When to add the Shea butter

[John Harris]

I'm getting into soaping after a long absence. I can't remember how to proceed with Shea butter. Do you 1) add it to the hard oils and let it go through full saponification; or 2) melt it by itself and add it at light trace?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Misschief]

I add it to my hard oils, when I use it in soap.

 

[DeeAnna]

Are you using a cold process method? If so, all fats should be added up front. The idea of adding fats at trace to "protect" them from the lye is a debunked myth.

If you're doing hot process, then there is some justification for adding fats after the cook is over to be the superfat.

 

[John Harris]

Cold process. Debunked myth. It's been 16 years since I made soap. I guess the myth was still in force back then. Thanks for the info!