How Does Soap Work?

Soap is a fundamental cleansing agent that plays a pivotal role in maintaining personal and public hygiene. Its efficacy lies in its unique molecular structure and the interaction it establishes with water and oils. At the molecular level, soap molecules consist of hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. This dual nature allows soap to act as a mediator between water and oils, facilitating the removal of dirt and grease from surfaces. As the soap molecules surround oil particles with their hydrophobic tails, they create micelles—tiny clusters in which the hydrophobic tails trap the oils while the hydrophilic heads face outward, interacting with water. This process emulsifies the oils, allowing them to be dispersed and rinsed away with water (Smith, 2010).

The cleansing power of soap is further enhanced by its ability to reduce surface tension. Water alone may not effectively penetrate and break down oily substances on surfaces due to its high surface tension. However, when soap is introduced, it lowers the surface tension of water, enabling it to spread and infiltrate the oil-laden areas. This phenomenon ensures a more thorough and efficient cleaning process. Additionally, the emulsifying action of soap prevents the re-deposition of oils onto surfaces, contributing to the overall cleanliness achieved during washing.

Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of soap contribute significantly to its role in maintaining hygiene. The surfactant action of soap disrupts the lipid membranes of bacteria and viruses, leading to their deactivation and removal during the rinsing process. This dual mechanism of emulsification and antimicrobial action highlights the multifaceted functionality of soap in promoting cleanliness and preventing the spread of infectious agents. Understanding the molecular intricacies of soap not only enhances its appreciation as a daily commodity but also underscores its critical role in promoting health and hygiene

Did You Know That Soap is Actually a Kind of Salt?

When acidic and basic elements are allowed to react, a type of salt is created. In soap-making, oils having an acidic quality, react with lye (sodium hydroxide), having a strong basic quality. The result of the chemical reaction is a salt called soap.

In the case of TesMains soaps, there are trace amounts of ingredient-oils (i.e., olive, coconut, sunflower and others) which have not been completely saponified (and hence removed) during the soap-making process. Known as, superfatting, these essential trace amounts of oil are left behind in the soap to work as a buffer for the oils in your hands. The TesMains soap cleans your hands during lathering and washing but does not extract your skin oils since it already has some of its own in the recipe.