The wonderful unique qualities of each different
type of handmade soap is directly related to the combination
of different types of oils used in each individual recipe. In
order to make a fluffy lather you would use a different type
of oil than if you wanted an oil that would provide soothing
qualities. If you need a soap that was good for oily skin, that
would be different from soap that clears up oily skin.
The oils that make each soap bar would be the determining factor
as to the qualities that each soap is trying to attain. Almost
all bars of soap contain some coconut oil.
Coconut oil is the main oil used that causes a soap to
create a great lather. I have seen some soap makers suggest
that having more than 25% coconut in a recipe would cause the
soap to dry out the skin. I have found that this is not always
true and it depends on which other oils are present in the recipe.
If it is combined with another lathering oil such as castor
oil then this might be the case. But when combined with other
oils that have mostly moisturizing qualities then you
have found a really good match of oils.
I have been making olive oil soap now for about seven years
and continue to make olive oil soap because I find it
to be a superior oil that offers moisturizing properties that
cannot be beat. This is an amazing soap making oil that has
stood the test of time and continues to show us fantastic results
time after time.
Article provided by Jeffrey Dorrian