Why wood ashes is needed and weather the pH of water is acidic basic or neutral in soap?

Wood ashes are needed in soapmaking to create lye through a process called saponification. The pH of water used in soapmaking needs to be neutral to slightly acidic. This is because lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) is highly alkaline, and using acidic water can help control the reaction and ensure a safe pH level in the final soap product.