Which ingredient commonly used in soaps and cosmetic creams is known to be a strong alkaline?

Sodium Hydroxide is recognized as a strong alkaline ingredient commonly used in the formulation of soaps and cosmetic products. It plays a key role in the process of saponification, where fats and oils react with the alkali to create soap. The strong alkaline nature of Sodium Hydroxide allows it to effectively break down oils and fats, making it an essential ingredient for achieving cleansing properties in these products.

While Potassium Hydroxide is also a strong alkaline substance, it is primarily used in the production of liquid soaps, making it somewhat less common in solid bar soaps compared to Sodium Hydroxide. Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide, on the other hand, are not considered strong alkaline agents; instead, they tend to be used for different purposes, such as in antacid formulations or as buffering agents. Thus, when considering common soaps and cosmetic creams specifically, Sodium Hydroxide is the ingredient that fulfills the role of a strong alkaline commonly found in the industry.