Compilation of Oil Properties for an Ideal Handmade Soap Bar

Category: Handmade Soap

  • Compilation of Oil Properties for an Ideal Handmade Soap Bar

    Oils/FatsBar QualityPropertiesRecommended Amount
    Almond Oil, SweetSoft bar. Stable medium lather. Mild cleansing.Recommended for dry, irritated skin.15-20%
    Apricot Kernel OilSoft bar. Medium lather. Mild cleansing.Emollient properties.15%
    Argan OilSoothes problematic skin (?), great for shampoo bars.10%
    Avocado OilSoft bar. Medium lather. Mild cleansing.Recommended for dry and sensitive skin. High in vitamin E.15-20%
    Babassu oilHard bar. Large bubbles. High cleansing.Milder than coconut oil. 15-30%
    Castor OilSoft bar. Stable lather. High cleansing.Drying if used in high amounts.10% (higher amounts in shampoo bars)
    Cocoa ButterHard-to-brittle bar. Creamy lather. Long lasting bar. Strong scent.15% (can use more, but may cause cracking)
    Coconut OilHard bar. Abundant lather. Large bubbles. High cleansing.Saponified coconut oil is drying. Unsaponified coconut oil softens the skin. Experiment with a 100% coconut oil soap with a 20% superfat. Add after saponification in hot process.30% (higher than that can be drying, so be sure to superfat)
    Grapeseed OilSoft bar. Medium lather. Mild cleansing. Shorter shelf life.Recommended for acne soaps.8-12%
    Hazelnut oilSoft bar. Medium lather. Mild cleansing.5-8%
    Hemp (Seed) OilSoft bar. Medium silky lather. Mild cleansingEmollient properties. Keep oil refrigerated.15%
    Jojoba OilStabilizes and suspends lather if used in small amounts; it can kill lather when used in high amounts. Extends shelf life of soap.Conditions skin & hair, excellent for shampoo bars.5-10%
    Tallow (Deer)Hard bar. Mild stabilizing creamy lather. White.Rich in palmitate. In modern times, tallow became replaced with palm oil.25-50%
    LardHard bar. Mild stabilizing creamy lather. White.100% lard soap with no superfat makes great laundry soap.25-50%
    Mango ButterEmollient properties.5-10%
    Meadowfoam OilCreamy leather. Increases shelf life of soap.Conditions skin.10%
    Neem OilStrong scent.Skin healing (?). Antiseptic, repels fleas and ticks – good for pet soaps and traveler soaps.5-10%
    Olive OilStarts out soft, but cures hard. Creamy lather. Small bubbles.The low cleansing properties of olive oil make it very mild. Soap for sensitive skin, elder skin or baby skin should include high amounts of olive (60%). Castile soap is made with 100% olive oil.100%
    Palm Kernel OilHard bar. Large bubbles. White.Similar to coconut oil, but less drying.15-30%
    Palm OilHard, long lasting. Mild stable lather.Used instead of lard or tallow.25-50%
    Peach Kernel OilExcellent for skin (?).15%
    Rice Bran OilSoft bar, medium lather, mild cleansing. Gives soap a sheen making it look less dull.Similar to olive oil.5-12%
    Safflower oilSoft bar, medium lather, mild cleansing.Similar to olive oil (?).5-12%
    Shea ButterMedium hard long-lasting bar. Mild creamy lather.Emollient properties.15%
    Shea butterMedium hard long-lasting bar. Mild creamy lather.Similar to cocoa butter5-20%
    Soybean oilSoft bar, medium lather, mild cleansing.Similar to olive oil (?).5-12%
    Sunflower OilSoft bar with silky lather, mild cleansing. Slows down time to reach trace.Emollient properties.15-20%

  • Homemade Soap Benefits

    Why do we make soap?

    Homemade Soap

    Soap making is one of the most beneficial homesteading skills. We use soap daily in its various forms for many different purposes. From bar soaps, liquid hand soaps, and shampoos to dish and laundry detergents, pet shampoos, kitchen cleaners, car shampoos and many more.