Transparency in Our Process: Why Sodium Hydroxide Doesn’t Compromise Our Natural and Eco-Friendly Promise.

At Olivira, we believe in being clear about how our soaps are made.

One ingredient that often raises questions is sodium hydroxide (commonly known as lye). While the name may sound unfamiliar, it plays an essential role in traditional soap-making.

Why It’s Used

Sodium hydroxide is required for saponification, the process that transforms oils into soap.

When combined with oils, it triggers a reaction that creates soap and glycerin. This process has been used for generations and is fundamental to producing true soap.

What Remains in the Final Bar

During saponification, sodium hydroxide is fully consumed in the reaction.

It does not remain in the finished soap. What’s left is a solid cleansing bar formed from the original oils.

A Traditional Process

This method is not unique to Olivira, it is the standard process used in traditional soap-making. At our family-run facility in Tripoli, Lebanon, this approach has been used for generations, relying on consistency, precision, and experience.

Why We Share This

We believe customers should understand how their products are made.

That’s why we:

- Clearly list our ingredients

- Explain the role of each component

- Stay transparent about our process

The Bottom Line

Sodium hydroxide is an essential part of making soap, but it is not present in the final bar.

Its role is to enable a process that has been used for generations to create simple, effective cleansing bars.

Olivira — tradition, carried forward.