![]() ![]() Soap scum is created by the reaction that occurs when soap is combined with metal contaminants in hard water like calcium and magnesium. Soap scum is the second problem that contaminants can cause. By adding an acid to your soap, especially when a higher concentration is used, it can cause the soap to lose its ability to act as an effective surfactant, and instead of getting "the most gentlest bar ever," you get a pile of mushy goop that doesn't clean, lather, or foam. ![]() We discuss this in great detail in our books, but as a review, soap is naturally alkaline with an average pH of 9-10, sometimes even higher. Including things like citric acid, lemon juice, and vinegar, will not lower the pH of soap and should not be added with that intention. I see a lot of soap makers that make claims like this one from a shampoo bar video where the host states, "I just neutralized this soap by adding citric acid to bring it down to a pH of 7 to make the most gentlest bar ever." Unfortunately, this simply is not true and not possible without causing complications in your soap. ![]() Many of these "resources" will add all different types of acids, including citric acid, acetic acid from vinegar, and more. There is a lot of misinformation floating around the internet in different blogs and Youtube videos that state citric acid is used in soap making specifically to lower the pH to neutral or even an acidic pH. First, I want to address one of the most common misconceptions about citric acid before moving on to the good stuff. ![]()
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