Sodium Hydroxide Lye 20 Lbs of Fcc/99% Pure Food Grade Micro Beads Comes in 4-5LB containers Sodium Hydroxide Lye 20 Lbs of Fcc/99% Pure Food Grade Micro Beads Food  It can be used to wash or chemically peel fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it is often used to soften foods like olives or baked goods. Cleaning  Not recommended for drain cleaning Soap  Typically for cold-process soap making, lye is essential. It can also be used in hot-process soap making when mixed with the appropriate fat and oils. Caustic soda (lye) creates a chemical reaction known as saponificiation. This process is what breaks down the oils and turns them into soap. Hair  In liquid form, it is mixed with other ingredients to create a hair straightening substance (often referred to as a relaxer).