Characteristics of the soap according to the oils used

by Liz M | Oct 24, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

We can saponify any oil or fat (both vegetable and animal). Each fat/oil is made up of several fatty acids that, when saponified, give the soap special characteristics. To improve the characteristics of the soap, it is recommended to mix several oils in the formula (except Castile soap, which is 100% olive oil). Normally we will use a high proportion of olive oil and depending on the type of soap we want to obtain; we will combine it with one or more oils.

Below we see in summary the general characteristics that give the soap

Avocado Oil

Very soft, fine slippery foam. Produces a very mild soap.

Apricot Oil

Fine foam, very mild soap. Very oxidizable. Allergenic.

Almond Oil

Fine foam, large bubbles. The soap obtained is very soft, but it oxidizes (rancidity)

Argan Oil

Mild, soothing and nourishing soap. fine foam.

Hezelnut Oil

Produces a creamy soap, very soft, but with a fine foam. Very oxidizable. Allergenic.

Peanut Oil

White soap, hard. Little foam. Avoid in cases of peanut allergy.

Cocoa Butter

Very hard soap, little foam, not very creamy. Provides hardness to the soap.

Bee Wax

Hard soap, without foam. Provides hardness to the soap.

Coconut Oil

One of the essentials (along with olive oil). Produces very hard, white soap bars with a lot of foam. Very degreasing.

Rapeseed Oil

Very soft soap, with fine foam, but scarce.

Sunflower Oil

Mild soap, medium foam.

Jojoba Oil

(oil; it’s actually a liquid wax). Very stable oil, hard soap, no foam, no creaminess. Provides toughness.

Shea Butter

Hard soap, little foam. Soft and hard soaps.

Corn Oil

Light foam, It oxidizes (ranches) easily.

Olive Oil

The other essential. Very hard soap, with little foam, but very creamy and very soft. Excellent for sensitive skin.

Palm Oil

Hard soap, creamy foam and very stable.

Castor Oil

Slow drying soap, very soft. Produces a creamy foam. Improves foam in formulas

Grape Seed Oil

Soft, gelatinous soap with a lot of foam. Sensitive to oxidation.

Soy Bean Oil

Very hard soap, very soft, medium foam. Sensitive to oxidation.

Hemp Oil

Moisturizing properties, rich lather, and a dose of antioxidants. It adds a luxurious feel to the soap, nourishing the skin with essential fatty acids and promoting a gentle, soothing cleanse.

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