Ivory soap is not made from elephant tusks. The name “Ivory” refers to the soap’s appearance and not its ingredients. Ivory soap gets its name from its smooth, creamy color, which resembles the color of elephant ivory.
Ivory soap is actually made from a combination of fat or oils, whether they are derived from animals or plants, and either sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). These fats and oils undergo a chemical reaction with the lye (NaOH or KOH), known as saponification, to produce soap.
The specific ingredients used in Ivory soap may vary, but they typically include things like tallow (animal fat), coconut oil, palm oil, and other vegetable oils. These ingredients are mixed together with lye and water to create the soap.
During the saponification process, the lye reacts with the fats and oils, breaking them down into glycerol and fatty acid salts. The fatty acid salts are the actual soap molecules that provide the cleansing properties.
Ivory soap is known for its purity and mildness. It is often advertised as being “99.44% pure,” which refers to the fact that most of the impurities and excess moisture have been removed during the soap-making process. This makes Ivory soap gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
In terms of its environmental impact, Ivory soap is biodegradable and does not contain synthetic fragrances or dyes, making it a popular choice for those who prefer more natural and eco-friendly products.
To summarize, Ivory soap is made from a combination of fats or oils and either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. It does not contain any ingredients derived from elephant tusks, despite its name.