Newbie question about the diiferent oils

[Strawberry0121]

I have used the search feature and can't find the information I am looking for.

Does anyone know where there is a list of the properties that each oil offers and possibly (I know this might be reaching ) their reactions to each other. (Ex. what combining palm and olive oil will cause the other one to do)

Thank you so much and I apologize if this is easily found. I'll get the hang of things soon!

Monika

 

[kwahlne]

Here's a site on oil properties.

Not sure about where to find reactions to each other....

Hope this helps.

 

[ilovedoxies]

That is a great site, thanks for posting it.
B

 

[mandolyn]

I have used the search feature and can't find the information I am looking for.

Does anyone know where there is a list of the properties that each oil offers and possibly (I know this might be reaching ) their reactions to each other. (Ex. what combining palm and olive oil will cause the other one to do)

Thank you so much and I apologize if this is easily found. I'll get the hang of things soon!

Monika

To my knowledge, there is no reaction between oils.

 

[Jaaret]

Think about oil qualities, not reactions to one another

Oils do not react to one another but different oils have different qualities and part of the fun (and challenge) of soapmaking is designing soaps with oils that complement one another.

Here is a useful chart that gives an overview of different oils and how they can benefit soap:

http://www.soapies-supplies.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=4

Jaaret

 

[ChrissyB]

Thankyou for posting that site Jaaret, haven't seen that one before. There is some good info on there.
Christine 8)

 

[Strawberry0121]

Thank you so much for the information! Off to read up...

Our first batch is doing great, but it is too strong. I hope it mellows as it cures

 

[Jaaret]

Oil Qualities

When I first started making soap about five years ago I planned on making soaps in small batches using only ONE oil so I could compare the results. The first batch was made with 100% coconut oil. It traced very fast and produced a rock-hard, white soap that lathered profusely but was harsh and drying to my skin.

The second batch was made with 100% sunflower oil. I stirred and stirred and stirred for hours and finally gave up. My lye calculation was correct and I did not apply a discount. I finally gave up and threw the batch out.

That experience made me immediately see the value in blending complementary oils and I started reading everything I could about the qualities of different oils. I now limit the amount of coconut oil to 30% in my batches (but can't imagine making a soap without it!) I strive for a blend of about 60-70% hard oils that are solid at room temperature and 30-40% lighter, more nourishing oils (sunflower, sweet almond, apricot kernal, etc.)

Jaaret

 

[Jaaret]

Coconut versus Sunflower Oil

This graph illustrates the dramatic difference in the makeup between sunflower and coconut oils. The chart of qualities on the righta was originally published in The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch. The graph was generated in a database program I've built over the years during my research on soapmaking oils.

 

[Strawberry0121]

I have a chart similar to the one on the right and I have seen the terms of the chart on the left, but have not yet researched them. Would you mind explaining it a little further to me? I just LOVE charts and graphs! Great job!

 

[SoapPoopette]

I also found Summer Bee Meadow. There oil property chart even included oils not so common in usage.

 

[Jaaret]

Graph

The graph displays the percent of different amino acids in the oils and what qualities those amino acids give to the finished bars. They are color coded to relate to the oils chosen. The coconut oil (pink) is the only oil that I know of that has lauric acid, the fatty acid that makes soap lather so well. That's why I always use a percentage of coconut oil in each batch.

The sunflower oil (blue) is very high in oleic acid, a very conditioning fatty acid.

So the lauric acid in the coconut oil makes a nice lather while the oleic acid in the sunflower oil conditions the skin.

 

[carebear]

you are confusing me. Fatty acids, not amino - right?

Chemistry was so very long ago...

 

[starduster]

Great education

Now that looks extremely usefull so thankyou.
On the 10th read I will understand it.But hey ,whos going anywere anyway. As longs as I get sooner or later and I really needed that explanation.

 

[Jaaret]

fatty acids

D'oh! Yes, I meant FATTY acids, not amino acids. But you get the idea...

 

[Strawberry0121]

Yep, it took me a while to get it. But after a few minutes, no problem! Thanks for the explanation!

Now, I just need to learn what properties are given by each of the different acids!

 

[starduster]

I am getting it Jaaret. That is such a help.
I am now going to be changing some , or my tweaking some of my recipes and ordering some butters which I hadn't ventured in before.
I like to put some Borage in sometimes as I have found that better for me than primrose oil when taking capsuals . My hair dressers can always tell when I have been taking it internally.Makes my hair softer.Maybe mind over matter maybe as I read of it being used for that and other things in an American Indian Medicine story.
Can you tell me anything special for soap making about Borage's inclusion perhaps ?
I am trying to locate it for my garden.
Yes I am googling it ,but get it easier when explained in a way pertinant to soap making.
Thanking you

 

[heartsong]

soap

may i suggest www.soapcalc.com it has a wealth of info, especially if you read the home page and get familiar with the workings for the site. then you can create any soap recipe and see how the oils can synergisticaly work together to create almost perfect soap.

it's on my top 10 for great websites!