you get C.

It's possible to make 'at home' soaps without ever having to come into contact with lye, by purchasing the 'melt and pour' soap flakes.  These are grated pieces of soap that has already undergone the chemical reaction between lye and oil.  Then you can add your extra ingredients at whim and not have to be in contact with the lye at all.

Even glycerine soap uses lye, but is another choice for a base in making soaps without having to use the lye yourself.

I have heard of the soapwort soaps; as well as oil/fat heated with bi-carb soda and salt to make a soap.  Both of these needed a 'base' to grip to in setting, like oatmeal, then form into bars or balls or blocks.  Also heard that they weren't as gentle as the recipes using lye: the salt one being especially drying to skin; and the soapwort recipe was difficult to dilute and wash off the soapy feeling.  Unfortunately I haven't had first hand experience with them though, as my soap making friend still uses the oil and lye recipes.

Thanks heaps for your replies! I think I will probably just have to knock a notch off my purist stance and make soap with lye! I don't really mind coming into contact with lye, in the soapmaking process, I just would rather not.

I ordered a book on natural soapmaking that should be at my local library within a few days. I am mainly making soap because I find it extremely hard to find good soap (vegan and natural) that is palm-oil free. The destruction caused by the palm oil industry is very destructive to many animals (primates like oran-utans are the flagship species for the awareness campaigns about the issue), the land and people's ancient cultures/relics.

Sanghama, I would love your friends' details as I likely won't get the soap made before needing to buy more. Thank you.

I'm looking foward to having homemade soap...will fill in on my progress!

I don't know much about home-made soap.

However, the best and most gentle soap I have ever used is Billie Goat (Plain) Soap. It contains: goats milk, olive oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil and palm oil. No colours or fragrances added. This soap is particularly popular with people who have sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis.

They apparently use sustainable palm oil: "Global warming and the destruction of rainforests is something the Billie Goat team cares about, and we're proud to be able to provide you with the power to choose and contribute to this important issue".

http://www.billiegoatsoap.com.au/the-billie-goat-story.php

Maybe not suitable for 100% commited vegans, given they use milk from their herd of goats.

Otherwise, a very natural soap which is very gentle on my sensitive / psoriasis prone skin.


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