Soaping Oil/Butter Properties

Information compiled from Nature’s Garden Wholesale Candle and Soap Supplies, Summer Bee Meadow Handcrafted Soaps, bits of
information picked up from various soap suppliers websites. The Soap Queen’s website/blog was very informative and I picked up additional
information from a few kindle books I have on soap making as well. A special thanks to Miranda Murphy for helping to fill in a lot of
information I was missing!!! I tried to be very careful whose information I used, as I was looking for quality information to help me learn
about the properties of soaping oils. I was getting a bit confused with all the websites bookmarked, tags on my kindle books and sticky notes in
paper books when I needed to find something about a specific oil. For the sake of my sanity I wanted all the information in one place, so I
created this document.

It is a work in progress, as I find more info I will update and repost. If you have any of the missing information please feel free to pass it along
and I will update the document. If you work with oils not listed here, please share your knowledge and experience with the oil and again I’ll add
it to the table.

Oil Name Fatty Acid Makeup Shelf Life/Storage Comments/Qualities/Usage Percent

Aloe Vera Oil ? ? Aloe Vera oil is used because it is a great soothing agent for damaged and
dry skin. Note: Be careful that what you purchase is pure Aloe Vera Oil.
Kathleen Wo cautions, not all Aloe Vera Oil is the same. She purchased
what claimed to be Aloe oil only to discover it contained mineral oil. It
has also been brought to my attention that there is no such thing as pure
aloe oil; it’s infused oil so you need to know what type of oil they used
for the infusion.
Terri’s note: I think I’m just going to stay away from this one.
Apricot Kernel Oleic 58-74% 6 months to a year Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing. Smooth and
Oil Linoleic 20-34% lightweight oil, high in Vitamin A and minerals, Apricot kernel oil is
Palmitic 4-7% often used for super fatting. Also popular as a massage oil, Known for its
Oleic 46% ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel, apricot kernel oil
has a superb texture that is great for all skin types. Recommended usage
between 5-15%
Argon Oil Myristic 1% Up to 2 year if kept out Referred to as “liquid gold” in Europe, Argon oil is used in soap to
Palmitic 14% of direct sunlight, high provide antioxidants, nutrients and conditioning to the skin. Provides a
Oleic 46% heat and kept tightly rich, stable lather. Usage rate 5-10%.
Linoleic 34% capped.
Linolenic 1%
Avocado Oil Oleic 36-80% 1 year Often used for superfatting soaps, avocado oil contains vitamins A, D,
Palmitic 7-32 % and E, which makes it healing as well as moisturizing. Also used in
Linoleic 6-18% massage oils, creams, lotions and hair products. Nutrient-filled soaping
Stearic 1.5% oil that provides creamy lather and skin conditioning. High level of
unsaponifiables, many soapers use this oil to increase the moisturizing
qualities of their soap. Great for sensitive skin. Usage rate 5-30% soap.
Avocado Butter Palmitic 21% 3 years This butter can be used in all types of soap and skin care products to
Stearic 10% provide nourishment to the skin and soften dry, rough skin. In soap this
Oleic 53% butter has the same properties as the oil; rich and luxurious with a lot of
Linoleic 6% conditioning. Use at up to 5-12.5%, excellent for superfatting.
Linolenic 2%
Babassu Oil Lauric 50% 1 year Contributes to: soap hardness, fluffy lather, quicker trace. Beneficial for
Myristic 20% both dry and oily complexions, gently moisturizing the skin without
Palmitic 11% contributing to an oily sheen. Especially suitable for eczema, itchy, dry
Oleic 10% and inflamed skin. Closely resembles coconut and palm kernel oil when
Stearic 3.5% used in soap. Bubbly lather. May speed trace.
Baobab Oil Myristic 1% 18 – 24 months Also known as Monkey Bread Tree, the icon of southern Africa and some
Palmitic 24% specimens are a few thousand years old. Produces a hard bar of soap,
Stearic 4% stable lather. High in Omega 3, 6, 9, improves skin elasticity, easily
Oleic 37% absorbed, good for eczema, psoriasis and dandruff relief.
Linoleic 28% Use at 5-10% of the recipe, or add at 5% superfat at trace.
Linolenic 2%
Beeswax (contains some forever Beeswax can help make a somewhat harder bar of soap. Used at 1% to
saponifiables) 3% of total oils, acts as an emulsifier while stirring/blending to trace and
may help prevent “soap ash” while curing. Inhibits lather at higher
amounts. Natural, unrefined beeswax has the smell of honey which
persists through saponification better than if honey itself is used.
Beeswax contains a high percentage of unsaponifiables. Also used in
creams, lotions, lip balms, candle making, polishes, inks, cosmetics, and
ointments. In cosmetics, it is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stiffening
agent in creams, lotions, lipsticks, etc. Beeswax has emollient, soothing
and softening properties and helps the skin retain
moisture.
Black Currant Palmitic 6% 6 to 9 months Obtained from the fruit of the Ribes nigrum, grown in Europe. High in
Seed Oil Stearic 2% fatty acids, especially in GLA. Said to help damaged skin and aid in the
Oleic 1% reconstruction of cell membranes. (More information on this oil needed.)
 Linoleic 46%
Linolenic 2%
Borage Seed Oil Linoleic 40.6% Goes rancid very Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning. Goes rancid very quickly. This
Gamma Linolenic quickly. This oil is oil is degraded by heat, light, humidity, and exposure to oxygen. It should
20.5% degraded by heat, light, be stored in a cool, dark place. Borage oil is one of the richest sources of
Oleic 16.8% humidity, and exposure gamma linolenic acid plus it contains important vitamins and minerals. It
Palmitic 10.9% to oxygen. It should be is often used in high-end cosmetic formulations to nourish and hydrate
Icosenoic 4.2% stored in a cool, dark the skin. Said to be beneficial for maturing skin and for damaged skin
Docosenoic 2.5% place. where regeneration of new skin cells is needed.
Butterfat (cow) Oleic 29% Keep refrigerated Does anyone know how much you would use in soap? What percent of
Palmitic 27% the total oils?
Stearic 12%
Myristic 11%
Capric 3%
Lauric 3%
Linoleic 2%
Butterfat (goat) Oleic 27% Keep refrigerated Terri’s note: Ditto above question.
Palmitic 25%
Stearic 12%
Myristic 9%
Capric 7%
Lauric 3%
Linoleic 3%
Canola Oil Oleic 32-62% 1 to 2 years Canola oil/high oleic – Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, slower
available in High Linoleic 15-22% trace, softer soap. Use it to partially replace more expensive oils like
Oleic Alpha Linoleic 10% olive, (using 10-15% in recipes where you are using it in place of some of
Palmitic 1-4% the olive oil). Canola oil is actually from a modified variety of rapeseed.
Stearic 2% Canola will reduce the hardness of soap. on its own Canola can be used at
up to 40%. Colleen Bohrer contributed the following information about
this oil: Here are just a few facts everyone should know before buying
anything containing canola. Canola is not the name of a natural plant but
a made-up word, from the words "Canada" and "oil". Canola is a
genetically engineered plant developed in Canada from the Rapeseed
Plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. According to
AgriAlternatives, The Online Innovation, and Technology Magazine for
Farmers, "By nature, these rapeseed oils, which have long been used to
 produce oils for industrial purposes, are... toxic to humans and other
animals". Terri’s Note: Always do your own due diligence on any oil
you use in soap or body products.
Calendula oil Depends upon what Depends upon what oil This is an herbal infusion, usually in olive oil. It has antioxidant,
oil is used for is used for infusion antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties, and is great for
infusion aiding in wound healing. This is fantastic for salves, lotions, and soap.
Baby safe. For soap making, use at 10% or use it as a superfatting oil.
Cupuacu Butter ? Keep tightly sealed, Cupuacu Butter, from the Rain Forest, is prized for its rich content of;
protect from heat/light phytosterols to benefit dry, damaged skin, polyphenols to combat free
store for up to 30 radicals in the tissues, and fatty acids to protect and moisturize.
months. Cupuacu Butter is a good, plant, alternative to lanolin, offering the
capacity to attract 240% more water allowing it to function much more
effectively as a skin hydrator and plumper. Usage: creams and lotions 2
to 5%, salves and balms 2 to 20%, body butters and creams, 2 to 10%
conditioners: 1 to 3%. Supplier doesn’t list soap guidelines. Personally
with the cost I wouldn’t use for anything but super fatting around 5%.
Castor Oil Ricinoleic 90% 1 year Contributes to: fluffy lather, stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing,
Linoleic 3-4% quicker trace, softer soap. Often used to superfat soaps. Castor oil is
Oleic 3-4% unique in being almost entirely composed of ricinoleic fatty acid, found
in no other oils and possessing a high affinity for water molecules. This
makes it an excellent humectant, attracting and holding moisture to the
skin. Castor oil should be used at low percentages to avoid overly soft
soaps; 5-10% higher amounts can result in sticky soap. Also often used in
balms, shampoos, hair oils, and other thick emulsions for the skin and
hair.
Coconut Oil, 76 Lauric 39-54% 1 to 2 years Contributes to: soap hardness, fluffy lather, quicker trace. Coconut oil
deg. Myristic 15-23% makes soaps lather beautifully but can be drying when it makes up an
Palmitic 6-11% overly large portion of your soap’s fats, not recommended exceeding
Capric 6% 35% in recipes. It will make a very hard, white bar of soap that lathers
Oleic 4-11% well even in very hard water – even in sea water. Coconut oil is light and
Stearic 1-4% not greasy and is resistant to spoiling. Used in skin care formulations,
Linoleic 1-2% coconut oil is emollient, moisturizing, conditioning and protecting to the
skin. This oil is solid at room temperatures under 76 degrees and liquid at
higher temperatures.
Coconut Oil, 92 Lauric 48% 1 to 2 years A more hydrogenated/saturated version of coconut oil. Makes a harder
deg. Myristic 19% bar at cost of some lathering. This oil is solid at room temperatures under
 Palmitic 9% 92 degrees and liquid at higher temperatures.
Stearic 3%
Oleic 8%
Linoleic 2%
(per SoapCalc)
Coconut Oil, Lauric 2% Not prone to rancidity, Fractionated coconut oil is processed by steam distillation to increase its
fractionated Myristic 1% will keep almost proportion of shorter-chain fatty acids. Produces a harder bar of soap that
indefinitely cleans and bubbles. Easily absorbed into the skin. Light, non-
greasy/staining, liquid oil with an indefinite shelf life. Used in massage
oils and as a carrier for essential oils. It is a good substitute for sweet
almond in lotions, etc. if you are concerned about rancidity or a short
shelf life.
Cocoa Butter Stearic 31-38% 1 to 2 years Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing,
Oleic 32-36% quicker trace. Good oil to superfat soap with. When used as superfatting
Palmitic 25-30% oil it acts to lay down a protective layer which holds moisture to the skin.
Linoleic 3% It has a natural chocolate scent but it is also available in an unscented
version. Cocoa butter contains natural antioxidants that help to prevent
rancidity. It is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature,
leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth.
Coffee Butter Haven’t found this 1 year This luscious and rich butter is perfect for your lotions, body butters and
information yet. even soap. It is a blend of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil and Coffee Seed
Oil, and contains between .5 – 1% natural caffeine. It has a natural coffee
scent with a smooth and creamy feel that can be used at up to 6% in your
cold process recipes or as superfatting in HP.
Corn Oil Linoleic 45-58% 1 year Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, soft soap. Acts like most of
Oleic 28-37% the other vegetable oils like soybean or canola. It can be used as part of
Palmitic 11-14% your recipe, 10-15% and will help give a moisturizing, stable lather. Can
Stearic 2-3% soften soap.
Cottonseed Oil Linoleic 52-54% Keep refrigerated, how Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, silky feel. Cottonseed oil
Oleic 18-19% long it will last, I produces thick and lasting lather, in addition to having emollient
Palmitic 13-22% haven’t discovered yet. properties. It can be vulnerable to rancidity, depending on storage
Stearic 3-13% temperature and humidity. Usage in soap, 10-15%.
Myristic 1%
Crisco, old Palmitic – 13% Check date on the can. Crisco consists of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, containing canola
Stearic – 13% and/or soybean oil. The proportions of these constituent oils may vary
Oleic – 18% according to market conditions, season and location around the country.
 Linoleic – 52% This, plus its partial hydrogenation makes the SAP value of Crisco
variable. For this reason, results given by lye calculators for soap recipe
formulas containing Crisco are only approximate.
Crisco, new with Palmitic – 13% Check date on the can. Crisco consists of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, containing canola
palm Stearic – 5% and/or soybean oil plus palm oil. The proportions of these constituent oils
Oleic – 28% may vary according to market conditions, season and location around the
Linoleic – 40% country. This, plus its partial hydrogenation makes the SAP value of
Linolenic – 6% Crisco variable. For this reason, results given by lye calculators for soap
recipe formulas containing Crisco are only approximate.
Emu Oil Linoleic 14% Up to a year, 3 years if Used as a superfatting oil in soapmaking. Emu Oil is reported to help heal
Myristic 0.4% frozen skin tissues and help draw other ingredients down into the skin so they
Oleic 50% are more effective. Extremely expensive, mostly used in small amounts in
Palmitic 21% luxury soaps and cosmetics.
Stearic 9%
Evening Primrose Linoleic 65-75% 6 months to a year Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, emollience. Evening primrose
Oil Gamma Linolenic 9- oil is exceptionally fine textured oil. Absorbed quickly into the skin, it is
11% one of the most popular sources of an essential fatty acid called Gamma
Oleic 7-10% Linolenic Acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil is said to be effective in
Palmitic 5-8% helping those with dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.
Stearic 1-3%
Flax Seed Oil, Alpha Linolenic 6 months to a year if Flax seed oil is said to soften and heal skin abrasions and scars and to
(linseed oil) 53% refrigerated reduce swelling and redness of rashes and lesions from skin disease.
Linolenic 16% Provides excellent conditioning to skin. Use at 5 – 10% in soap recipes.
Oleic 14-21% Typically used to super fat soap. Will reduce the hardness of soap. Also
Linoleic 7-19% used in creams, lotions and balms.
Palmitic 3-9%
Stearic 2-7%
Great Value Lauric 1 Check date on the can. Beef Tallow, Palm Oil, Vegetable Mono- And Diglycerides, BHA,
(Walmart) Myristic 4% Propyl Gallate And Citric Acid Added To Protect Flavor,
Shortening Palmitic 35% Dimethylpolysiloxane, An Anti-Foaming Agent Added. (Taken from
Stearic 14% Walmart’s website.)
Oleic 37%
Linoleic 6%
Linolenic 1%
Grapeseed Oil Oleic 65-85% 3 to 6 months - 1 year if Grapeseed oil is lightweight oil that absorbs into the skin quickly without
Linoleic 7-11% refrigerated leaving a heavy greasy feeling. It has mildly astringent qualities and is
 Palmitic 4 – 6% said to be useful for acne and other skin complaints. Often used to
Stearic 1-4% superfat soap. Usage rate of 5-15% in soap.
Hazelnut Oil Oleic 65-85% 3 months Stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing, softer soap, slower trace.
Linoleic 7-11% Hazelnut Oil has a soft, natural, nutty fragrance and contains vitamins,
Palmitic 4 – 6% minerals, and protein. An excellent carrier for essential oils, hazelnut oil
Stearic 1-4% is very easily absorbed, leaving no oily residue. Use between 5-15%
Hemp Seed Oil Linoleic 57% 3 months refrigerated to Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, silky feel, softer soap, slower
Linolenic 21% 1 year if frozen trace. Hemp seed oil is not as stable as some other oils and can spoil
Oleic 12% quickly. It creates a silky bar of soap even if it is only used to superfat
Palmitic 6% your batch. It can be used as luxury healing/moisturizing oil in soap up to
Stearic 2% 10-15%. Since it is prone to spoilage, keep it as a small percentage of
your mix to avoid having a soft soap that may spoil in 6ish months. Store
unused oil in the freezer or refrigerator. Fresh hemp seed oil has a green
color which becomes lighter with age. Hemp seed oil will warn you with
a painty smell long before it is actually rancid. It is rich with proteins,
vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids and is excellent for all skin
and hair needs. The hemp seed oil used in cosmetics and skin care
products does not contain the psychoactive THC component and is
therefore not subject to any legal restriction.
Jojoba Oleic 10-13% Up to 2 years Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing, and quicker
(in a liquid wax) trace. Pronounced “ho-ho-ba”. Actually mostly a liquid wax, jojoba does
not lather much of itself, but rather acts to make existing lather from
other oils more stable and long lasting. Jojoba is good at conditioning
skin. Because of its expense, it’s usually used to superfat soap batches or
in shampoo bars. It is said to be an excellent emollient for skin conditions
like psoriasis or acne and has a chemical composition very close to the
skin’s own sebum. Jojoba oil is easily absorbed by the skin and promotes
silky smooth skin. Jojoba Oil is stable and long lasting, up to 2 years.
Kalahari Melon Unknown at this 9 – 12 months These wild melons grow on the desert floor in the Kalahari Desert.
Oil time Kalahari Melon Oil helps skin retain moisture. Very high in antioxidants,
cell restructuring properties, skin conditioner. Slight hardening abilities
in soap, doesn’t contribute to lathering. Good for superfatting at 5 – 10%
Kokum Butter Palmitic 4% 2 years A highly prized hard, dense, emollient vegetable butter of Indian origin
Stearic 56% derived from the fruit of the Garcinia tree. Kokum butter possesses many
Oleic 36% characteristics similar to cocoa butter (high vitamin E content, promotes
Linoleic 1% skin regeneration and elasticity, imparts a luxuriant creaminess to soap
 lather), but does not clog pores. Suggested Use Levels: Lotions &
Creams: 1-3% Balms: 5-100% Bar Soaps: 2-5% Conditioners: 1-3%
Kukui Nut Oil Linoleic 42% 1 year if refrigerated. Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, silky feel. Kukui nut, (from
Oleic 20% Hawaii), oil is quickly absorbed into the skin. Excellent for skin
Palmitic 6% conditioning after sun exposure and is said to be beneficial for acne,
eczema, and psoriasis. Unknown at this time what amount to use in soap.
Lanolin Lauric 0 1 to 2 years Contributes to: soap hardness, conditioning, silky feel, quicker trace.
Myristic 0 Does not contribute to lather. Lanolin is almost totally unsaponifiable and
Palmitic 0 therefore remains unchanged through the soapmaking process. Lanolin is
Stearic 0 temperature sensitive, so keep temperatures around 110°F when adding to
Ricinoleic 0 soap at 1 – 5%. Lanolin is also used as an emulsifier for lotions and
Oleic 0 creams. Lanolin is obtained from the wax found on sheep’s wool, refined
Linoleic 0 and purified to cosmetic specifications. Excellent emollient, skin
Linolenic 0 lubricant and protectant, capable of absorbing water in an amount equal
(per SoapCalc) to 50% of its weight.
Lard (pork fat) Oleic 44-46% Keep refrigerated Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, conditioning, quicker trace.
Palmitic 26-28% Lard is made from pig fat. Its advantages are that it is cheap, easily
Stearic 13-14% obtainable, and makes a nice lathery, white bar of soap. This fat should
Linoleic 6-10% be combined with vegetable oils such as coconut or palm with the
Myristic 1-2% percentage of lard recommended between 30 – 40% Without other oils it
can tend to not work very well in cold water. (need confirmation on this.)
Macadamia Nut Oleic 54-63% Between 1 and 2 years Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing and silky feel.
Oil Palmitic 7-10% Macadamia has a long shelf life. It is easily absorbed into the skin and
Stearic 2-6% acts as an emollient. It is said to protect skin cells from deterioration and
Linoleic 1-3% thus lead to better skin condition. Reported to be really great for older
skin. Usage guidelines not found yet.
Mafura Butter Myristic 1% Up to 2 years It comes from the seeds of the Natal mahogany tree. Stable lather, makes
Palmitic 37% a hard bar of soap. Anti-inflammatory, intensely moisturizing and
Stearic 3% nourishing, regenerates cells, alleviates itching, heals cracked skin, highly
Oleic 49% emollient, easily absorbed. Use at 5 -10% or superfat at 5% at trace.
Linoleic 11%
Linolenic 1%
Mango Butter Oleic 34-56% Up to 1 year Mango butter is yellowish and has almost no scent. It is a great
Stearic 26-57% moisturizer and should be used to superfat soap at about 5%.
Palmitic 3-18%
Linoleic 1-13%
Marula Oil Palmitic 11% 18 -24 months Highly nourishing, high in antioxidants, revitalizes skin, moisturizing and
Stearic 7% conditioning. Add at 10 to 15% or superfat at 5%.
Oleic 75%
Linoleic 4%
Mink Oil Lauric 0 5 years or more The oil’s ability to counteract dry, scaly, rough and reddened skin makes
Myristic 0 it an excellent addition to soap and body products. The oil is rapidly
Palmitic 0 absorbed and does not produce sensations of oiliness, greasiness or
Stearic 0 discomfort. It lubricates the skin and helps to reduce moisture loss, thus
Ricinoleic 0 enabling the skin to re-moisturize itself, trapping moisture from the lower
Oleic 0 cell layers. Researchers have learned that the refined oil of minks is
Linoleic 0 extremely equivalent to human physique oils, creating it a beneficial
Linolenic 0 natural supplement to skin care items
(above per SoapCalc)
Monoi de Tahiti Lauric 44% 3 years Monoi de Tahiti oil is expensive, luxurious product made from coconut
Oil Myristic 16% oil. It has wonderful moisturizing properties and is great for your skin.
Palmitic 10% Terri’s note: haven’t found soaping info on this yet.
Stearic 3%
Linoleic 2%
Meadowfoam oil Lauric 0 Up to 3 years Meadowfoam oil is typically used to superfat soap due to its conditioning
Myristic 0 qualities. Has excellent resistance to oxidation and is not prone to
Palmitic 0 rancidity. It is used as a binder that may help to increase the life of
Stearic 0 fragrance oil in soap and bath products. Usage at 5 to 10%
Ricinoleic 0
Oleic 0
Linoleic 0
Linolenic 0
(above per SoapCalc)
Mowrah Butter Palmitic 24% 1 year Obtained from the fruit seed kernels of the Madhuca latifolia tree, which
(Madhucca Stearic 22% grows in India. In India mowrah butter has important commercial value
latifolia) Oleic 36% as both a food and cosmetic. Solid at room temperature, but melts with
Linoleic 15% skin contact. Prevents skin dryness and said to reduce the development of
wrinkles. Reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores flexibility to the
skin. (I wonder if I could find this at a local Indian grocery?)
Neem Oil Oleic 50% 2 years Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning. Said to have the ability to treat
Palmitic 18% a variety of skin disorders such as dandruff. Has a distinct odor, and
Stearic 15% should be used in small amounts in soap recipes. Usage rate 1 – 5%
 Linoleic 13%
Olive Oil Oleic 63-81% 2 years Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, slippery feel, conditioning,
Palmitic 7-14% moisturizing, Olive Oil attracts external moisture to your skin, helping to
Linoleic 5-15% keep skin soft and supple. Traditionally “Castile” soap was made using
Stearic 3-5% only olive oil, but the term has loosened now to include soaps that have
olive oil as a major proportion of the oils in them. Marseille soap is
referred to soap made by using no less than 72% olive oil. Most soapers
use additional soaping oils in their recipes to achieve better lather; as high
olive oil soap can be a bit ‘slimy’ with limited bubbles.
Olive Oil Palmitic 14% 2 years Pomace olive oil contains a larger proportion of unsaponifiable
(pomace) Stearic 3% ingredients. This slightly affects its SAP value and imparts a greenish
Oleic 69% color to the oil and to soaps made with it. Some prefer pomace oil to
Linoleic 12% grade A olive oil for soapmaking. Pomace olive oil shares many of the
Linolenic 2% same qualities as olive oil, however pomace olive oil can speed trace.
Palm Oil Palmitic 43-45% 1 year Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, conditioning, silky feel,
Oleic 38-40% quicker trace. Palm oil makes a hard bar that cleans well and is also
Linoleic 9-11% mild. It is a good substitute for animal tallow in all-vegetable soaps. This
Stearic 4-5% oil is solid at cool temperatures, becomes slushy at warm temperatures
Myristic 1% and a golden, clear liquid at higher temperatures.
Palm Oil, Red Palmitic 43-45% 18 months if stored in a Rich in Vitamins A & E and anti-oxidants is beneficial for Eczema,
Oleic 38-40% cool, dry, dark location. Dermatitis and Psoriasis. Produces a hard bar with a stable lather much
Linoleic 9-11% the same as regular palm oil other than the vibrant color. Add a small
Stearic 4-5% percentage to the base oils or superfat at trace to naturally color the soap
Myristic 1% a warm yellow-orange shade.
Palm Kernel Oil Lauric 47-48% 1 year Contributes to: soap hardness, fluffy lather, quicker trace. Palm Kernel
Oleic 15-18% oil makes a soap that is very hard and lathers well. Palm kernel oil is
Myristic 14-16% processed from the core nut of the fruit of the same tropical oil palm
Palmitic 8-9% plants that palm oil is derived from, but its composition and properties
Capric 4% are not similar to palm oil. It is instead very similar to coconut oil and can
Stearic 3% be substituted for some of the coconut oil in soap formulas to make a
Linoleic 2% harder bar. Usage is between 30 -35% in soap can strip skin of natural
oils leaving the skin dry and irritated. In order to counter this problem,
many soapers superfat their soap with oils that are highly conditioning to
the skin. This oil is solid at room temperatures.
Palm Kernel Lauric 47-48% 1 year A more hydrogenated version of palm kernel oil. Makes a harder bar of
Flakes Oleic 15-18% soap. This oil is hard and solid at room temperatures and is sold in flakes
 Myristic 14-16% form. Palm Kernel Flakes provides cleansing ability to the bar of soap,
Palmitic 8-9% but using more than 30 – 35% in soap can strip skin of natural oils
Stearic 3% leaving the skin dry and irritated. In order to counter this problem, many
Linoleic 2% soapers superfat their soap with oils that are highly conditioning to the
skin.
Palm Stearin Myristic 2% ? I can’t find anything specific to this type of Stearin.
Palmitic 60%
Stearic 5%
Oleic 26%
Linoleic 7%
Peach Kernel Oil Oleic 55-75% 6 months to 1 year Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing. Can be used as
Linoleic 15-35% an equivalent to apricot kernel oil. Up to 15% in soap.
Palmitic 5-8%
Peanut Oil Palmitic 60% 6 months to 1 year, keep Peanut oil provides a stable, creamy lather and conditioning to soap.
Stearic 5% refrigerated However, it can be prone to rancidity, and must be stored properly.
Oleic 26% Peanut oil is high in vitamin E, and will make a softer bar of soap. Usage
Linoleic 7% rate 1 – 5%
Pine Tar (contains some ? Pine tar has been used in some soap “since the old days” and is said to be
saponifiables) helpful for psoriasis, dandruff, eczema and other skin irritations. Brown
in color, with a distinctive scent. Pine tar will consume some lye in the
soapmaking process and for this reason should be considered as one of
the base oils or as a superfatting oil in soap formulas at 5%.
Plum Kernel Oil Oleic 68% 12 months if stored in a Rich in Vitamin A, E, oleic acid and anti-oxidants, has emollient
Linoleic 23% cool, dry, dark location properties that help moisturize damaged skin and maintain healthy cells.
Beneficial for mature and dry skin types. This oil has a golden color and
a mild fruity/nut odor. Usage?
Pumpkin Seed Palmitic 11% 1 year Dark colored oil with a natural nutty aroma that provides many nutrients
Oil, Virgin Stearic 8% to the skin such as vitamins A, C, E, K and zinc. Pumpkin seed oil
Oleic 33% provides a stable, creamy lather and conditioning to soap recipes. Usage?
Linoleic 50%
Rice Bran Oil Linoleic 32 – 47% 1 to 2 years Rice bran oil is moisturizing and is a good choice for inclusion in
Oleic 32 – 38% formulations intended for mature, delicate or sensitive skin. Also
Palmitic 13-23% provides conditioning, rich, creamy lather in soap. (*Soap Queen
Stearic 2-3% website says this can be used at 100%. Anyone ever tried that? How did
Linolenic 1-3% it work for you?)
Rosehip Oil Palmitic 4% 12 to 18 months, best Rosehip oil is very useful to dry damaged skin. Non-greasy and absorbs
 Stearic 2% kept refrigerated quickly. Use to superfat at up to 5%.
Oleic 12%
Linoleic 46%
Linolenic 31%
Rosin, Gum (contains approx. ? Rosin can be dissolved in heated oils as part of solid or liquid soap
Rosin 95% saponifiable formulations and adds a voluminous, creamy lather. It saponifies in a
resins) manner similar to fatty acids in oils, with the resultant soap referred to as
"sodium (or potassium) resinate". Rosin soap was considered to be a
foaming agent and dissolved rosin was considered a hair/ body enhancer
in soap shampoos in "the old days". Gum rosin is a residue obtained after
distilling turpentine oil from the resin tapped from pine trees. Rosin can
also be produced along with turpentine by the heating and distillation of
resinous pine wood chips. Color can vary from clear to a deep, reddish
brown. Because it can be derived from various species of pine trees
around the world and by different methods, its SAP value can vary
somewhat. Usage?
Safflower Oil, Linoleic 70-80% 1 year, keep refrigerated Use in recipes like you would soybean, canola or sunflower 5 - 15%.
high oleic Oleic 10-20% Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing, silky feel, softer
Palmitic 6-7% soap. Safflower oil is unsaturated, valuable for its moisturizing
Stearic 2% properties. Limited shelf life, prone to rancidity. It has exceptionally high
linoleic acid content and is an excellent. Good for mature/ sensitive skin.

Sal Butter Palmitic 6% 1 year Sal butter provides soap with conditioning, hardness and a creamy lather.
Stearic 44% (Can anyone add to this? How much to use, etc. results?)
Oleic 40%
Linoleic 2%
Sesame Seed Oil Linoleic 39-47% 6 months Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing, silky feel, softer
Oleic 37-42% soap. Sesame oil makes good superfatting oil, as it has a long shelf life
Palmitic 8-11% and is not prone to rancidity. Has a strong nutty scent. Sesame oil has
Stearic 4-6% excellent longevity in massage preparations and is said to be good for
psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, and arthritis. In soap sesame seed oil
may slow trace. Usage 5 – 10% typically as superfatting oil.
Shea Butter Oleic 40-55% 1 year Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, conditioning, silky, slippery
(karite butter) Stearic 35-45% feel, quicker trace. Shea butter is a popular superfatting agent and
Linoleic 3-8% contains a large percentage of ingredients that do not react with the lye,
Palmitic 3-7% thus remaining in the soap to nourish your skin. Shea butter is said to be
 beneficial for treating dry skin, blemishes, skin discoloration, scars and
wrinkles.
Soybean Oil Linoleic 46-54% up to 3 months Contributes to stable lather, conditioning, will slow trace. Due to some
Oleic 22-27% issues with DOS and soaps weeping and oozing in hot weather it’s
Palmitic 9-12% suggested to keep soy oils at 15% or less.*
Alpha Linoleic 7%
Stearic 4-6% (*Soap Queens website says can be used up to 50%.)
Stearic Acid Stearic 99 - 100% ? Stearic Acid is a component of many animal and vegetable oils. It can be
used by itself in soaps to increase hardness. When derived from palm oil,
it is sometimes known as palm stearin. Stearic acid is also used as a
thickener in creams and lotions. Usage in soap .5 to 2%.
Sunflower Oil, Linoleic 4% 2 years Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, silky feel, softer soap.
high oleic Oleic 83% Sunflower oil contains Vitamin E, so it naturally resists going rancid.
Palmitic 3%
Stearic 4-5%
Sweet Almond Oleic 64-82% 6 months to 1 year Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing. Often used for
Oil Linoleic 8-28% superfatting soaps. Sweet almond oil is often used as an emollient in skin
Palmitic 6-8% creams and balms. Recommended usage between 5-10% mostly for
Stearic 2% conditioning purposes.
Tallow (beef) Lauric 2% Keep refrigerated Contributes to: soap hardness, stable lather, conditioning, quicker trace.
Oleic 37-43% Like lard, beef tallow gives you a super hard, white bar of soap with low,
Palmitic 24-32% creamy, stable lather that is very moisturizing. If you are ok using animal
Stearic 19-25% oils in your soap, then combining beef tallow with some other oils like
Myristic 3-6% coconut and olive makes a wonderfully balanced bar of soap. While you
Linoleic 2-3% can use it at any percentage in your recipe, more than 40% can create a
Linolenic 1% very brittle bar of soap.
Tamanu Oil Palmitic 12% 2 years, 5 if refrigerated Use it in soap up to 5%. This oil has been used by the people of Tahiti
Stearic 13% for burns, insect bites and even stretch marks. Very good for facial bars.
Oleic 34% As with any nut-based oil, people with allergies to nuts should not use it.
Linoleic 38%
Linolenic 1%
Turkey Red Oil (contains no 2 years A modified castor oil, turkey red oil is totally unsaponifiable and
(sulfonated castor saponifiables) therefore remains unchanged through the soapmaking process. Turkey
oil) red oil also has the unique characteristic of being fully soluble in water,
making it the only oil that can be used to superfat clear liquid soaps
without clouding the resulting product. Can be used in shampoos for
 emollience with rinsability. Usage amount not found.
Walnut Oil Linoleic 51-55% 3 months, keep An emollient oil which is said to help regenerate, tone and moisturize
Oleic 28% refrigerated damaged dry skin and to aid in preventing wrinkles, controlling eczema,
Palmitic 11% dandruff and rough, dry or sunburned skin. Usage amount up to 15%
Stearic 5%
Alpha Linoleic 5%
Wheat Germ Oil Linoleic 55-60% 6 months, keep Contributes to: stable lather, conditioning. Wheat germ oil is emollient,
Oleic 13-21% refrigerated anti-oxidant and rich in natural vitamin E. Can be used to nourish dry or
Palmitic 13-20% cracked skin and soothes skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
Stearic 2% Wheat germ oil should be kept refrigerated. Use up to 6% in soap.