Problem with Lactic Acid in Glycerin Soap

Adding Lactic Acid (AHA) 88% directly to a clear glycerin soap base at a high concentration like 10% causes the soap to become liquid and turn white because Lactic Acid is an acid. Soap bases are typically alkaline, and adding a strong acid disrupts the soap's structure, causing it to break down and lose its solid form.

Solution: Use Sodium Lactate

The suggestion to use Sodium Lactate instead is correct. Sodium Lactate is the salt form of Lactic Acid. It does not have the acidic properties that destabilize the soap base. In fact, Sodium Lactate is known to help solidify bar soaps and improve their texture, as well as acting as a humectant to help retain moisture.

Available Products

Yes, Sodium Lactate is available. The relevant products are:

• Sodium Lactate (60% Liquid, Natural): This product is a 60% liquid solution of Sodium Lactate and is suitable for use in soap making to help solidify the bar.
• Sodium Lactate Plus: This product also contains Sodium Lactate along with Sodium Gluconate, offering moisturizing benefits.

Calculation for 1000g Soap Base

To achieve a 3% concentration of active Sodium Lactate in a 1000g soap base using Sodium Lactate (60% Liquid, Natural), you need to account for the product's concentration.

1. Calculate the required amount of pure Sodium Lactate:
   3% of 1000g = 30g

2. Calculate the amount of 60% Sodium Lactate liquid needed:
   Since the product is 60% active, you need to use more of the liquid to get 30g of pure Sodium Lactate.
   Amount of 60% liquid = (Desired amount of pure SL) / (Concentration of liquid)
   Amount of 60% liquid = 30g / 0.60 = 50g

Therefore, you should add 50g of Sodium Lactate (60% Liquid, Natural) to 1000g of your soap base to get approximately 3% active Sodium Lactate concentration.

Always perform a small test batch first to ensure compatibility and desired results before making a large batch.