Please review the SAFETY DATA SHEET for ALL SIZES of Sodium Hydroxide products before using:   Sodium Hydroxide / Lye MSDS - CLICK HERE
 

Here are the CERTIFCIATE OF ANALYSIS for the Sodium Hydroxide products:   Sodium Hydroxide Food Grade Micro Beads COA- CLICK HERE

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Other Names:  Sodium Hydroxide - NaOH - Caustic Soda - Lye - substitute for Red Devil Lye

• Made in the U.S.A.

• Food Grade - lower impurities

• No nutritional value.

• Shipped as 1 x 2 lb. container in one box

• each container is HDPE

• each container is sealed with a child proof cap

• each container is sealed with a resealable child proof cap

• each container is properly labeled

• Ingredients:  Electrolysis of Chlorine and a brine.

• Certificate of Analysis available for every lot/batch upon request, Batch Specific COA available (Sample COA- CLICK HERE).

• 98% and 99.9% minimum purity (96% minimum standard)

• Evenly-Sized Micro Pels (beads or particles):  Specifically manufactured into evenly-sized micro pels. Evenly-sized micro pels mean an equal saturation of water for each pel.  Equal saturation of each micro pel means consistent saponification, whether that saponification be in soap making, pretzels, hominy, or any other application.

• CRUELTY FREE:  Not tested on animals beginning 1st January 1991.

• NON-GMO:  Not manufactured with and does not contain genetically modified organisms.

• HALAL acceptable:  Acceptable for Halal consideration.  Does not contain alcohol, natural L-cysteine extracted from hair or feathers, animal fats and/or extracts, blood, blood plasma, or pork/or other meat byproducts.  Alcohol is not used as a processing aid.

• Not of animal origin and does not contribute to BSE.

• BPA Free

• The equipment used in manufacture does not come into contact with or contain any animal by-products/fats/products; therefore, according to the OU current policies caustic soda is acceptable for use in KOSHER-related activities without certification.

• This product is designated by FDA as a food additive Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 184.1763).

• Shelf Life:  2+ Years - Do not be afraid to stock up.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Food Chemical Codex listed, it is specifically approved for use per the following FDA citations:

  21 CFR 172.892 (Food Starch-Modified, modified up to 1%)

  21 CFR173.310 (Boiler Water Additive)

  21 CFR 177.1600 (Polyethylene Resins, Carboxyl Modified)

• Cleared for reaction with fatty triglycerides and their fatty acid, alcohol, or dimer derivatives listed in 21 CFR 176.210 to form soaps under 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives), 21 CFR 176.210 (Defoaming Agents used in the manufacture of paper and paperboard), and 21 CFR 178.3120 (Animal Glue).

• STORAGE:  Recommend use of the air tight shipping container to minimize any product agglomeration in the package.

• DIRECTIONS:  NEVER ADD WATER TO SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ALWAYS SLOWLY ADD SODIUM HYDROXIDE TO WATER.

USES:

• Soap and Detergent:  saponifies fats into water-soluble sodium soaps

• Food and Dairy:  used in various food processing methods which includes washing and chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, poultry, soft drink, chocolate processing, cocoa processing, and thickening ice cream

• Metal Cleaning:  clean metals by saponifying surface oils to create a thin soapy layer, etches the surface of certain types of metals, important preparatory step in many welding or painting applications

• Textile Treatment:  aid in scouring, bleaching and neutralizing during textile processing

• General and Industrial Cleaning:  strong base used as an alkali source in cleaning agents. As such, it can dissolve grease, oils, fats and protein based deposits. Used also, for example, to clean and prepare sheet steel in galvanizing plants as well as being a chief ingredient for drain pipe cleaners

• Biodiesel and Bioethanol:  catalyst for the transesterification of methanol and triglycerides as well as for pH adjustment and formation of in situ sodium methylate to prevent the formation of soap due to the presence of water

• Chemical Production:  as a reactive intermediate and catalyst in chemical production as well as in chemical processing plants for scrubbing and drying

• General Industrial:  in the manufacture of products ranging from glue, gelatin, grease, and cosmetics to dry batteries, agricultural products, paint, and varnish removers

• Petroleum Exploration:  treating agent in oil well drilling fluids to increase viscosity which prevents heavier materials from settling

PROPERTIES:

• NEVER ADD WATER TO SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ALWAYS SLOWLY ADD SODIUM HYDROXIDE TO WATER.

• FORM:  Evenly Sized Micro Beads/Pels, microcrystalline structure, anhydrous, hygroscopic (attracting moisture), deliquescent (dissolving in moisture absorbed from the atmosphere), reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form sodium carbonate.

• PHYSICAL:  The remarkable uniformity of the tiny beads, close to ¾ millimeter diameter, offers superior properties: little or no dust, excellent flow properties, uniform size, excellent blending characteristics, structural strength, high bulk density and low moisture pickup, resulting in less caking or lumping. Average diameter of ¾ millimeter, corresponding to 25 mesh. The spherical shape enables beads to roll and flow easily while producing far less dust than flakes, has a minimum surface area per pound, minimizes moisture pickup. Freedom from dust on the bead surface also slows moisture pickup. The reactivity is as a strong alkali.

• ODOR:  odorless in its dry state

• Boiling Point:  2534°F (1390°C)

• Melting Point (crystallization begins):  590-608°F (310- 320°C)

• Specific Gravity:  2.13

• Bulk Density:  Compacted 73 lb/ft3, Loose 70 lb/ft3

• pH at 20°C:  Strongly Basic

• Solubility in Water:  42 g/100 g water at 0°C (32°F), 347 g/100 g water at 100°C (212°F)

• Solution Rate:  Twice as fast as flake

• Refractive Index:  1.3576

• Particle Shape:  Spherical, evenly sized

• Friability:  Very Low as well as Very Low Dust

 

 

 

Previously offered only in 2 lb CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved packaging and labeling (to wit: the plastic container, the cap, the labeling, the poly bag, and the box).   Larger orders shipped in multiples of the container.   However, this chemical is regulated for tranportation and the transportation rules have changed.   Now, Essential Depot is proud to ship in 1 lb as well as 2 lb containers permitting shipments to not only the 48 contiguous states but also Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.   Essential Depot is able to do this via a Special Permit for transportation which has been been approved and accepted by various carriers and agencies.

2 lb container:   ships via a ground service only to the 48 contiguous states

1 lb container:   ships via air service within the 48 contiguous states as well as Hawaii and Alaska (with the exception of:   Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan) but also via ground service

 

 
AVOIDING BAD BATCHES

Even the most experienced soap maker experiences the occasional bad batch of soap.   With much input from our most experienced soap makers, Essential Depot has been able to identify the many possible causes of the rare bad batch of soap.   Thankfully, with soap makers’ cooperation, Essential Depot’s Food Grade Sodium Hydroxide has never been identified as the cause for a bad batch of soap.   Below is a list of the most common reasons for bad batches which Essential Depot, together with its customers, have identified thus far.   Click the link to access a handy one page "SOAP MAKING TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE" put together for (and with the help of) our soap makers; please distribute to your friends.

 

 
MOST COMMON REASON FOR A BAD BATCH OF SOAP:

DOES THE PARTICULAR SIZE MATTER?

Yes. As Sodium Hydroxide is hygroscopic, it absorbs the water until the outside of particle breaks apart at which time the Sodium Hydroxide then dissolves into the water. Essential Depot`s Sodium Hydroxide is comprised of “evenly-sized micro beads”. It is the only Sodium Hydroxide in the country manufactured in that manner. This means that each particle absorbs the water at the same rate and, therefore, breaks down at the same time to dissolve EVENLY in the water. Such even dilution of the Sodium Hydroxide in the water allows for even distribution of the Sodium Hydroxide in the oil for saponification. It also allows for even distribution of colorants and scents. Other companies will offer Sodium Hydroxide in other not uniform forms such as flake, pellet, liquid, etc… Since you cannot control the absorption rate of the Sodium Hydroxide, you have no way to know if or when each and every flake/pellet/etc. has absorbed enough water to break apart and dissolve in the water. The final loaf of soap will probably be soft (not set) or set in some areas but not in other areas.




DOES IT MATTER IF MY SODIUM HYDROXIDE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO AIR?

Yes.   Since Sodium Hydroxide is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture.   This includes the moisture in the air.   For this reason you should not measure your Sodium Hydroxide until you are ready to mix it with your water/liquid.   If the Sodium Hydroxide sits exposed to the air, then it absorbs the moisture from the air diluting the Sodium Hydroxide.   So, it only makes sense, that if you live in a very humid area then your Sodium Hydroxide will be diluted more than if you live not so humid area.   Watch these videos of Dr. Kevin Dunn at an Essential Depot Retreat to learn just little bit more about Sodium Hydroxide and how to self-test at home the purity of your Sodium Hydroxide:


"The Balancing Act - Part I"

"The Balancing Act - Part II"




DOES IT MATTER IF I USE FOOD GRADE SODIUM HYDROXIDE?

Yes.   The grade of Sodium Hydroxide matters.   In soap making as well as in food making.   Essential Depot`s Sodium Lye is Food Grade and has a much lower parts per million of the heavy metal impurities that can cause cloudiness in your soaps.   Drain cleaners are typically technical grade lye with greater parts per million of heavy metal impurities.




DOES THE STRENGTH OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE MATTER?

Yes.   Essential Depot`s Sodium Hydroxide is manufactured in the U.S.A. by a very large reputable chemical company.   Each batch of Sodium Hydroxide has been tested and each batch has a minimum NaOH strength of 96% but is typically 2% to 3% higher (see the Certificate Of Analysis at http://www.EssentialDepot.com/MSDS).   Therefore, as a result, there can be a variation in Sodium Hydroxide strength from batch to batch.   Hence, the reason it is so very important to test in a small batch using Sodium Hydroxide from each different batch number prior to any large batch making.   You should then adjust your recipe accordingly.   If you fail to do so, then your end result could be soap that does not set or soap that is too alkaline.   Sodium Hydroxide from China or Mexico provided by other suppliers/vendors can vary by greater percentages.




WATER — DISTILLED vs PURIFIED vs FILTERED vs TAP?

Since Sodium Hydroxide chemically reacts with anything animal, vegetable, and mineral, it is extremely important to use only distilled water.   Please do your research as some distilled waters are not truly distilled water and will, therefore, contain impurities.   Filtered Water, Purified Water, and Tap Water (the water from your faucet) each have impurities.   There is no way around it!   The water will absolutely have impurities such as Fluoride, Carbonates, Chlorine, Lime, Calcium, Sulfur, Phosphorous, etc…   When there are impurities in your water, then your Sodium Hydroxide will chemically react with those impurities.   That reaction creates the appearance of “cloudy lye water”.   It may even create a “film” and/or “black specks”.   This is because the Sodium Hydroxide has “saponified” (chemically reacted) with those impurities just as the Sodium Hydroxide reacts with the fats/oils.   The end result may be black specks in your soap or soap that does not set.




WHAT IS THAT FILM ON MY LYE WATER?

Sodium Carbonate, which is perfectly normal.   It is merely the Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) which is already in the Sodium Hydroxide (a maximum of 1.6%), as can be seen in the Certificate of Analysis at http://www.EssentialDepot.com/MSDS.   Sodium Hydroxide from China or Mexico provided by other suppliers/vendors can vary by greater percentages.   Secondarily, the Sodium Carbonate is a by-product of chemical reactions between your lye water and the oxygen in the air.




CONTAMINANTS — CONTAINER and/or UTENSIL RESIDUE.

Contaminants matter.   Even those unseen contaminants.   Washing a container with detergent will leave a residue.   Not rinsing and cleaning sufficiently between batches will leave an invisible film of contaminants.   That residue is then “saponified” by the Sodium Hydroxide.   The end result may be black specks in your soap or soap that does not set.   In the Essential Depot Testing Room, the lye water containers and utensils are merely rinsed well with cold running water.




DOES THE TYPE OF CONTAINER MATTER?

Yes.   Not only does the type of container matter, so does the age, condition, and quality of your mixing container matter.   Use only HDPE or Stainless Steel.   Glass is not recommended because after many uses, you will notice the finish on the inside is etched by the Sodium Hydroxide, and appears to be scratched or hazy/cloudy.   After a lot of use this can be dangerous as the glass is compromised and may shatter.   Rhetorical question:   what do think has happened to that missing glass from the etching?   Absolutely correct.   The Sodium Hydroxide actually altered damaged the container.   Where did it go?   Into your lye water causing the cloudiness and/or film which can result in “black specks” in your soap.   In the Essential Depot Testing Room, the lye water containers and utensils are used only a few times and then disposed.




IS WEIGHING THE SODIUM HYDROXIDE IMPORTANT?

Yes.   It is extremely important to assure that your scale is calibrated and functioning properly.   If your scale is not, then you will have fluctuations in the amount of Sodium Hydroxide that you use.   When your scale is not calibrated and functioning properly, you think that you have measured “X” quantity of Sodium Hydroxide for your recipe when in fact you have not, the quantity is something different.   In the Essential Depot Testing Room, a set of calibration weights is maintained.   Calibration is assured at the inception of each session to assure that the scale is calibrated and functioning properly.




WHAT IS THE CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR MIXING LYE WATER?

ALWAYS add the Sodium Hydroxide to water, NEVER vice-versa.   As well, ALWAYS add the Sodium Hydroxide SLOWLY and EVENLY to the water while CONSTANTLY mixing.   Sodium Hydroxide is hygroscopic.   However, its hygroscopic properties can only react at a certain rate.   So, if you just pour all of your Sodium Hydroxide at one time and then stir, the hygroscopic properties of the Sodium Hydroxide are impeded and sometimes stunted.   Generally this resultS in lye water that has “crystals”.   Those crystals are Sodium Hydroxide which has bonded together (sometimes enclosing moisture, sometimes enclosing air, etc…) and in which all of the Sodium Hydroxide has not been afforded the opportunity to absorb the water.   When you then use that crystalline lye water in your soap making it continues those pockets.   Those pockets will appear in the end result soap as “sand pebbles” or “lumps”.   Typically, your pH testing will reveal this result because the “sand pebbles” or “lumps” will test very alkaline yet other parts of the soap will test at normal pH.   Those pockets could also be soft and never harden.   The result could also appear as “ashes” inside or outside your soap.   A possible remedy: break down the “crystals” in the lye water by continued stirring/aggitation and/or adding small amounts of additional water, stirring constantly, until the crystals are gone but this is not always successful.




DOES THE CLIMATE (TEMPERATURE and HUMIDITY) MATTER?

Yes.   Climate does matter: temperature, humidity, etc…   And for this reason you should not measure your Sodium Hydroxide until you are ready to mix it with your water/liquid.   If the Sodium Hydroxide sits exposed to the air, then it absorbs the moisture from the air diluting the Sodium Hydroxide. Varying climate temperatures, varying humidity, etc… effects ingredients in the soap making process as well as the methods in the process itself.   You may have a mixing time of 5 minutes in the tropics but that mixing time would be different if you were in Alaska trying to use the same recipe.   Humidity acutely effects the Sodium Hydroxide.   Since Sodium Hydroxide is hygroscopic it will absorb and retain all of the moisture from the air.   The result is a reduced saponification factor for that quantity of Sodium Hydroxide.   Your end result will then be soap that does not set.




DOES THE TEMPERATURE OF THE LYE WATER MATTER?

Yes.   Temperature of your lye water, temperature of your fats/oils, temperature at pouring, etc…   Soap texture problems may be due to temperature issues during the soap making process.   If your lye water is less than 100 degrees F, the Sodium Hydroxide then has a tendency to form ash deep in the soap.   As well, that soap may sweat and take longer to set under more humid conditions or even not set up at all.




PEBBLE LIKE STONES IN THE SOAP?

Caused by incorrectly and unevenly mixed lye into water.   Mix lye slowly and evenly into water.   You MUST allow time for the Sodium Hydroxide to absorb the water (see:  “Correct procedure for mixing lye water.” above).

If Essential Depot is not able to identify why a customer has a bad batch of soap and the customer has good cause to still think that the cause is Essential Depot’s Sodium Hydroxide, then Essential Depot will invite the soap maker to have the Sodium Hydroxide tested by a certified outside lab.   A carrier pick up and transport will be arranged for direct delivery to "Q Laboratories" in Cincinnati OH.   The customer can then see that the sample goes directly to the certified lab.   The costs for transport and testing will be prepaid by Essential Depot.   However; if as has always been the case thus far, the Sodium Hydroxide tests 96% or above in the assay test, then Essential Depot will bill the soap maker for the assay test fee charged by Q Laboratories ($125.00 per sample).

CLICK link to view the "Assay Test Results" from 3 different 2 lb bottles of Sodium Hydroxide which were in the customer’s possession for approximately 18 months prior to testing.   Contents of each bottle was tested by "Q Laboratories" having been sent directly to "Q Laboratories" from customer by Essential Depot’s arrangement with a carrier.   That customer was experiencing bad batches of soap (soap was soft and was not setting after months of curing) and was believing Essential Depot’s Sodium Hydroxide to be the cause.   As you can see, Essential Depot’s Sodium Hydroxide was not the cause despite the fact that it was over 18 months old.   The Sodium Hydroxide continued to test above the 96% minimum specification, even after 18 months in Essential Depot’s approved HDPE container/packaging with the child proof sealed lid.