30% Coconut Oil and high Supper Fat Question

[SoapSap]

Many experienced KP members have stated high CO percentages are very harsh on their skin. I have used as high as 30% CO because I like the lather qualities of this oil. I cannot see that my skin has suffered from this high percentage but I would like to know if I increase the supper fat from 5% to 8% or even 10%, would that offset the harshness of the higher use of CO? Would the higher supper fat diminish the lather?

 

[DeeAnna]

If your soap is not harsh on your skin, then why increase the "supper" fat? If you like what you've got now, don't fix what isn't broke.

A higher superfat can reduce how much body oil and protein is stripped off the skin when using a soap that has a lot of lauric and myristic acids (in other words, a soap high in coconut oil). Some people are not as sensitive to this as others -- not sure if it's genetic or environmental or a little of both. In general, a higher superfat will also tend to reduce the lather, increase the softness of the soap, and possibly increase the chance of DOS (rancidity).

 

[IrishLass]

My tallow/lard formula contains 31% of a coconut/pko combo (I like to use them together), and I superfat it at 8% to prevent it from being too cleansing. Your mileage will vary depending on skin-type, of course, but for what it's worth, it makes a really nice, super-bubbly/creamy bar that doesn't make our skins feel parched.


IrishLass

 

[SoapSap]

Thanks for all the comments. I think the answer for me is I will continue using my 30% CO and 5% SF - so far my skin handles it just fine. I also agree that a long cure makes a better soap. I always do a long cure and that may also be why I have no problem with 30% CO.

 

[Abigail 11]

Thanks for all the comments. I think the answer for me is I will continue using my 30% CO and 5% SF - so far my skin handles it just fine. I also agree that a long cure makes a better soap. I always do a long cure and that may also be why I have no problem with 30% CO.

How long do you cure this soap? I'm thinking about using 30% coconut oil too

 

[Relle]

How long do you cure this soap? I'm thinking about using 30% coconut oil too

This person you are quoting for an answer hasn't been here for 2 yrs, so I doubt you'll get and answer from them, this thread is from 6 yrs ago.

 

[lenarenee]

How long do you cure this soap? I'm thinking about using 30% coconut oil too

I'd start with a typical 4 to 6 weeks unless using a majority of olive oil.

 

[Abigail 11]

Okay I'll give that a go.
Thank you à