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Base Oils
Almond Oil
- This wonderful oil is used widely in cosmetics. When included in
soap, it makes for a hard bar and lovely soft skin. Almond oil is
rich in protein and offers relief for itchy or inflamed skin.
Apricot Kernel
- This oil has been used for centuries in cosmetics as a skin
softening agent. It also contains vitamins and minerals and is
good for skin that has aged prematurely as well as for sensitive
skin
Avocado Oil
- This oil is expressed from fruit and has been used in cosmetics
for a long time. The oil is more difficult to locate than other
oils but can be found in food speciality stores or health food
stores. Avocado oil will make soaps rich and very emollient. It
contains vitamins, protein, lecithin and fatty acids which make it
beneficial for people with dry skin or eczema.
Castor Oil
- Castor oil is expressed from the seed of the castor bean plant.
The oil adds mildness and richness to soap and is most
successfully used in superfatting. You can find this oil at local
pharmacies.
Cocoa Butter
- Cocoa butter is derived from the seeds of the cocoa tree. It
improves the overall consistency of soap, making it both creamy
and hard. It has wonderful soothing and emollient qualities. It is
widely used as a base in cosmetics. Locate this oil with candy
making suppliers.
Coconut Oil
- This is the number one oil for soapmakers. Used on it's own, it
can tend to dry the skin. It yields a creamy lather and medium
hard soap.
Olive Oil
- Many grades are available in olive oil. All of which are
suitable for soapmaking. Soap from this oil are hard, brittle,
mild, long-lasting and lathers abundantly. Olive oil is packed
with vitamins, minerals and proteins. You can also use olive oil
for infused herbal oils.
Palm Oil
- Palm oil is not easily obtainable but worth the effort. Palm oil
produces soap with long-lasting bubbles and is kind to the skin.
You can make excellent facial soap with palm oil.
Peanut Oil
- Nuts are comprised of nearly 70% fat so it's no surprise that
they are a good source of oil. Peanut oil is readily available at
your local grocery store. NOTE:
Some people are allergic to peanuts so use it with caution and
mark your soaps well.
Sesame Oil
- Is obtained from pressing of the seeds. It is available at many
local grocery stores.
Vegetable Oils
- These are about 10% olive oil and 90% either corn, soy or peanut
oil ~ or a combination thereof. It is economical and yields a
decent soap, lathering well but it is generally softer than using
all olive oil.
Vegetable Shortening
- This is an alternate to animal fats and should be combined with
other oils or fats as it will produce a soft, low lathering soap.
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