What is the specific purpose of using potassium hydroxide during the saponification process?

Explanation:

• Saponification is the process by which fats or oils (triglycerides) are turned into soap through reaction with a strong alkali, usually either sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH).
• The type of alkali used influences the characteristics of the resulting soap.
• Sodium hydroxide tends to produce a more solid, hard soap, which is typically used as bar soap.
• On the other hand, potassium hydroxide tends to create a softer, more liquid soap, which is often used in liquid hand soaps or body washes.
• These softer soaps are usually considered to be gentler or "softer" on the skin.

Therefore, the specific purpose of using potassium hydroxide during the saponification process is to produce soaps that are softer and often gentler on the skin.