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A big part of making soap is being precise. You need to weigh out ingredients precisely so you have them
in the right proportions. Never measure by volume.
First weigh the containers you will put the fat into, then weigh out the fat. I measured 1626 grams for
the bowl and the fat, then subtracted 906 g for the Pyrex bowl, leaving 720 grams of fat. I also measured
out 102 grams of olive oil in another cup and added that to the rest of the fat for a total of 822 grams of
fat.
In order to use the right amount of lye and water, you need a table of saponification values. You can find
one set here: http://www.tlcsoaps.com/oilsapval.htm
Since I am aiming for 5% residual fat at the end, I used values of 0.132 for lard, 0.129 for olive oil, and
0.38 for measuring the water.
Now CAREFULLY and SLOWLY add the lye to the water. NEVER add water to lye, because it can spit out
of the container and burn you. Stir slowly as you add the lye, making sure to dissolve all the crystals. The
water will heat up, but if you mix it slowly enough it won't heat up too much.
http://www.millennium-ark.net/News_Files/Soap/Lye_Fat_Table.html
This table is for those of you who want to get a bit more scientific in soap making, or just want to
check and see if the person who created the recipe knew what they were doing. Each fat has its
own saponification value, or "SAP Value." And because of this, each fat requires a different amount
of lye to convert the fat to soap.
For the soap to be made with no left over lye or fat, you must have very accurate testing equipment.
As the same oil from different sources will have a slightly different saponification value, we
recommend you keep your soap a bit fat heavy to ensure you don't end up with lye in your finished
product.
In the table below use the 0-4% excess fat columns (red) if you have accurate testing equipment. As
the same oil from different sources will have a slightly different saponification value, we recommend
you keep your soap a bit fat heavy to ensure you don't end up with lye in your finished product.
This page was written under close consultation by Tina Howard at Majestic Mountain Sage. In fact,
the following table was made using her lye calculator, which will automatically calculate the amount
of lye you need for a large variety of different fats.
Calculate the amount of lye you need by multiplying the amounts of each fat (including superfatting
oil) in your recipe by the number intersected by the fat and your desired excess fat column. Then
add the different lye amounts together.
Example: You want to calculate the amount of lye for a recipe that calls for 16 oz. (454g) of lard as
its only fat. You want your finished soap to have 5% excess fat. Intersecting the Lard row with the
5% column, you find the number 0.132. Multiply 16 (fat wt) by 0.132 - 2.1 oz. (59.5 g) of lye.
Goat 0.138 0.137 0.136 0.136 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125
Lanolin 0.075 0.074 0.073 0.073 0.072 0.071 0.070 0.070 0.069 0.068 0.067
Lard 0.139 0.137 0.136 0.135 0.133 0.132 0.130 0.129 0.128 0.126 0.125
Mutton 0.138 0.137 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125
Tallow 0.140 0.139 0.138 0.136 0.135 0.133 0.132 0.131 0.129 0.128 0.126
Canola Oil 0.137 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123
Caster Oil 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122 0.121 0.120 0.118 0.117 0.116
Coconut 0.184 0.182 0.180 0.178 0.177 0.175 0.173 0.171 0.169 0.167 0.166
Corn Oil 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122
Cottonseed 0.138 0.137 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125
Olive Oil 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122
Palm Oil 0.142 0.141 0.139 0.138 0.136 0.135 0.133 0.132 0.131 0.129 0.128
Peanut Oil 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122
Safflower 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122
Soybean 0.136 0.134 0.133 0.131 0.130 0.129 0.127 0.126 0.125 0.123 0.122
Sunflower 0.137 0.135 0.134 0.132 0.131 0.130 0.128 0.127 0.126 0.124 0.123
Using potassium hydroxide instead of Lye? Multiply the lye by 1.4. Using the
example at the top of the table, 1.4 X 2.1 oz (lye used) = 2.94 oz (83.3g) of
potassium hydroxide.
The superfatting columns are color-coded. The pink areas are not recommended
unless the actual SAP values are known. The four green columns are most
recommended and most often used. The two blue columns produce a softer soap
due to the higher fat content.
http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/guide_to_sap_values.htm
Further below, for the traditionalist, we also list the SAP values
for a number of popular soap making oils together with the
mathematics of how to use them.
For combinations of oils, each oil should be calculated separately and then the figures added together to
give the overall figure for the combination.
In all home soap making, to ensure safety and avoid 'free caustic alkali' in your soap you should Superfat
your recipe. A minimum superfatting percentage generally considered appropriate is 5%. Therefore, after
calculating your required sodium hydroxide you should dicount this by 5% minimum.
For the traditionalist or just for your interest, here's the old fashioned method...
To calculate the SAP value for a combination of oils first you need to calculate what percentage of the
whole mixture of oils each oil makes up. For example. A mixture of oils consisting of 2 Lb Olive Oil: 1Lb
4oz Coconut Oil: 12oz Palm Oil will be: 50%Olive Oil: 31.25% Coconut Oil: 18.75% Palm Oil.
Representing all the oils as 1, each percentage then becomes: 0.5: 0.3125: 0.1875
Next you multiply each figure by the Value in the table for each oil and add them all together. This will be:
0.5 (189.7) + 0.3125 (268) + 0.1875 (199.1) = 215.93 and divide by 1000 = 0.21593
Because SAP values pre-date our use of sodium hydroxide in soapmaking we have to make an
adjustment. SAP values are for using potassuim hydroxide. To convert simply multiply the figure by
40/56.1:
0.86 x 40/56.1 = 0.61Lb
Finally, as most of us work in grams these days, convert this figure by multiplying by 28.35:
9.76 x 28.35 = 276 grams
Therefore, to produce a fully saponified soap using 2Lb Olive Oil: 1Lb 4oz Coconut Oil and 12oz of Palm
Oil you will need 276 grams of Sodium Hydroxide.
To superfat your soap, simply discount this figure. As a guide, between 5 and 10% discount will produce
a very good superfatted soap, i.e. 250g will be a satisfactory amount of sodium hydroxide to achieve a
good superfatted soap formula
https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/resources/sapon.asp
Saponification Chart
Our saponification values have been gathered primarily from our suppliers and product
documentation. In some cases, we have relied upon outside sources. Certain SAP values will
differ from those listed in other sources because SAP values can fall within a range of values
acceptable for an oil/butter/lipid. The actual value will change depending on the origin of the
lipid and what the weather conditions were for that particular plant material and processing
techniques. In most cases we used an average of the range so that your soap will not come out
lye heavy in the event that the actual SAP value was on the lower end of the range.
These numbers are actual SAP values expressed in the number of mg of KOH required to
saponify 1 g of oil/fat. When reading a certificate of analysis of an oil/fat, the SAP Value will be
listed in this way.
Most soapers prefer to convert these numbers when making soap to be able to calculate their lye
easily. You will see these converted values listed as decimal values. They are derived from the
actual SAP value and are not true SAP values.
Dividing the SAP value by 1000 gives us a ratio of KOH to Oil in the same units (mg), and
therefore becomes the ratio of KOH needed for any unit, as long as you use the same units to
measure your KOH and Oils. Example: An oil with an average SAP value of 190 will require
190/1000 = 0.190 g of KOH per g of oil, or 0.190 ounces of KOH per ounce of oil, or 0.190
pounds of KOH per pound of oil.
Dividing the SAP value by 1402.50 or multiplying the KOH ratio by 40/56.1 (the ratio of the
molecular weights of NaOH/KOH), gives us the amount of NaOH required for any unit, as long
as you use the same units to measure your NaOH and Oils. Example: An oil with an average
SAP value of 190 will require 190/1402.50 = 0.135 g of NaOH per 1 g of oil, 0.135 ounces
NaOH per ounce of oil, or 0.135 pounds of NaOH per pound of oil.
Summary:
To convert actual SAP Values into converted values ready to work with in any unit:
Solid Soap (NaOH): Divide the average SAP Value by 1402.50
Liquid Soap (KOH): Divide the average SAP Value by 1000
To download a tab delimited text copy of this chart, please click here.
Please let us know if you have any questions or would like us to add any SAP values.
NAOH KOH
Lipids SAP INCI Name
(oz.) (oz.)
190 - 2
Almond Oil, Sweet 0.139 0.195 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
00
130 - 1
Apricot Kernel Butter 0.098 0.138 Prunus armeniacae (Apricot) Kernel Oil
45
185 - 1
Apricot Kernel Oil 0.135 0.19 Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
95
180 - 2
Argan Oil, Virgin Organic 0.135 0.19 Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
00
177 - 1
Avocado Oil 0.134 0.188 Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil
98
185 - 2
Avocado Oil, Refined 0.148 0.208 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
30
245 - 2
Babassu Oil 0.179 0.251 Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil
56
185 - 2
Black Cumin Seed Oil 0.139 0.195 Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil
05
185 - 1
Black Currant Seed Oil 0.135 0.19 Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil
95
175 - 1
Borage Oil 0.133 0.186 Borago officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil
96
170 - 2
Borage Oil, Organic 0.138 0.193 Borago officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil
15
192 - 2
Brazil Nut Oil, Organic 0.14 0.197 Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil) Nut Oil
02
185 - 2
Buriti Oil 0.152 0.213 Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil
40
185 - 1
Camelina Oil 0.136 0.191 Camelina sativa (Camelina) Seed Oil
97
Candelilla Wax Pellets 43 - 65 0.039 0.054 Candelilla (Euphorbia cerifera ) Wax
180 - 2
Cherry Kernel Oil 0.135 0.19 Prunus avium (Cherry) Kernel Oil
00
173 - 1
Cocoa Oil 0.129 0.181 Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Oil
88
250 - 2
Coconut Oil 76 degree 0.183 0.257 Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil
64
250 - 2
Coconut Oil, Organic 0.184 0.258 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
65
210 - 2
Cupuacu Butter, Refined 0.159 0.223 Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter
35
180 - 1
Evening Primrose Oil 0.134 0.188 Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
95
335 - 3
Fractionated Coconut Oil 0.248 0.348 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
60
180 - 2
Grape Seed Oil 0.135 0.19 Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Tocopherol
00
Grape Seed Oil, Organic 185 - 2 0.138 0.193 Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
00
185 - 2
Grape Seed Oil, Riesling 0.138 0.193 Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
00
180 - 2
Hazelnut Oil 0.135 0.19 Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil
00
190 - 1
Hemp Seed Oil 0.138 0.193 Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil
95
190 - 1
Hemp Seed Oil, Organic 0.138 0.193 Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil
95
188 - 2
Illipe Butter 0.138 0.194 Shorea stenoptera (Illipe) Seed Butter
00
Jojoba, Clear 90 - 93 0.066 0.092 Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Jojoba, Natural 90 - 95 0.066 0.093 Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Jojoba, Organic, Clear 90 - 95 0.066 0.093 Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
187 - 1
Kokum Butter 0.135 0.19 Garcinia indica (Kokum) Seed Butter
93
185 - 1
Kukui Nut Oil 0.135 0.19 Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil
95
90 - 11
Lanolin Oil 0.071 0.1 Lanolin Oil
0
Lard 193 0.138 0.193
180 - 2
Lecithin Liquid 0.135 0.19 Lecithin
00
190 - 2
Macadamia Nut Oil 0.139 0.195 Macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia) Seed Oil
00
183 - 1
Mango Butter 0.136 0.191 Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Butter
98
185 - 1
Mango Butter, Refined 0.135 0.19 Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
95
180 - 1
Mango Oil (Olein) 0.134 0.188 Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Oil
95
190 - 2
Manketti Oil 0.141 0.198 Schinziophyton rautanenii (Manketti) Oil
05
188 - 1
Marula Oil, Virgin 0.138 0.194 Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil
99
Meadowfoam Oil 169 0.12 0.169 Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
160 - 1
Meadowfoam Seed Oil 0.12 0.168 Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
75
Monoi de Tahiti Oil 240 - 2 0.182 0.255 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis
(Tiare) Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus
70
Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
185 - 1
Moringa Oil 0.135 0.19 Moringa oleifera Oil
95
245 - 2
Murumuru Butter 0.18 0.253 Astrocaryum Murumuru Butter
60
175 - 2
Neem Oil, Organic 0.135 0.19 Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil
05
Oat Oil 194 0.138 0.194 Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
184 - 1
Olive Oil 0.135 0.19 Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
96
190 - 2
Palm Oil 0.141 0.198 Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Oil
05
190 - 2
Palm Oil, Organic 0.143 0.2 Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Oil
09
185 - 1
Peach Kernel Oil 0.135 0.19 Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil
95
186 - 1
Pecan Oil 0.135 0.19 Algooquian pacaan (Pecan) Nut Oil
94
190 - 2
Pequi Oil 0.146 0.205 Caryocar braziliensis (Pequi) Fruit Oil
20
185 - 2
Perilla Oil 0.138 0.193 Perilla ocymoides (Perilla) Seed Oil
00
Pomace Olive Oil 190 0.135 0.19 Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Pomegranate Seed Oil 185 0.132 0.185 Punica granatum linn (Pomegranate) Oil
Poppy Seed Oil 196 0.14 0.196 Oleum Papaveris (Poppy) Seed Oil
Red Raspberry Seed Oil 188 0.134 0.188 Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil
Rice Bran Oil 0.135 0.19 Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
185 - 1
95
180 - 1
Rice Bran Oil, CP 0.132 0.185 Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
90
180 - 1
Rice Bran Oil, Organic 0.132 0.185 Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
90
185 - 1
Rosehip Oil 0.135 0.189 Rosa Canina / Rosa Rubiginosa (Rose Hip) Seed Oil
93
191 - 1
Sacha Inchi Oil, Organic 0.138 0.194 Plukenetia volubilis
97
188 - 1
Sesame Oil 0.137 0.192 Sesamum indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
95
18 - 19
Sesame Oil, Organic 0.077 0.108 Sesamum indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
8
170 - 1
Shea Butter 0.128 0.18 Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit
90
170 - 1
Shea Oil 0.13 0.183 Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Seed Oil
95
Shortening, Vegetable 190 0.135 0.19
180 - 2
Soybean Oil 0.135 0.19 Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil
00
189 - 1
Soybean Oil, Organic 0.137 0.192 Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil
95
208 - 2
Stearic Acid, Palm-Based 0.15 0.211 Stearic Acid
13
170 - 2
Strawberry Seed Oil 0.135 0.19 Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil
10
Sunflower Oil, High Oleic 191 0.136 0.191 Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil
185 - 2
Tamanu Foraha Oil 0.139 0.195 Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil
05
197 - 1
Ungurahui Oil, Unrefined 0.141 0.198 Oenocarpus bataua (Ungurahui) Oil
98
248 - 2
Virgin Coconut Cream Oil 0.183 0.257 Cocos nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil
65
189 - 1
Walnut Oil 0.138 0.193 Juglans regia (Walnut) Seed Oil
97
188 - 1
Watermelon Seed Oil 0.137 0.192 Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
95
180 - 2
Wheatgerm Oil 0.135 0.19 Triticum vilgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
00
Yangu Cap
e Chestnut Oil 185 - 200 0.138 0.193 Calodendrum capense (Cape chestnut) Oil
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