A literature review is a summary and evaluation of the existing research on a specific topic. In this case, the topic is soap making.
Soap making has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and the Egyptians. The process of soap making involves the chemical reaction between a fat or oil and an alkali, such as lye, to form soap. This reaction is known as saponification.
Traditionally, soap was made from animal fats and lye derived from wood ash. Today, soap can be made from a variety of fats and oils, including plant-based oils like olive oil and coconut oil. Additionally, synthetic alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide, can be used in place of lye.
One of the main benefits of soap is its ability to clean and remove dirt and bacteria from the skin. Soap works by breaking up the dirt and oil on the skin and suspending it in water, allowing it to be rinsed away. In addition to its cleaning properties, soap can also have moisturizing and fragrant effects.
There has been a recent trend towards natural and organic soap making, as there is a growing concern about the potential negative effects of synthetic ingredients on human health and the environment. Natural soap is made with plant-based ingredients and does not contain synthetic fragrances, colors, or preservatives.
There are several methods for making soap, including the cold process, hot process, and melt and pour method. The cold process involves mixing the fats and lye together and allowing the mixture to cure for several weeks. The hot process involves heating the mixture to speed up the saponification reaction. The melt and pour method involves melting pre-made soap base and adding desired ingredients such as fragrances and colors.
In conclusion, soap making is a process that involves the chemical reaction between a fat or oil and an alkali to form soap. There is a trend towards natural and organic soap making, and there are several methods for making soap, including the cold process, hot process, and melt and pour method. Soap has cleaning and moisturizing properties and is an important tool in maintaining personal hygiene.