Why is sodium hydroxide in the composition of Bewit soap?

30. 6. 2025

At BEWIT, we build on purity, natural ingredients and traditional practices. Our customers are therefore sometimes surprised to find a substance called Sodium Hydroxide in our soaps.

You may be reassured to know that sodium hydroxide is nothing new or a synthetic invention of modern chemistry. On the contrary, it is a traditional raw material used for centuries to make soap, and it is completely in harmony with nature.

Soap without hydroxide will not form

Sodium hydroxide is used to saponify vegetable oils - i.e. to create true soap. This process is called saponification and without it, the soap simply would not have been made.

During saponification:

• vegetable oils react with sodium hydroxide,

• soap (a salt of fatty acids) is formed and

• glycerin is also produced, which naturally softens the skin.

Importantly, sodium hydroxide is completely transformed during production and is no longer present in the finished soap. This results in a clean, gentle and functional product.

History: the soap our great-grandmothers made

De-mystification is a process thousands of years old. In ancient times, it was made from wood and ash - an alkaline solution containing naturally occurring sodium and potassium compounds.

Pure sodium hydroxide was first isolated in the 17th century, and from the 18th-19th centuries it became a common ingredient in traditional domestic and artisanal soap making. It is therefore a historically proven, natural and safe method - not a modern chemical.

Our BEWIT soaps follow this tradition: honest natural oils, traditional soaping, no unnecessary "chemistry".

Why do we list it in the composition?

Although sodium hydroxide is no longer present in the finished soap, European legislation (INCI) requires that all substances used in the production process - even if they are chemically transformed - must be declared.

That is why you will also find Sodium Hydroxide in the composition. It's not an ingredient, it's a tool. And from a security point of view, that's perfectly fine.

BEWIT: 100% nature. 0% chemistry.

At BEWIT, we strictly avoid synthetic inorganic substances. If we use synthesis, then only from plant and natural sources, with the utmost respect for nature and man.

We use sodium hydroxide exclusively as a technological auxiliary - for the creation of real soap. No detergents, no artificial foaming agents, no caustic residues. Just honest work with nature's gifts.

One soap, many uses

Our BEWIT soaps are not just for hands. Thanks to their quality, composition and versatility, you can also use them as:

• natural shampoo (especially in combination with an acid rinse),

• a mild body gel or shower soap,

• gentle cleaner for dishes and household - without chemical residues.

Sometimes the modern industry tries to convince us that we need a special product for every part of the body and every domestic activity. That's not true. Quality natural soap can do much more than we often think.

Summary for you

• Sodium hydroxide is present only during production. It's not in the finished soap anymore.

• It is a historically proven, traditional natural method of soap making.

• We list it in its composition for legislative reasons.

• Our soaps are 100% natural - without compromise.

• One quality soap can replace many unnecessary products.

Thank you for trusting nature

BEWIT soap = cleanliness, simplicity and a return to what works.