Coconut Oil Soap Making

76 degree coconut oil is a semi-solid oil that is high in saturated fats which makes it a popular choice for homemade soap bars as well as liquid soaps and bubble bath products. As the name proclaims this oil melts at 76 degrees.

When this oil is used in cold process soap recipes it will produce a hard bar which means your soap will last longer. This is especially useful if you create large batches and perhaps run a business such as an eBay store selling your handmade soaps whether it be online or at craft fairs. The 76 degree coconut oil will give your soaps a longer shelf life and will retain its high foaming lather.

You do have to take some care with the amounts used as too much can be drying to the skin. A popular solution is to combine it with some "soft oils" to create a balanced soap which eliminates the problem of creating a soap that damages skin.

The 92 degree coconut oil is a less expensive option than the 76 degree and works well with coconut oil soap making. The only difference this coconut oil has is that has been partially hydrogenated to raise it melting point to 92 degrees. When using this type of coconut oil the end result will typically produce a slightly harder bar of soap. Sometimes this option is better for those that live in areas that have high temperatures all year round but will still need to be stored in a cool area away from direct sunlight to retain its shelf life.

It's thought that using virgin coconut oil in your soap can provide the most benefits. It can even be used for treating acne problems as well. Especially if the soap bars are made using the "Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Perhaps even unrefined coconut oil could be another option for you to consider.

Fractionated coconut oil has a very distinct advantage as it has a longer shelf life than most while still retaining a high element of saturated fats. Generally, coconut oil is solid at room temperature but when fractionated it takes a liquid form and is slightly yellow in color. The fractionating process removes impurities that can cause the oil to become rancid over time thus giving it a longer shelf life.