Best Oils for Soap Making: A Guide to Bar Soap Creation

Making your own soap is both a fun and rewarding experience, and you can make a variety of different types of soap depending on the oils you use. But, did you know that certain oils are better for making bar soap than others? In this blog article, we'll explore the different types of oils for soap making, their benefits, and the best oils for making your own soap. So, let's get started!

Introduction to Soap Making

Soap making is an age-old tradition that dates back to the Babylonians, who were the first to discover that mixing oils with alkaline substances, such as lye, creates a cleansing product. Today, soap makers use different combinations of oils, fats, and lye to create a variety of different types of soap, such as bar soap, liquid soap, and even shampoo. If you’re new to soap making, it can be a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right ingredients and a little guidance, you can easily make your own soap at home. One of the most important ingredients you’ll need to make your own soap is the right kind of oil.

Cold process soap is a popular method among soap makers due to its ability to preserve the beneficial properties of oils.

Understanding Soap Making Oils

When diving into the world of soap making, it’s essential to understand the role that different oils play in the process. Each oil brings its own unique properties to the table, influencing the final product’s texture, lather, and moisturizing qualities. The right combination of oils can transform a simple bar of soap into a luxurious skincare product.

Oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil are staples in soap making due to their beneficial properties. Olive oil, for instance, is renowned for its moisturizing capabilities, making it a favorite for those with dry or sensitive skin. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is celebrated for its ability to produce a rich, bubbly lather, while palm oil contributes to the soap’s hardness, ensuring it lasts longer. By understanding the characteristics of these oils, you can create a soap that not only cleanses but also nourishes and pampers the skin.

Characteristics of Good Soap Making Oils

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to soap making. The best oils for this craft possess a balanced fatty acid profile, which directly impacts the soap’s hardness, lather, and moisturizing properties. Here are some key characteristics to look for in good soap making oils:

• Stability: Oils high in saturated fatty acids, such as coconut oil and palm oil, are more stable and less prone to oxidation. This stability helps prevent spoilage, ensuring your soap has a longer shelf life.

• Lathering Ability: Oils rich in lauric acid, like coconut oil and palm kernel oil, are excellent for creating a rich, fluffy lather. This makes the soap more enjoyable to use and enhances its cleansing power.

• Moisturizing Properties: Oils with a high oleic acid content, such as olive oil and avocado oil, are incredibly moisturizing. They produce a mild, nourishing soap that is gentle on the skin, making them ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.

• Hardness: Oils containing a significant amount of palmitic acid, such as palm oil and cocoa butter, contribute to the soap’s hardness. A harder soap lasts longer and maintains its shape better, providing more value over time.

By selecting oils with these characteristics, you can craft a soap that meets your specific needs and preferences.

What Oils Are Best for Making Soap? (Including Coconut Oil)

When it comes to making soap, there are many different types of oils you can use. Some of the most popular oils for soap making include coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, and castor oil. You can also use other oils, such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and even avocado oil. Apricot kernel oil is another excellent option, being lightweight and high in linoleic and oleic acids, and it is recommended to use it at 15% or less in soap recipes to maintain the bar's hardness and longevity. Hemp seed oil is also beneficial, known for its hydrating properties and ability to create an excellent lather, with a recommended usage rate of up to 15% in recipes. The type of oil you choose will depend on the type of soap you want to make and the kind of benefits you want your soap to have. Different types of oils provide different benefits, so it’s important to understand the different types of oils and their benefits before you start making your own soap.

Different Types of Oils for Soap Making

Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils for soap making. It is a saturated fat and is highly moisturizing, which makes it great for making bar soap. It also provides a creamy lather and is great for people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Olive oil is another popular oil for soap making. It is a monounsaturated fat, which makes it milder than other oils. It is also very moisturizing and has a creamy lather. It is a great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Palm oil is a common oil used in soap making. It is a saturated fat and is very moisturizing. It provides a creamy lather and is very hard, which makes it great for making bar soap. It is important to purchase palm oil from a company that participants in the  Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil  or RSPO. This organization was formed in 2004 in response to increasing concerns about the impacts palm oil was having on the environment and on society. The RSPO has production standards for growers that set best practices for producing and sourcing palm oil, and it has the buy-in of most of the global industry.

Sunflower oil is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient. The oil is primarily composed of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat, and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. It’s non-irritating for most people, and can be used on all types of skin, including dry, normal, oily, and acne-prone.

Castor oil is another versatile oil that is often used in soap making. It is a monounsaturated fat and is very moisturizing. It also provides a creamy lather and is great for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Almond oil is a mild oil that is great for making bar soap. It is a monounsaturated fat and is highly moisturizing. It provides a nice lather and is great for people with sensitive skin.

Jojoba oil is a light oil that is great for making liquid soap. It is a monounsaturated fat and is highly moisturizing. It also provides a nice lather and is great for people with sensitive skin.

Avocado oil is a rich oil that is great for making bar soap. It is a monounsaturated fat and is highly moisturizing. It provides a creamy lather and is great for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Mango butter is a beneficial ingredient in soap making, known for its soft texture that melts on contact with the skin. It can be used at up to 30% of the soap recipe to create a hard bar with good lathering qualities.

Rice bran oil is an economical alternative to olive oil in soap making recipes. It can be used at up to 20%, but exceeding this limit can result in a soft bar of soap with low lather.

Shea butter is a conditioning ingredient that helps harden soap. It can be used at a rate of up to 15%. Tempering shea butter before use is important to prevent crystal formation.

Sweet almond oil is lightweight and moisturizing, making it a valuable addition to soap recipes. It can be used at a rate of up to 20% in cold process recipes to achieve a desirable soap texture and feel.

Walnut oil is a luxurious, nourishing ingredient rich in B vitamins and niacin. It can be used at up to 15% in formulations for its conditioning and moisturizing properties, enhancing the skin's health through its antioxidant effects.

Wheat germ oil is a nourishing soft oil suitable for soap making, known for its rich emollient properties and deep nutritional benefits. It can be used at a rate of up to 10% in cold process soap recipes, alongside other luxury oils for their skin-conditioning effects.

Benefits of Using Oils for Soap Making (Including Shea Butter)

Using the right type of oil for soap making can provide a variety of benefits. Different types of oils provide different benefits, such as moisture, lather, hardness, and more. Using the right kind of oil can help make your soap more moisturizing, which is great for people with dry or sensitive skin. It can also help make your soap harder, which helps it last longer. It can also help make your soap more bubbly and lather better. Using different types of oils can also help you create a soap that is unique and tailored to your needs. For example, if you want a soap that is moisturizing and has a creamy lather, you can use a combination of coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil.

Fragrance oils can also enhance the appeal of handmade soaps. Consider sourcing them from trustworthy suppliers to ensure quality and consistency.

The Best Oils for Making Soap

When it comes to choosing the best oils for making soap, there are a few that stand out. Coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil are all great choices for making bar soap. Castor oil is a great choice for liquid soap and is also great for people with dry or sensitive skin. Almond oil and jojoba oil are also great choices for making liquid soap. Avocado oil is also a great choice for making bar soap. It is a rich oil that is highly moisturizing and provides a creamy lather.

Balancing Fatty Acids and Oil Properties

Creating a well-balanced soap recipe is an art that involves blending oils with different fatty acid profiles. This balance ensures that your soap is both cleansing and moisturizing, providing the best of both worlds. Here are some tips for achieving this balance:

• Use a Combination of Oils: To create a balanced soap, combine oils with varying fatty acid profiles. For example, coconut oil, which is high in lauric acid, can be paired with olive oil, rich in oleic acid. This combination results in a soap that is both cleansing and moisturizing.

• Consider the SAP Value: The SAP (saponification) value of an oil indicates how much lye is needed to saponify it. Accurately calculating the SAP value for each oil in your recipe ensures you use the correct amount of lye, which is crucial for the soap’s quality and safety.

• Adjust the Superfat: The superfat percentage represents the amount of oil left unsaponified in the soap, contributing to its moisturizing properties. Adjusting the superfat percentage allows you to fine-tune the balance of fatty acids, ensuring your soap is neither too harsh nor too soft.

By carefully balancing these elements, you can create a soap that is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Oils for Soap Making Chart PDF

Wholesale supply has a comprehensive pdf to help you choose the best oils for your soap making needs. In this chart, you'll find detailed information on each oil, such as its benefits, type, and lather. You'll also find a chart that compares the different oils and their benefits. This guide is a great resource for anyone looking to make their own soap. You can download the oil chart here.

Tips for Choosing the Best Oils for Soap Making

When it comes to choosing the best oils for soap making, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of soap you are making. For example, if you are making bar soap, you'll want to use a saturated fat, such as coconut oil or palm oil, as these will help make your soap harder and last longer. You'll also want to consider the benefits you want your soap to have. Different types of oils provide different benefits, such as moisture, lather, and hardness. Consider what kind of benefits you want your soap to have and choose the oils accordingly. Finally, consider the type of skin you have. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you'll want to choose oils that are milder and more moisturizing, such as olive oil and castor oil.

How to Use Oils for Cold Process Soap Making

Once you've chosen the best oils for your soap making needs, you'll need to know how to use them. In general, you'll want to use a combination of different oils in order to get the benefits of each oil. For example, if you're making bar soap, you'll want to use a combination of coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil in order to get the benefits of each oil. When it comes to measuring the oils, you'll want to use a digital scale. This will help you get an accurate measurement of the oils and ensure that your soap comes out the way you want it to.

Experimenting and Refining Your Recipe

Soap making is a journey of experimentation and refinement. As you gain experience, you’ll discover the joy of tweaking your recipes to achieve the perfect bar of soap. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Start with a Simple Recipe: Begin with a basic recipe that uses a few well-known oils. As you become more comfortable with the process, you can start experimenting with additional oils and ingredients to enhance your soap.

• Keep Track of Your Recipes: Documenting your recipes and any changes you make is crucial. This record-keeping allows you to replicate successful batches and learn from any mistakes, helping you refine your soap making skills over time.

• Test Your Soap Regularly: Regular testing is essential to ensure your soap meets your standards. By evaluating each batch, you can make necessary adjustments to improve the final product, whether it’s tweaking the oil ratios or adjusting the superfat percentage.

Embrace the process of experimentation, and you’ll soon find yourself crafting soaps that are uniquely yours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned soap makers can encounter pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

• Using Too Much Lye: Excessive lye can result in a soap that is harsh and drying. Always calculate the SAP value of each oil in your recipe to ensure you’re using the correct amount of lye.

• Not Adjusting the Superfat: Failing to adjust the superfat percentage can lead to soap that is either too soft or too hard. Fine-tuning the superfat percentage helps balance the fatty acid profile, resulting in a better-quality soap.

• Not Testing Your Soap: Skipping regular testing can mean your soap doesn’t meet your expectations. Make it a habit to test each batch, allowing you to make necessary adjustments and ensure consistent quality.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your soap making experience and produce high-quality soaps every time.

With these new sections, the article now provides a comprehensive guide to soap making, covering everything from understanding the properties of different oils to refining your recipes and avoiding common mistakes. Happy soap making!

Conclusion

Making your own soap is a fun and rewarding experience, and you can make a variety of different types of soap depending on the oils you use. Different types of oils provide different benefits, so it's important to understand the different types of oils and their benefits before you start making your own soap.

If you're looking to make your own soap, we recommend using the right combination of oils to get the benefits of each oil. We also recommend using a digital scale to get an accurate measurement of the oils. So, now that you know the secrets of soap making with the best oils for bar soap, what are you waiting for?

If you're not interested in making soap, but would like to use handmade skin care products, visit our online shop. Our soap is made with goat milk and sunflower oil. More than 50% of ingredients are sourced from Midwest Farms.