Cold process soapmaking can be a rewarding hobby that allows you to create unique and personalized bars. One crucial aspect of this process is "superfatting," which involves leaving a small percentage of oils un-saponified. This not only enhances the lathering properties of your soap but also adds a touch of luxury. Let's delve into the art of superfatting, focusing on the benefits of using goat milk and coconut oil in your soap recipes.
Okay, so what exactly is superfat? In soapmaking, saponification is the chemical reaction where oils and lye combine to form soap. Superfatting essentially means leaving a small amount of the oils (usually 3-5%) unreacted with the lye. These un-saponified oils remain in the final soap bar, contributing to its overall cleansing properties.
Superfat also may help to reduce the harshness of the soap. Unsaponified oils help to mitigate the potential drying effects of lye, resulting in a milder and more skin-friendly soap.
Superfatting can enhance the lathering properties of your soap, creating a luxurious and creamy experience.
Combining goat milk and coconut oil in a soap recipe creates a truly luxurious and beneficial bar. The natural properties of goat milk complement the cleansing effects of coconut oil, resulting in a soap that offers luxurious cleansing.
Considerations when determining the superfat when making Goat Milk Soap:
Calculate Your Superfat: Determine the percentage of oils you wish to superfat (typically 3-5%).
Adjust Your Lye Amount: Reduce the amount of lye used in your recipe to account for the superfatted oils.
Monitor Your Trace: Pay close attention to the trace (the point at which the soap batter thickens). Superfatting may slightly affect the trace time.
Experiment and Find Your Preference: Try different superfat percentages to find the level that best suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion:
Superfatting is a simple yet effective technique that can significantly enhance the quality and cleansing properties of your cold process soap. By incorporating goat milk and coconut oil into your recipes, you can create luxurious and beneficial bars that are gentle on the skin and a delight to use.
Have you ever tried cold process soap? What was your experience like?
JD
Side Note: This blog post focuses on the process of making goat milk soap. It does not delve into the specific properties of any soap itself, as those would fall under the purview of the FDA as cosmetics or drugs.
This blog post aims to inform it's readers about saponification, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in creating this natural and luxurious product, goat milk soap.