Soap Burns

[ornitte]

Hi, I've been making soap for 2 months now. It goes through the trace, and does not burn when I use it, but if I use it on my face or where my skin has a cut, then it does burn. Does this mean there is still a little too much NaOH left unprocessed?

Thanks,

 

[skinflint]

I'm no expert, but I'd say it's because soap is alkaline by nature. The alkalinity affects your skin. The skin on your face may be extra sensitive to alkaline substances. And, just like acidic products, alkaline products will also hurt if you apply them to broken skin.