Soap

Soaps Team

One way the KU Biodiesel Initiative strives for sustainability is repurposing byproduct glycerin. Glycerol is formed after the cooking oil, methanol and catalyst have reacted and a bilayer forms. Glycerol is drained out the bottom and biodiesel remains in the vessel.

The lab is able to produce both concentrated liquid and bar soap from the biodiesel glycerin. Shape, color, and scent are some aspects that the team get to experiment with to create custom soaps. Members gain hands on formulation experience from this lab. All operating procedures and formulas have been created and tested by students in our lab.

The soaps team aims to increase sustainability by finding alternative uses for byproducts. Read below about our recipes and projects members are working on!

Our Recipes

Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are created and then tested by students. In general, soap is created by adding a lye solution to a body solution. Our lab produces body solution made from biodiesel glycerin and other oils such as coconut or castor oil.

Liquid Soaps

Our liquid soaps are made using potassium hydroxide as the lye solution. The final product can either be foaming or non-foaming and can be produced with a variety of colors and scents.

Bar Soaps

Our bar soaps use sodium hydroxide for the lye solution. The hot concentrate is poured into a mold to cool and take shape. Like the liquid soaps, bar soaps can be one of a variety of colors and scents.