Teach Soap

I am trying to make a moisturizing soap without using butters. I came up with a recipe using sweet almond oil, but was wondering if there are any other oils I can use with moisturizing properties. If so what, and at what percentage is recommended, and what other qualities will it give the soap for example will it make my soap softer, etc. Thanks in advance!

Soap doesn't moisturize. When you superfat, it just washes away dirt and extra skin's oils, but it won't strip the skin. Too much almond oil will make your soap soft.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Well maybe conditioning then? What about raising the superfatting?

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Here is my recipe...I haven't tried it yet though...

5.1% sweet almond oil
7.14% castor oil
26.53% coconut oil 76*
30.61% olive oil pomace
30.61% palm oil
Superfatted @ 5%

My most conditioning bars have a higher olive oil percentage and much lower coconut oil. Coconut oil cleans so well, it strips the skin more thoroughly, so if non-drying/conditioning is a concern...lower coconut oil, more olive oil.

But the trade off is smaller, creamier bubbles - even lather that may be called slimey.

Are you using SoapCalc or other lye calculator that gives you a rating for specific soap qualities for your recipe? If not you might want to look into it - those are very helpful when trying to make a bar with specific qualities although its a guide not 'rocket science' precise.

I would lower your coconut to 20% and add the difference to your olive oil. I would superfat at 7-8%.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Ok will do thanks guys!

Oh I am using several different sources. I have a book that tells you alot of the qualities of different oils and butters. I ran my recipe through soapcalc too, and some other internet web sites and stuff.

After using my (accidental) 'mistake', the 30% superfat bars, in the shower, I can see that it does leave my skin a bit more refatted, but frankly, a good moisturising cream does the job 100 x better.

Well I am making this recipe for my mom. She said she couldn't use my M&P soaps because it dried out her skin (which she was the only one that made that complaint, lol). But she said she didn't like soaps with butters. So I was trying to find an alternative to using butters. I think she sounds kind picky to me, lol. I guess it would be good to have a recipe for dry sensitive skin anyways though.

Sensitive skin can use castile. 100% pure olive oil, lye, water and about 8% superfat. Give it a nice long cure. It won't have many bubbles, but it makes for a nice, mild soap.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I think I will just use the recipe I have (I like bubbles, lol), after I make the adjustments to the coconut and olive oil, and the superfatting, and have her try it and see if she likes it. If she doesn't like it I might just tell her she can just keep getting her caress from the store just kidding.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!