The soap molecule has
two specific ends that
behave differently.
Section 1 is a hydrophobic
(water-hating/grease-loving)
Section 2 is ionic and
hydrophilic
(water-loving/grease-hating)
The hydrocarbon tail is
hydrophobic and wants to
get out of the water.
They bury their tail in the
grease to get out of the
water and the hydrophilic
head is happy.
Once their is enough
hydrocarbons to fill up the
grease, the grease starts to
move away from the skin so
more can fit and there is more
surface area.
Grease is
separated from
the skin.
Slightly alkaline.
The surface of our skin is
covered in oils and these can
react with the alkaline soap to
for more soap and thus
removes the oils and makes
our skin feel 'dry'.
More expensive soaps
contain 'moisturisers'.
pH balanced soaps
are also available.
Oven Cleaners
Oven cleaners contain
strong alkalis that react with
the fats to form a soap. This
can then be removed easily.