Common Soap Ingredients

Only three ingredients are essential for soap making: Oil/Fat, Lye, and water!

While these components blend to create basic functional soaps, their magic truly unfolds when different fats are thoughtfully combined. By proportionately mixing various fats rather than relying on a single type, soap makers can enhance texture and lather, as well as cleansing and moisturizing properties. Moreover, additional ingredients can be introduced to further elevate these qualities.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of common ingredients found in both cold/hot process soaps and melt and pour soaps.

If you’re unfamiliar with melt and pour soap, it’s essentially a soap base that has undergone extended processing and is infused with a high concentration of glycerin. This infusion not only renders the soap softer but also often gentler on the skin, offering a luxurious bathing experience.

This list is not extensive and just because we have included an ingredient in the list does not mean we make soaps containing them. To meet the needs of various consumers, we use many different kinds of soap bases so always check the ingredients on the product page to see if the soap meets you needs.

It is also worth noting that commercially made soap and beauty products tend to contain many additional additives and ingredients that are not mentioned in this list and generally not as safe as some of the ingredients listed below – particularly in the areas of detergents and surfactants.

Saponification

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide for solid soap or Potassium Hydroxide for liquid soap)

Lye is a crucial ingredient in soap making as it reacts with the oils to create soap through saponification. All soap is made with lye.

Oils and Fats

These oils offer a range of properties that soap makers can utilize to create soaps tailored to different skin types and preferences. Experimenting with different oil combinations can lead to unique and effective soap formulations.

Coconut Oil
  • Properties: Creates a hard bar with fluffy lather. Cleanses well and adds to the soap’s ability to lather.
  • Note: Can be drying if used in high proportions, so it’s often blended with other oils.
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
  • Properties: Adds moisturizing properties to the soap, making it gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Note: Takes longer to cure, resulting in a longer curing time for the soap.
Palm Oil
  • Properties: Contributes to a hard bar with stable lather and good cleansing properties.
  • Note: Sourced sustainably due to environmental concerns related to palm oil production.
Sweet Almond Oil
  • Properties: Moisturizing and conditioning, suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
  • Note: Adds a luxurious feel to the soap and helps improve its texture.
Avocado Oil
  • Properties: Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as fatty acids, making it nourishing and moisturizing for the skin.
  • Note: Often used in soap recipes for its skin-loving properties.
Shea Butter
  • Properties: Adds creaminess and moisturizing properties to the soap. Suitable for dry or damaged skin.
  • Note: Solid at room temperature, so it needs to be melted before adding to soap recipes.
Cocoa Butter
  • Properties: Adds hardness to the soap and contributes to a stable lather. Moisturizing and nourishing for the skin.
  • Note: Has a natural chocolate scent, which can add a subtle aroma to the soap.
Castor Oil
  • Properties: Boosts lather and provides a conditioning effect to the soap. Adds viscosity to the soap batter.
  • Note: Used in small amounts due to its unique properties; too much can lead to a sticky soap.
Hemp Seed Oil
  • Properties: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. Moisturizing, nourishing, and suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Note: Adds a slightly nutty aroma to the soap and helps improve its texture.
Tallow (Beef Fat)
  • Properties: Creates a hard and long-lasting bar of soap with a creamy lather. Moisturizing and conditioning for the skin.
  • Note: Traditionally used in soap making for its beneficial properties, but may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Lard (Pig Fat)
  • Properties: Similar to tallow, creates a hard and creamy bar of soap with good lathering properties. Moisturizing and conditioning.
  • Note: Provides excellent stability and hardness to the soap, but may not be suitable for those avoiding animal products.
Grapeseed Oil
  • Properties: Lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. Moisturizing and high in antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
  • Note: Adds conditioning properties to the soap and can help soothe dry or irritated skin.
Jojoba Oil
  • Properties: Resembles the natural oils produced by the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Moisturizing and conditioning.
  • Note: Helps balance the skin’s oil production, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.
Sunflower Oil
  • Properties: Light and moisturizing, suitable for sensitive skin. High in vitamin E.
  • Note: Adds a creamy lather to the soap and helps improve its texture.
Safflower Oil

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  • Properties: Light and moisturizing, suitable for all skin types. High in linoleic acid, which can help maintain the skin’s barrier function.
  • Note: Adds a creamy lather to the soap and helps improve its texture.
Canola Oil
  • Properties: Creates a mild and gentle soap with a creamy lather. Moisturizing and suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Note: Can contribute to a softer bar if used in high proportions, so it’s often combined with other oils for balance.

Milks

These milks can be used in soap making either as the liquid portion of the soap recipe or as additives to enhance the soap’s properties. Each milk brings its unique benefits to the soap, making it a popular choice for natural and nourishing skincare products.

Goat Milk

Properties: Goat milk is rich in vitamins (particularly vitamin A), minerals, and fatty acids. It’s moisturizing, nourishing, and gentle on the skin. The lactic acid in goat milk helps exfoliate and brighten the skin, making it suitable for sensitive or dry skin types.

Cow Milk (Cow's Milk)

Properties: Cow milk contains proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin D), and fats that nourish and moisturize the skin. It’s soothing and can help relieve irritation or inflammation. Cow milk adds a creamy texture to soap and is suitable for most skin types.

Coconut Milk

Properties: Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, as well as fatty acids. It’s moisturizing, hydrating, and soothing for the skin. Coconut milk helps create a creamy lather in soap and adds a tropical aroma. It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry or sensitive skin.

Almond Milk

Properties: Almond milk is high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It’s moisturizing, nourishing, and helps improve skin elasticity. Almond milk soothes and softens the skin, making it suitable for dry or mature skin types. It adds a creamy texture to soap and has a subtle nutty aroma.

Oat Milk

Properties: Oat milk is rich in beta-glucans, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It’s soothing, calming, and helps relieve itching or irritation. Oat milk is particularly beneficial for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It adds a creamy texture to soap and helps create a gentle, non-irritating lather.

Rice Milk

Properties: Rice milk is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive or allergic skin types. It’s moisturizing, soothing, and helps improve skin tone and texture. Rice milk contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. It adds a light, silky feel to soap and is often used in anti-aging or brightening formulations.

Other Ingredients

These ingredients can be combined in endless variations to create unique and customized soaps tailored to different preferences and skin types.

Superfatting Oils

Extra oils added to the soap recipe at the end of the process to provide additional moisturizing properties. Common superfatting oils include shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

Glycerin

Melt and pour soap bases typically contain a high proportion of glycerin, a natural byproduct of the soap-making process. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the air, making the soap soft and easily meltable. The glycerin content contributes to the soap’s ability to melt quickly when heated.

See safety details

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is sometimes used in soap making for its humectant properties. As a humectant, propylene glycol helps attract and retain moisture, which can contribute to the overall hydration and skin-feel of the soap. Additionally, propylene glycol can also serve as a solvent, helping to dissolve certain ingredients and improve the consistency of the soap. It’s worth noting that propylene glycol is typically used in small amounts in soap formulations, and its primary role is often to enhance the overall quality of the soap rather than to provide specific cleansing or lathering properties.

Propylene glycol should not be confused with Ethylene glycol which is the toxic ingredient found in anitfreeze

See safety details

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is used in soap making for several reasons:

  1. Humectant: Like propylene glycol, sorbitol acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized after using the soap.

  2. Lather Stability: Sorbitol helps to stabilize the lather in soap, making it more consistent and longer-lasting. This results in a more satisfying lathering experience for the user.

  3. Texture and Feel: Sorbitol contributes to the texture and feel of the soap, making it smoother and more luxurious. It can help to improve the overall sensory experience of using the soap.

  4. Skin Conditioning: Sorbitol has mild skin conditioning properties, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth after use. It can help to improve the overall skin feel of the soap.

Overall, sorbitol is a versatile ingredient in soap making, contributing to both the performance and sensory aspects of the final product.

See safety details

Sodium Cocoate

Sodium cocoate is the chemical name for the salt that forms when coconut oil is saponified with sodium hydroxide (lye) during the soap making process. It is a key ingredient in soap making for several reasons:

  1. Cleansing: Sodium cocoate is a surfactant, meaning it has the ability to attract both water and oil molecules. This makes it effective at removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

  2. Lathering: Sodium cocoate contributes to the lathering properties of soap. It helps to create a rich, foamy lather that enhances the cleansing experience and makes the soap easier to spread and distribute over the skin.

  3. Moisturizing: While sodium cocoate has cleansing properties, it is also relatively gentle on the skin compared to some other surfactants. It helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated after use.

  4. Hardness: Sodium cocoate contributes to the hardness of the soap bar. This helps to ensure that the soap maintains its shape and integrity over time, increasing its longevity and durability.

Overall, sodium cocoate is a versatile and essential ingredient in soap making, contributing to its cleansing, lathering, moisturizing, and structural properties.

See safety details

Sodium Stearate

Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid, a fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. In soap making, sodium stearate is formed when stearic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide (lye) during the saponification process. It is a key ingredient in soap formulations and contributes to the cleansing, lathering, hardness, and texture of the soap.

Here are some key characteristics and uses of sodium stearate:

  1. Surfactant: Sodium stearate acts as a surfactant, meaning it has the ability to attract both water and oil molecules. This property allows it to effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

  2. Lathering Agent: Sodium stearate helps to create a rich, foamy lather in soap formulations. This enhances the cleansing experience and makes the soap easier to spread and distribute over the skin.

  3. Hardness Enhancer: Sodium stearate contributes to the hardness of the soap bar. This helps to ensure that the soap maintains its shape and integrity over time, increasing its longevity and durability.

  4. Emulsifier: Sodium stearate acts as an emulsifier, helping to combine oil and water-based ingredients in the soap formulation. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the soap, resulting in a uniform and consistent product.

  5. Texture Modifier: Sodium stearate helps to create a smooth and creamy texture in soap formulations. This enhances the sensory experience of using the soap and makes it feel luxurious on the skin.

Overall, sodium stearate is a versatile ingredient in soap making, contributing to its cleansing, lathering, hardness, emulsifying, and sensory properties. It is commonly used in a variety of soap formulations, including bar soaps, liquid soaps, and shaving soaps.

See safety details

Lauric Acid

Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and other natural fats and oils. It is a medium-chain fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain and is classified as a type of long-chain fatty acid. Lauric acid is solid at room temperature and has a melting point of around 44°C (111°F).

Here are some key characteristics and uses of lauric acid:

  1. Soap Making: Lauric acid is commonly used in soap making as it produces a hard, stable lather with excellent cleansing properties. When saponified with sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide, lauric acid forms sodium laurate or potassium laurate, which are key components of soap formulations.

  2. Cosmetics and Personal Care: Lauric acid is also used in various cosmetic and personal care products, including skincare products, shampoos, and conditioners. It has emollient properties that help soften and moisturize the skin and hair.

  3. Food Industry: Lauric acid is used as a food additive and flavoring agent in the food industry. It is commonly found in processed foods, baked goods, and confectionery products. Lauric acid is also a major component of coconut oil, which is used in cooking and food preparation.

  4. Pharmaceuticals: Lauric acid is being researched for its potential health benefits and medicinal properties. Some studies suggest that lauric acid may have antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising candidate for use in pharmaceutical formulations.

Overall, lauric acid is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in various industries, including soap making, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Its unique properties make it a valuable ingredient in many consumer products.

See safety details

Sorbitan oleate

Sorbitan oleate is an ester of sorbitol and oleic acid. It is commonly used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic and personal care products, including soaps. Here are some key characteristics and uses of sorbitan oleate:

  1. Emulsifier: Sorbitan oleate is an effective emulsifying agent, meaning it helps to combine oil and water-based ingredients in formulations. In soap making, it helps to create stable emulsions and prevent separation of ingredients, resulting in a uniform and consistent product.

  2. Surfactant: Sorbitan oleate acts as a surfactant, meaning it has the ability to attract both water and oil molecules. This property allows it to effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, making it an essential cleansing agent in soap formulations.

  3. Texture Modifier: Sorbitan oleate contributes to the texture and feel of the soap. It helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency that enhances the sensory experience of using the soap and makes it feel luxurious on the skin.

  4. Stabilizer: Sorbitan oleate helps to stabilize formulations and improve their shelf life by preventing oxidation and degradation of ingredients. This ensures that the soap maintains its quality and efficacy over time.

Overall, sorbitan oleate is a versatile ingredient in soap making, contributing to its emulsifying, surfactant, texture-modifying, and stabilizing properties. It is commonly used in various soap formulations to achieve desired performance and sensory characteristics.

See safety details

Sodium Myristate

Sodium myristate is the sodium salt of myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and other natural fats and oils. In soap making, sodium myristate is formed when myristic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide (lye) during the saponification process.

Here are some key characteristics and uses of sodium myristate:

  1. Surfactant: Sodium myristate acts as a surfactant, meaning it has the ability to attract both water and oil molecules. This property allows it to effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, making it an essential cleansing agent in soap formulations.

  2. Lathering Agent: Sodium myristate contributes to the formation of lather in soap formulations. It helps create a rich, creamy foam that enhances the cleansing experience and facilitates the distribution of the soap over the skin.

  3. Hardness Enhancer: Sodium myristate helps increase the hardness of the soap bar. This property ensures that the soap maintains its shape and integrity over time, making it more durable and long-lasting.

  4. Emulsifier: Sodium myristate acts as an emulsifier, helping to combine oil and water-based ingredients in the soap formulation. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the soap, resulting in a uniform and consistent product.

  5. Texture Modifier: Sodium myristate helps create a smooth and creamy texture in soap formulations. This enhances the sensory experience of using the soap and makes it feel luxurious on the skin.

Overall, sodium myristate is a versatile ingredient in soap making, contributing to its cleansing, lathering, hardness enhancement, emulsifying, and texture-modifying properties. It is commonly used in various soap formulations to achieve desired performance and sensory characteristics.

See safety details

Surfactants and Detergents

Surfactants are key ingredients in soap making, responsible for creating lather and removing dirt and oil from surfaces. There are various surfactants used in soap making, each with its own characteristics and benefits. Here are some common surfactants used in soap making:

  1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS- used in some of our soaps):

    • A widely used anionic surfactant known for its excellent foaming and cleansing properties. SLS is effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin and hair. It’s commonly found in hand soaps, shampoos, and body washes.
    • See safety details

  2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES- used in some of our soaps):

    • Similar to SLS but less harsh, SLES is often used as a milder alternative in cleansing products. It produces rich lather and helps to emulsify oils and dirt. SLES is commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.
    • See safety details

  3. Coco Glucoside(not used in our soaps):

    • A mild non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. Coco glucoside is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. It produces a mild lather and helps to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It’s often used in natural and organic skincare products.
    • See safety details

  4. Decyl Glucoside(not used in our soaps):

    • Another mild non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. Decyl glucoside is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby products. It produces a gentle lather and helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair.
    • See safety details

  5. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)(used in some of our soaps):

    • A gentle anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil. SCI is mild and non-drying, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It produces a creamy lather and helps to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. SCI is commonly found in solid bar soaps, syndet bars, and facial cleansers.
    • See safety details

These are just a few examples of the many surfactants used in soap making. Soap makers often use a combination of surfactants to achieve the desired lather, cleansing, and conditioning properties in their products.

Surfactants are the primary active ingredients in detergents. They have hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, allowing them to surround and lift away dirt and oil from surfaces. In addition to these properties, detergents are also used for the following reasons:

  1. Water-Solubility: Detergents are water-soluble, meaning they can easily dissolve in water and form a solution capable of emulsifying oils and suspending dirt particles.

  2. Effective in Hard Water: Unlike traditional soap, which can form insoluble scum in hard water due to its reaction with minerals, detergents are effective in both hard and soft water environments.

  3. Versatility: Detergents are highly versatile and can be formulated for various cleaning applications, including laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, surface cleaners, and personal care products.

  4. pH Neutral or Alkaline: Most detergents are formulated to be pH neutral or slightly alkaline to enhance their cleaning efficiency and compatibility with a wide range of surfaces and materials.

  5. Foaming Agents: Some detergents contain foaming agents to produce lather or bubbles, which can help lift and suspend dirt and oil for easier removal.

Overall, detergents are widely used in cleaning products due to their effectiveness, versatility, and compatibility with modern cleaning needs and conditions. They play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various settings, from households to commercial and industrial environments.

Essential Oils

Concentrated plant extracts that add fragrance to the soap. Essential oils come in a wide variety of scents and also offer potential aromatherapy benefits.

Botanicals

Dried herbs, flowers, seeds, or other plant materials added to soap for decoration or exfoliation. Common botanical additives include lavender buds, calendula petals, poppy seeds, and oatmeal.

Preservatives

Preservatives are not typically required in solid bar soap formulations because the high pH and low water content create an inhospitable environment for microbial growth. However, preservatives may be necessary in liquid soap formulations or in soaps that contain high levels of water or botanical extracts. Here are some preservatives commonly used in soap formulations:

  1. Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is often used in cosmetic and personal care products, including liquid soaps, to prevent microbial contamination.See safety details

  2. Potassium Sorbate: Potassium sorbate is a preservative commonly used in food and cosmetic products. It is effective against mold and yeast and is often used in liquid soap formulations to extend shelf life.See safety details

  3. Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is a preservative commonly used in food, beverages, and personal care products. It is effective against yeast and bacteria and is often used in liquid soap formulations to prevent microbial growth.See safety details

  4. Benzyl Alcohol: Benzyl alcohol is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold and is often used in natural and organic soap formulations as a more natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.See safety details

  5. Citric Acid: Citric acid is a weak organic acid that can act as a preservative by lowering the pH of the soap formulation, making it less hospitable to microbial growth. It is often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance their efficacy.See safety details

  6. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): Grapefruit seed extract is a natural preservative derived from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. It contains compounds such as citric acid and polyphenols that have antimicrobial properties. GSE is often used in natural and organic soap formulations as a more natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of preservatives can vary depending on factors such as formulation, pH, and storage conditions. Formulators should carefully select preservatives based on their specific needs and considerations for product safety and stability.

Clays

Natural clays, such as kaolin clay or French green clay, can be added to soap for their purifying and detoxifying properties. Clays also provide natural color and can add slip to the soap.

Colorants

Natural or synthetic ingredients used to add color to the soap. Common natural colorants include clays, herbs, spices, and botanical extracts. Synthetic colorants, such as micas and oxides, are also commonly used.

Fragrance Oils

Synthetic or naturally-derived fragrance blends specifically formulated for use in soap making. Fragrance oils offer a wide range of scents not always achievable with essential oils.

Exfoliants

Ingredients added to soap to provide gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin feeling smooth. Common exfoliants include ground coffee, pumice, oatmeal, and apricot kernel powder.

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