Actually, yes. When making soap, add the lye to the water, NOT the water to the lye. It WILL explode if you do it this way. You see, it is a highly exothermic reaction and if you add the water to the lye instead of the lye to the water, it will cause ultra-hot water to jet upward risking massive burns both heat and chemical caused. And from what I've been told, that HURTS. So it's prudent to add the lye to the water instead. You then stir vigorously to ensure all of the lye is dissolved in the water before adding your liquid to your oil. It does not have to be animal fat, either. It can be vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, shae oil, palm oil, etc. Though I do NOT recommend peanut oil since so many individuals have allergies to peanuts.

However, when adding the lye / water mix to the oil, it does not burn. The exothermic reaction is only when the lye is added to the water. Heh, sorry for the lecture, I love making soap. I love this one!