Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
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Before you buy
Restricted Shipping
Lye ships by ground only, so we can send it to the contiguous 48 states and Canada. If your order goes anywhere else, we’ll leave the lye out.
By purchasing this product, you agree that you:
- will use it only to make soap
- will keep it away from children and pets
- will not resell it
- are at least 18 years old
- take full responsibility for using and storing it safely
- understand lye is poisonous and can cause death if ingested
- understand lye can cause bodily harm
- have read the SDS and understand how to handle, use and dispose of lye safely
About this additive
Lye for Soap Making, in Easy-Pour Beads
Every bar of cold process or hot process soap starts with lye. Our sodium hydroxide lye is 100% sodium hydroxide (CAS 1310-73-2), sourced in the USA, and comes as small beads rather than flakes, so it measures accurately, dissolves quickly into your water, and pours cleanly from the container.
Sodium Hydroxide Beads vs. Flakes
Beads dissolve faster and scatter less than flakes, which makes them easier to weigh to the gram. If static makes the beads cling while you measure, wipe the container with a dryer sheet.
How Much Lye Do I Need?
The amount depends on your oils. Run your recipe through our free Soap Calculator to get exact lye and water weights, or read the Lye Calculator Guide if you're new to it. Short on time? Pair it with our Nurture Soap Oil Blend.
Is There Lye in the Finished Soap?
No. Once lye reacts with your oils and water, saponification converts it, so a correctly measured and mixed recipe leaves none of it in the finished bar.
Mixing Soap Making Lye Safely
- Always add lye to water, never water to lye.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, and mix in a well-ventilated space.
- More tips are in our Lye Safety FAQ.