As many different oils as soaps. The soap properties change by mixing oils. What kind of soap is created when olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil are used in a soap? Are there any exotic oils that can be used in soap? Each oil has its own quality after saponification.
Oil for soap
Olive oil or sunflower oil is used as the basis for most soaps. These oils are easily and cheaply available. The properties of these oils may be too sober, by adding a percentage of exotic oils the soap gets a different character. One oil has a foaming character after saponification, the other soft balm properties. Those properties can come together in a soap by mixing the oils and saponifying them together. Some oils enhance each other’s properties by being together in a soap. It is also possible to make soap with a specific purpose, against sensitive or dry skin, against mosquitoes or fungi. The emphasis of these soaps is then not on cleaning. Which oil has these specific qualities and how do I make a good soap from it? By combining the base oils with those specific oils, a good bar of soap is formed. Below are a number of exotic and basic oils with their soap qualities. It is also stated approximately what percentage is applied in combination with the base oil so that a good soap is formed.
Types of oil and their soap character
Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is a gentle oil that is similar to almond oil. It absorbs well into the skin and is a great conditioning for luxury soaps. Massage oil and bath oil are also made from this oil.
- Application 5% to 10%
- Saponification factor 130-145
Almond oil
A moisturizing oil that is soft and absorbs well into the skin. Like soap, this oil produces a low, stable foam. This oil makes the soap less hard. Almond oil is also suitable for making lotions, massage oil and bath oil.
- Application 5% to 10%
- Saponification factor 190-200
Avocado oil
Avocado Oil is a heavy, green, rich, moisturizing oil. A large part of this oil does not saponify, which means that the soap is over-greased. It is often used in soap recipes for people with sensitive skin. This oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, so that the soap has a long shelf life.
- Application 5% to 30%
- Saponification factor 177-198
Babassu oil
Babassu oil is made from the seeds of the babassu palm. The fatty acid composition is comparable to palm kernel oil and coconut oil. The oil is rich in lauric and myristic acids, which provide a nice soft foam. The oil melts around body temperature, so a good heavy oil that can also be used for butter and balms.
- Application 30% to 40%
- Saponification factor 245-256
Rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil is a good oil for making soap, some of the olive oil can be replaced by rapeseed oil. This oil gives a nice, creamy layer of foam and is moisturizing.
- Application 10% to 15%
- Saponification factor 173
Castor oil
Castor oil is a thick, clear oil. This oil greatly increases the soap’s lather content, creating a thick creamy lather. Castor oil has a moisturizing effect on the skin. This oil can also be used to prepare shampoo by applying 10% to 15% in addition to the base oil. The soap bar will become very soft. Castor oil has a unique fatty acid composition that creates a lot of foam.
- Application 5% to 8%
- Saponification factor 175-187
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the primary oils for making soap. This oil melts at low temperatures of around 35 degrees. It makes for a very hard piece of white soap with a lot of foam, 100% coconut soap even foams in salt water. Coconut oil makes the skin drier, which is due to its strong cleansing effect. Over-grease the soap by around 6% to 8%, then the skin will not become too dry.
- Application 30% to 40%
- Saponification factor 250-264
sunflower oil
This oil combines well with palm oil and olive oil, creating a lot of creamy foam. Sunflower oil alone as a soap does not have this quality. A good moisturizing soap is created. Depending on the quality of the oil, the soap has a short shelf life due to the fatty acid composition. Mixing rosemary extract in the soap improves the shelf life of the soap.
- Application 25%
- Saponification factor 185-198
Neem oil
Neem oil is extracted from the bark of the neem tree. This oil is used in soap for its antiseptic, anti-fungal and insect repellent properties. Apparently it works very well against skin conditions such as athlete’s foot. The scent of neem oil is very strong, a green earthy nut scent.
- Application 25%
- Saponification factor 175-205
Olive oil, extra virgin
Extra virgin and virgin olive oil comes from the first soft pressing of the olives. The refined or Grade A oil is usually the best quality for soap from the second pressing and is slightly refined, filtered. Olive oil is used to make the famous “Castille soap” and “Marseille soap” and must contain at least 72% olive oil. Olive oil soap is very moisturizing. Beautiful hard white bars of soap are the result. Most soap makers combine olive oil with other oils to improve the lather.
- Application 72% to 100%
- Saponification factor 184-196
Palm oil
Palm oil, along with olive oil and coconut oil, is one of the toppers used by soap makers. A hard soap with a lot of creamy foam. In combination with other oils such as olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil, the soap has a long shelf life.
- Application 30% to 40%
- Saponification factor 190-205