The "best" oil for soap making depends on the desired qualities of the final product. However, palm oil is widely considered an excellent choice.
Palm oil creates a hard, long-lasting bar with good cleansing properties. While sometimes criticized for its environmental impact, responsibly sourced palm oil provides a balance of desirable characteristics. However, many soap makers prefer to use other oils due to the environmental concerns regarding palm oil. The best oil truly depends on personal preference and the properties you want your soap to possess.
Here's a breakdown of other common soap making oils and their contributions:
Common Soap Making Oils and Their Properties
| Oil | Hardness | Lather | Cleansing | Conditioning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | High | Bubbly | High | Low | Can be drying at high percentages; use in moderation. |
| Olive Oil | Low | Low | Low | High | Creates a mild, gentle soap. Adds moisturizing qualities. Creates a low, creamy lather. |
| Palm Oil | High | Creamy | Medium | Medium | Creates a hard, long-lasting bar with good lather. Responsible sourcing is crucial. |
| Shea Butter | Medium | Low | Low | High | Adds moisturizing and conditioning properties. |
| Cocoa Butter | High | Low | Low | High | Contributes to a hard bar with luxurious feel. |
| Sunflower Oil | Low | Low | Low | High | Similar to olive oil, adds moisturizing properties. Can go rancid more quickly than olive oil. |
| Castor Oil | Low | Bubbly | Low | High | Boosts lather and adds humectant properties. Use in small amounts (5-10% of total oils). |
| Avocado Oil | Low | Low | Low | High | Adds moisturizing properties; creates a creamy, gentle soap. |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Low | Low | Low | High | Adds moisturizing and conditioning properties, creating a luxurious soap. |
Understanding Soap Making Oil Properties
- Hardness: Contributes to a long-lasting bar.
- Lather: Creates bubbles and foam.
- Cleansing: Removes dirt and oils.
- Conditioning: Provides moisturizing and emollient properties.
Creating a Balanced Soap Recipe
Most soap recipes combine several oils to achieve the desired balance of hardness, lather, cleansing, and conditioning. A typical recipe might include:
- 20-30% Coconut Oil (for lather and cleansing)
- 20-30% Palm Oil or other hard oil alternative like tallow or lard (for hardness and stability)
- 30-50% Olive Oil or other moisturizing oil (for conditioning and mildness)
- 5-10% Castor Oil (to boost lather)
Experimenting with different oil combinations is key to finding your perfect soap recipe. Consider the properties you value most and choose oils accordingly.
