The chemical reaction of making soap, called saponification, is a complete process. During this reaction the sodium hydroxide and oil molecules combine on a molecular level and are chemically changed into soap. Properly done this reaction results in the sodium hydroxide being used up in the saponification process to turn the oil into soap.  We make sure that our ratios are done properly to not only ensure a proper soap bar but one that is of the highest quality. It is important to note that the act of sodium hydroxide and oil turning into soap is not something unique to us solely, but is the case with all natural cold process soaps.   We chose to list our ingredients by their names prior to reaction. Similar to how ingredients are listed on food items. Other soap companies may choose to list the ingredients after completing the process as it "removes" the name of sodium hydroxide.  Examples might be "soaponified vegetable oils" or "sodium olivate"(olive oil soap).  These are just ways that different companies say the same thing.  We feel that our customers would better understand the ingredients by making them familiar names rather than something more foreign.