What is Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide is a lye salt that you use for making liquid soap. It causes the saponification of fats, where a fat is split into alcohol and a fatty acid and soap is created.

Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound of potassium and is also referred to as KOH or E525. It has a solid form that is white in color and is very irritating to the skin and eyes. Our Potassium Hydroxide has a purity of at least 90% KOH. Before you start working with Potassium Hydroxide it is important to take certain safety measures, you can read more about that below.

Benefits

To make liquid soap

Potassium hydroxide causes the saponification of oil-based ingredients, such as Shea Butter, Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil. This way you create a wonderful liquid soap that really cleanses and also remains liquid. If you want to make a solid soap bar, you should choose sodium hydroxide instead.

Regulates pH value

Potassium hydroxide has a high pH value and is therefore very alkaline. The product is therefore often used as an ingredient in cosmetics to balance the pH value of the final product.

Other applications

Because of its saponifying properties and high pH value, potassium hydroxide is often added as an ingredient to hair removal products, softening agents, paint removers and drain cleaners.

How do you use it?

Potassium hydroxide is highly corrosive and irritating to skin and eyes, so it is important to handle potassium hydroxide responsibly. Read up carefully in advance on how to safely use potassium hydroxide or get informed by an expert. Here are some instructions to start with:

• Only work with Potassium Hydroxide in a well-ventilated space, so it doesn't affect your lungs.
• Always add Potassium Hydroxide to water, not the other way around. This prevents a violent chemical reaction.
• Wear safety goggles that protect your eyes well, even when you have already dissolved the Potassium Hydroxide in water.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves and an apron.
• Make sure you wear long sleeves so that as little skin as possible is exposed to the product.
• Use a heat-resistant bowl when working with potassium hydroxide and do not stir with a wooden stick: think of silicone and stainless steel materials, no materials made of or containing aluminum.
• When you add potassium hydroxide to water, the water heats up quickly, making it extra important to work with heat-resistant materials.
• Keep potassium hydroxide, or water in which you have dissolved potassium hydroxide, away from children and pets.
• Remove clothing that has come into contact with potassium hydroxide immediately.
• Is your skin affected? Then go to the doctor immediately. Wash irritated skin immediately with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
• After inhaling Potassium Hydroxide vapor, always get fresh air immediately and consult a doctor if you experience any complaints.
• After eye contact, rinse your eyes open for a few minutes under running water and consult a doctor immediately.
• After ingestion drink plenty of water and make sure to get fresh air, warn a doctor immediately.

Potassium hydroxide attracts moisture, so store it in a well-sealed package, in a cool, dry place.

What makes it so special?

Potassium hydroxide should not be confused with sodium hydroxide, a lye salt that you use for making soap bars. Potassium hydroxide makes your soap liquid, smooth and transparent, so you can make the most wonderful liquid soap.