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Soap is sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids, and these days is usually used only for cleaning human skin, but in the past was used for many other cleaning purposes.

Detergent is a substance used for cleaning, so soap is a type of detergent. Detergents are often surfactants (as is soap), which help to dissolve oils in water, useful in cleaning dirty dishes or greasy skin.

Both detergent and soap can be harmful to skin (but are not always), and neither form kill or remove 100% of bacteria.

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Does soap and detergents have the same effects in all water?

No, soap and detergents do not have the same effects in all water. Soap can form scum in hard water due to a reaction with calcium and magnesium ions, while detergents are designed to perform better in hard water by preventing the formation of scum.


What is the chemical composition of soap and detergents?

Soap is typically made from a combination of fats or oils with an alkaline substance like lye (sodium hydroxide). Detergents, on the other hand, are synthetically produced from petrochemicals like sulfonates or alcohol ethoxylates. Both soap and detergents have molecules with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) end, allowing them to remove dirt and grease from surfaces.


What is the difference between soap and detergent according to structural formula?

The difference between soap and detergent according to structural formula is that the former are sodium salts of long chain carboxylic acids. The latter are sodium salts of long chain alkyl benzene sulphonic acids are alkyl sulphate.


What is the difference between antibacterial soap regular soap and all natural soap?

Antibacterial soaps contain Triclosan, a water soluble organic compound that has shown to have anti bacterial properties. Regular soaps are just a mixture of fatty acids, oils, or detergents. All natural soaps usually boast that they are made of "natural ingredients" and do not contain harsh detergents or synthetic ingredients like perfume. Most often, antibacterial soaps are not necessary to kill germs , as regular soap has been shown to kill just as many germs with thorough washing. Antibacterial soaps can be bad for the environment. Triclosan can not be "rid" during water treatment filtration processes, so it usually ends up in local streams where it can have devastating effects on aquatic life.


What is the difference between dove soap and lux soap?

Dove soap is known for being moisturizing and gentle on the skin, while Lux soap focuses more on fragrance and luxurious experiences. Dove soap is often recommended for sensitive skin due to its mild formula, whereas Lux soap is more about providing a fragrant bathing experience.

Related Questions

What is the main difference between soap and detergent?

The main difference between soap and detergent is their chemical composition. Soap is made from natural ingredients like fats and oils, while detergents are synthetic compounds.


Why is matter insoluble in alcohol determined in soap and detergents?

Matter can be insoluble in alcohol in soap and detergents because alcohol is hydrophilic (water-loving), while some components in soap and detergents are hydrophobic (water-repelling). This difference in polarity between the alcohol and the matter prevents them from mixing and dissolving in each other.


What is the difference between soap and detergent used in modern households?

Soap is made from natural ingredients like fats and oils, while detergents are synthetic compounds. Soap is biodegradable and can be less harsh on the environment, while detergents are designed to be more effective at removing dirt and stains. Additionally, detergents are more suitable for hard water compared to soap.


What is the difference between soap and detergent?

Soap and detergent are both cleaning agents, but they have different compositions. Soap is made from natural ingredients like fats and oils, while detergents are synthetic compounds. Soap is biodegradable and milder on the skin, while detergents are more effective in hard water and for removing tough stains.


What is the difference between toilet soap and bathing bar?

what is the difference between toilet soap and bathing soap?


What and the difference between base and soap?

There is no clear difference between base and soap because soap is a base.


Difference between soap and detergent?

The two words can be used interchangeably in everyday conversation (I have heard both 'laundry soap' and 'laundry detergent' used). Chemically though,"Detergent" refers to any surfactant (a chemical that lowers the surface tension of a liquid) that has cleaning properties and soap refers specifically to the salt of a fatty acid. Therefore soap is a form of detergent, but not all detergents are soaps.


Difference between soapy and soapless detergents?

Well, darling, the difference between soapy and soapless detergents is simple. Soapy detergents contain soap as an active ingredient, while soapless detergents use synthetic surfactants instead. So, if you want to stick with the traditional soap route, go for soapy detergents. But if you're feeling fancy and modern, opt for the soapless ones.


What are the key differences in the chemistry between soap and detergent?

Soap and detergent are both surfactants, but they have different chemical structures. Soap is made from natural fats and oils, while detergents are synthetic compounds. Soap is biodegradable and milder on the skin, while detergents are more effective in hard water and have stronger cleaning power.


Are soap and synthetic detergents equally good as emulsifiers?

soaps are not equaly good as detergents because soaps are good for oils but dissolves in water it doesnt work as well and detergents doent dissolv in watter making the detergent last longer and works better.


Does soap and detergents have the same effects in all water?

No, soap and detergents do not have the same effects in all water. Soap can form scum in hard water due to a reaction with calcium and magnesium ions, while detergents are designed to perform better in hard water by preventing the formation of scum.


What is non-soap body wash?

It is a cleanser that has no detergents