Base Oils Used in Soapmaking

Apricot Kernal Oil

Apricot kernal oil comes from the kernals (seeds) of the fruit. It is high in fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E. It is also high in unsaturated fat, which means that it adds to conditioning and moisturizing properties, but does not help with cleansing or bar hardness.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a heavier oil pressed from the pit of the avocado. It adds to conditioning and moisturizing properties in soap.

Castor Oil

Castor Oil, an extract of the castor bean plant, is a thick, sticky oil with a distinctive odor. It creates large, luxurious bubbles.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is extracted from the Cacao bean. It has a distinctively nutty, chocolate aroma. When used in soaps, cocoa butter contributes to bar hardness.

Coconut Oil

Used in cooking, baking, and soapmaking, coconut oil is typically expeller pressed from the meat of coconuts, then bleached and deodorized. It creates lather with large bubbles and helps to cut down on oils and grease. Coconut oil has a high cleansing ability.

Mango Butter

Mango butter comes from the seed of the mango fruit. The seed is pressed, and the resulting oil is refined, bleached, and deodorized until it is ivory in color with a creamy texture. Mango butter adds conditioning and nourishing properties in soaps.

Olive Oil

Olive oil produces an exceptionally mild soap. It offers the benefit of stable lather, a harder bar, and is widely considered to be hypoallergenic. This makes it accessible to everyone, including those with skin sensitivities and babies.