Choosing the Perfect Oils for Soap Making: Your Guide to the Best Soap Making Oils

If you’re diving into the world of soap making, you’ll quickly realise that choosing the right oils is like picking the perfect braai meat - it makes all the difference! Oils are the heart and soul of your soap, affecting everything from lather and hardness to moisturising properties and scent retention. Whether you’re crafting a luxurious bar for yourself, whipping up gifts for friends, or stocking your small business, knowing your oils is key.

Let’s unpack the best soap making oils, how to use them, and where to find quality ingredients without breaking the bank. And yes, we’ll sprinkle in some good old South African humour to keep things lekker.

What Makes the Best Soap Making Oils?

When it comes to soap making, not all oils are created equal. You want oils that are vegetable-based (no animal fats here, we keep it cruelty-free and vegan-friendly), and that bring the right balance of qualities to your soap.

Here’s what to look for in your oils:

• Hardness: Oils like coconut and palm oil create a firm bar that lasts longer.

• Lather: Some oils produce a bubbly, fluffy lather, while others give a creamy, dense foam.

• Moisturising: Oils like olive and sweet almond are gentle and nourishing for the skin.

• Scent retention: Certain oils hold onto fragrance better, which is great if you’re adding essential oils or fragrances.

• Cost and availability: You want oils that won’t drain your wallet but still deliver quality.

  
  

Common Oils and Their Soap Qualities

Oil	Hardness	Lather	Moisturising	Notes
Coconut Oil	High	High, bubbly	Moderate	Great cleansing, can be drying if used alone |
Olive Oil	Medium	Low, creamy	High	Gentle, mild, great for sensitive skin
Castor Oil	Low	Very high	High	Boosts lather, used in small amounts
Sweet Almond Oil	Low	Medium	High	Nourishing, silky feel
Sunflower Oil	Medium	Medium	Medium	Affordable, good all-rounder
Shea Butter	High	Low	Very high	Adds hardness and moisturising properties

Using a blend of these oils is the secret sauce to a balanced, luxurious soap bar. For example, a classic recipe might be 30% coconut oil, 40% olive oil, 20% sunflower oil, and 10% castor oil.

Close-up view of various vegetable oils in glass bottles on wooden table with CP soap

How to Choose the Best Soap Making Oils for Your Project

Choosing oils depends on what you want your soap to do. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

1. For a Hard, Long-Lasting Bar

If you want your soap to last longer in the shower and hold its shape, focus on oils with high hardness. Coconut oil and shea butter are your best mates here. But be careful - too much coconut oil can dry out the skin, so balance it with moisturising oils.

2. For a Luxurious, Moisturising Bar

Olive oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter are champions of moisturising. These oils create a gentle soap that’s perfect for sensitive or dry skin. Great for young mothers looking for gentle products for their little ones.

3. For a Bubbly, Creamy Lather

Castor oil is the lather booster. Use it in small amounts (around 5-10%) to get that rich, creamy foam. Coconut oil also helps with bubbly lather but can be drying if overused.

4. For Budget-Friendly Soap Making

Sunflower oil and canola oil are affordable and work well in soap. They might not have the luxury feel of olive or almond oil but are perfect for beginners or bulk soap making.

5. For Scent Retention

If you’re adding essential oils or fragrances, some oils hold scent better. Olive oil and coconut oil are good at this, while sunflower oil tends to fade faster.

Tips for Blending Oils

• Always test your recipes in small batches.

• Use soap calculators online to balance your oils and lye.

• Keep notes on how your soap turns out to tweak future batches.

• Remember, the best soap making oils are the ones that suit your skin and your style.

  
  

Where can I find bulk essential oils for wholesale price?

If you’re serious about soap making, sourcing quality essential oils at a good price is a game-changer. Buying in bulk saves you money and ensures you have a steady supply for your creations.

In South Africa, especially around Gauteng, there are suppliers who specialise in small to medium quantities perfect for hobbyists and small businesses. You don’t need to buy a truckload to get a good deal.

For those looking for bulk soap making oils gauteng, it’s worth checking out local suppliers who understand the needs of small-batch artisans. They often provide not just oils but also other ingredients and equipment like soap cutters and moulds.

What to Look for When Buying Bulk Oils

• Purity: Make sure the oils are 100% pure and vegetable-based.

• Freshness: Oils can go rancid, so check the expiry date.

• Packaging: Dark glass bottles or food-grade plastic containers help preserve oils.

• Customer service: Good suppliers will help you with advice and tips.

  
  

Eye-level view of glass jars filled with essential oils on wooden shelf

How to Store Your Soap Making Oils Properly

You don’t want your precious oils going off before you get to use them. Proper storage is key to keeping oils fresh and effective.

• Keep oils in a cool, dark place: Heat and light speed up oxidation.

• Use airtight containers: Prevent exposure to air which causes rancidity.

• Label your oils: Include purchase date and type.

• Avoid contamination: Use clean utensils when scooping oils.

  
  

If you buy in bulk, consider dividing oils into smaller containers for daily use, keeping the bulk sealed tight.

Bonus Tips for Soap Making Success

• Experiment with small batches: Don’t waste your bulk oils on a recipe you haven’t tested.

• Use a reliable soap calculator: It helps balance your oils and lye for safe, effective soap.

• Keep a soap journal: Record your recipes, oil blends, and results.

• Join local soap making groups: Sharing tips and tricks is a great way to learn.

• Invest in good equipment: Soap cutters, moulds, and safety gear make your process smoother.

  
  

Remember, soap making is both a science and an art. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try new oil combinations.

Your Next Step to Soap Making Greatness

Now that you know how to choose the best soap making oils, it’s time to get your hands soapy! Whether you’re after a hard, bubbly bar or a creamy, moisturising treat, the right oils will set you up for success.

If you’re looking for quality ingredients and equipment, check out our range of oils, bath bombs, soap cutters, and moulds. We’re here to help you create beautiful, luxurious bath products that make every shower feel like a spa day.

Happy soap making, and remember - a good bar of soap is like a good braai, it brings everyone together!

A lot of oils, colours and equipment can be found on our website