The common alkalis used in soap making are sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also called caustic soda; and potassium hydroxide ... Hence we make use of surfactants. Detergent surfactants are much better ...

These can be hydrolysed when they are heated with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide ... grease droplets in water is called an emulsion. Detergents are a family of compounds that are similar ...