Saponification Lab: Making Soap

Saponification is one of the most basic chemical reactions, but rarely do we actually teach it to students in high school. This lab guide was created for chemistry enthusiasts (and high school chemistry teachers on a budget) who just need an easy, step by step guide to get started. Using only three or four ingredients, and things you can find in your kitchen, you’ll learn how to make soap that you can use in your own home! All of these materials are easily found at the grocery store. The guide will also give tips on other places to find them, should the grocery store fail you.

For this lab, you’ll need:

• A digital kitchen scale (or balance)

• Glass jars or measuring cups

• Canola oil

• Lye (sodium hydroxide)

• Filtered water

• Candy/Gelatin molds (silicone, wood, or plastic)

Disclaimer: Do not perform any chemical reactions until you have read the safety instructions and familiarized yourself with the Safety Data Sheet for each chemical used in the reaction. Failure to perform the reaction as detailed may cause serious bodily harm. Buyer accepts all responsibility. Not responsible for any injuries sustained while following this procedure.

“Saponification Lab” Copyright © 2025 Andrew Bainbridge.

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