Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is white and odorless solid. It is a common ingredient in cleaning supplies, and perhaps most notably appears in drain and oven cleaning chemicals.

Sodium hydroxide causes skin to burn upon contact and will cause irrevocable damage if ingested. (See our safety sheet on Sodium Hydroxide.)

However, sodium hydroxide is FDA approved and is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). Used across a multitude of industries, some applications of sodium hydroxide include textiles, soap and cleaning products, paper, aluminum processing, petroleum, and bleach production.

The chemical is synthesized through electrolysis where chemical decomposition is achieved by passing an electric current through a solution of sodium chloride (commonly referred to as table salt) to yield sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas.

Sodium Hydroxide Density : 2.13 g/cm3

Common Names for Sodium Hydroxide : Caustic soda, lye, soda lye, and sodium hydrate

Sodium Hydroxide Melting Point : 604.4°F

Sodium Hydroxide Boiling Point : 2,530°F

Molar Mass of Sodium Hydroxide : 39.997 g/mol

The beauty of sodium hydroxide for use in cleaning lies in its ability to transmute hard grease and fat buildup– attributed to clogging drains– into dissolvable soap.

Sodium hydroxide excels in the cleaning industry due to its accessibility, affordability, ease of detection, and disposal.

When used as a cleaning agent handlers must exhibit caution, as the chemical is known to burn human skin and cause severe internal damage if inhaled or ingested. Sodium hydroxide is particularly damaging if its fumes are allowed to permeate the eyes.

2. SODIUM HYDROXIDE FOR MEDICINAL USE

Sodium hydroxide is a component in common pain relievers, a piece of the puzzle in creating effective anticoagulants, and is used in cholesterol maintenance prescriptions.

.3. SODIUM HYDROXIDE FOR BEAUTY

In small dilutions (5%), sodium hydroxide is commonly found in the following beauty products:

• Hairspray

• Fragrances

• Soapmaking

• Foot powders

• Hair dye

• Makeup

• Nail care products

• Shampoos

• Shaving products

• Depilatories

• Suntan oils

• Chemical hair straighteners

The inclusion of sodium hydroxide in many beauty products is attributed to its ability to stabilize pH levels.

The inclusion of sodium hydroxide in hair products creates a less acidic environment for the scalp, skin, and hair.

The leveling effect of sodium hydroxide helps regulate external influences which may have otherwise changed healthy pH levels.

A common example is the mixture of residual oils on one’s hands introduced to the conditioning product upon application.