Superfatting

[BettyF]

I am trying a new recipe and would like to superfat at a higher amount than I have done in the past, above 10%. What are the pros and cons of superfatting at that level? This recipe would be a lye discount at 14%. Should I worry about oxidation? Loss of bubbles?
Thanks so much!!!

 

[Sunny]

I know a high sf can diminish your lather =\ apparently though, no, it does not contribute to DOS! your choice of oils will determine that.

 

[BettyF]

Thank you for that clarity. Would you go over 10%??

 

[soapbuddy]

I don't know if you know this or not, but there is no need to add any oil or butter at trace like some books tell you. At trace, the lye is very active and it will take whatever it wants. There is no guarantee that any particular oil or butter will end up as your superfat.

The exception to this would be if you add any oil or butter after the cook.

 

[BettyF]

I understand that I cannot determine which specific oils remain unsaponified. I am trying to determine what lye discount more than 10% will do to the qualities of soap. Will it diminish bubbles? Will benefits outweigh potential down side.
Thanks!

 

[soapbuddy]

For a regular CP soap I would not go higher then a 10% superfat. It will diminish bubbles. If you want to try 100% coconut soap, then you can go as high as 20% superfat.

 

[Sunny]

I think you should be satisfied with 10% and a mix of good, balanced oils. I wouldn't go OVER 10% myself, unless with a salt bar (high coconut), as I don't see the need. I've heard if your sf is too high your soap can be oily, haven't tested that one out to see if it's true.

 

[Fragola]

It probably depends if you are aiming for a bubbly versus creamy recipe.

I love my eggyolk bars, slightly softer to touch, with rich and creamy leather. It feels like they hug the skin

I don't know if you know this or not, but there is no need to add any oil or butter at trace like some books tell you.

If certain oils accelerate trace, it may be still better to add them at trace.

 

[soapbuddy]

Eggs have lecithin, so I could see why adding them to soap would help create a creamy bar. I have never had any of my base oils accelerate trace. Fragrance oils or essential oils; yes. If I have an unruly fragrance, I add liquid lecithin to my soap to slow down trace.

 

[Fragola]

You add lechitin at trace before adding the fragrance ? Is that lechitin powder ?

 

[BettyF]

Thanks for the clarity for SF. It does make sense that there is a point of diminishing return. Think I will hold it to 10% and not over for this batch!!

 

[Sunny]

If I have an unruly fragrance, I add liquid lecithin to my soap to slow down trace.

my bolding

I found liquid lecithin at my natural foods store.

 

[soapbuddy]

If I have an unruly fragrance, I add liquid lecithin to my soap to slow down trace.

my bolding

I found liquid lecithin at my natural foods store.

That's where I bought mine. I stick blend it into my oils before I add my lye water.