What to Do If You Get Lye on Your Skin (Soap Making Safety Guide)

Working with sodium hydroxide (lye) is a normal part of cold process soap making, but accidents can happen — even to experienced soap makers. Knowing exactly what to do if you get lye on your skin can prevent serious chemical burns and long-term damage.

This guide explains why vinegar should NOT be used, what actually works, and how to protect yourself when working with lye.

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How to Neutralize Lye on Skin

I’ve been making soap for many years and am always cautious when working with lye. Even so, I’ve experienced a lye splash on my skin — and it hurts.

Many articles online suggest using vinegar to neutralize lye burns. This is dangerous advice.

When I first started making soap, I kept a large bottle of vinegar nearby “just in case.” One day, while pouring my lye solution into oils, a small splash landed on the exposed skin between my glove and shirt sleeve.

I immediately applied vinegar — and the pain intensified dramatically.

That experience taught me an important lesson:

👉 DO NOT USE VINEGAR ON A LYE BURN.

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Why You Should NOT Use Vinegar on a Lye Burn

While it’s true that vinegar (acetic acid) can chemically neutralize sodium hydroxide, the reaction releases heat. This creates a thermal burn on top of the chemical burn, making the injury worse.

Applying vinegar to lye on the skin can:

• Increase heat rapidly

• Deepen tissue damage

• Intensify pain

• Delay proper treatment

In fact, it would take several litres of vinegar poured continuously to safely neutralize even a small lye splash — which is neither practical nor safe.

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What to Do Immediately If You Get Lye on Your Skin

Flush With Water — Immediately

Water is the safest and most effective treatment for lye exposure on skin.

Although lye heats up when water is first added, large amounts of running water rapidly dilute sodium hydroxide, reducing its strength and stopping further damage.

What to do:

1. Get to running water immediately

2. Flush the area continuously

3. Use plenty of water — more is better

4. Do not scrub the skin

5. Continue flushing for several minutes

The burn lessens as the lye becomes more diluted. This method worked far better the next time I experienced a small splash.

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Follow the MSDS Guidelines for Sodium Hydroxide

After my experience, I printed the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for sodium hydroxide — something every soap maker should do.

The MSDS clearly states:

• Flush affected skin immediately with large amounts of water

• Seek medical attention for severe exposure

• Do not use neutralizing chemicals on skin

Please read and print a copy of the MSDS Sheet for Sodium Hydroxide and keep it in your soap making area.

Using a soap lye calculator correctly is just as important as knowing how to handle lye safely.

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Soap Making Safety Tips When Working With Lye

Proper Lye Storage

• Store lye in clearly labeled containers marked “LYE” and “POISON”

• Use airtight containers with secure lids

• Keep lye away from children and pets

If You Spill Dry Lye

• Sweep up immediately

• Mop the area thoroughly with cold water

• After cleaning, you may spray a diluted vinegar solution on surfaces (never skin)

Safe Lye Mixing Practices

• Always mix lye in the sink

• Pour lye into water, never water into lye

• Work slowly and deliberately

Always Wear Protective Gear

Protective equipment is not optional when working with lye.

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Personal Protective Equipment for Soap Making

Chemical Splash Goggles

Eye protection is critical when working with sodium hydroxide.

These chemical splash goggles provide full eye coverage and are ideal for protecting against lye splashes while making soap.

(Pyramex Anti-Fog Chemical Splash Goggles)

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Chemical Resistant Gloves

Your hands are at the highest risk of exposure.

These 14-inch PVC-coated chemical resistant gloves help protect hands and forearms from lye splashes and spills during soap making.

Wells Lamont 14″ Chemical Resistant Gloves

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Chemical Resistant Apron

Protecting your body and clothing is just as important.

This full-length chemical resistant apron provides excellent protection against lye splashes and also keeps oils and soap batter off your clothing.

Surblue Waterproof Chemical Resistant Apron

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Purchasing goggles, gloves, and an apron is one of the smartest investments you can make for your soap room. For a relatively small cost, you significantly reduce the risk of serious injury while working with lye.

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Lye Safety FAQ

Should I use vinegar to neutralize lye on my skin?
No. Vinegar reacts with lye and releases heat, which can worsen burns.

What is the safest way to treat a lye splash?
Immediately flush the area with large amounts of running water.

Can lye burns cause permanent damage?
Yes. Improper treatment can result in deep burns and scarring.

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