Soapmaking Oil PropertiesInformation from MillerSoap.com

Fats lend different properties to the soaps they make, depending on which types of fatty acids predominate in their composition. If you know a bit about the oils you are using, you can make a more intelligent choice of which ones will give you the result you desire. You'll notice on some of the percentages that there is a fairly wide range, but the chart will still give you a good profile of what to expect from the oil you are choosing. Fatty Acid:Properties it lends to soap:

Lauric AcidHard bar, cleansing, fluffy lather

Linoleic AcidConditioning

Myristic AcidHard bar, cleansing, fluffy lather

Oleic AcidConditioning

Palmitic AcidHard bar, stable lather

Ricinoleic AcidConditioning, fluffy stable lather

Stearic AcidHard bar, stable lather

Another aspect to consider is the Iodine Index. Simply stated, the lower the Iodine Index number, the harder the bar. I've also made notations on oils that are useful for superfatting purposes or have special qualities. Just because I don't have a notation under a particular oil, doesn't mean it can't also be used for superfatting. It just means I don't have much information on its particular qualities.Here is the Key: S - Useful as a superfatting oil M - Moisturizing R - Rich in protein and/or vitamins H - Humectant (attracts moisture to your skin...honey also does this)

Almond Oil (Sweet) Oleic 64-82 % Linoleic 8-28% Palmitic 6-8% Iodine 93-106 S, M, R Flax/Linseed* Oleic 14-39% Linoleic 7-19% Palmitic 4-9% Stearic 2-4% Linolenic 35-66% Iodine: 105-115 Palm Oil Palmitic 43-45% Oleic 38-40% Linoleic 9-11% Stearic 4-5% Iodine 45-57

Apricot Kernel Oil* Oleic 58-74% Linoleic 20-34% Palmitic 4-7% Iodine 92-108 S, M, R Grapeseed Oil Linoleic 58-78% Oleic 12-28% Palmitic 5-11% Stearic 3-6% Iodine 125-142 Palm Kernel Oil Lauric 47% Oleic 18% Myristic 14% Palmitic 9% Iodine 37

Avocado Oil Oleic 36-80% Palmitic 7-32 % Linoleic 6-18% Stearic 1.5% Iodine 82-90 S, M, R Hemp Oil Oleic 12% Linoleic 57% Palmitic 6% Stearic 2% Linolenic 21% Iodine: 166.5 S, M Canola/Rapeseed Oil Oleic 32% Linoleic 15% Palmitic 1% Iodine 105-120

Jojoba Oil (liquid wax) Oleic 10-13% Iodine 80-85 S, M, H Safflower Oil Linoleic 70-80% Oleic 10-20% Palmitic 6-7% Iodine 86-119 Castor Oil Ricinoleic 90% Linoleic 3-4% Oleic 3-4% Iodine 82-90 S, M, H

Cocoa Butter Oleic 34-36% Stearic 31-35% Palmitic 25-30% Linoleic 3% Iodine 33-42 S, M Lard Oleic 46% Palmitic 28% Stearic 13% Linoleic 6% Myristic 1% Iodine 43-45 Shea (Karite) Butter Oleic 40-55% Stearic 35-45% Linoleic 3-8% Palmitic 3-7% Iodine 55-71 S, M, R

Coconut Oil Lauric 39-54% Myristic 15-23% Palmitic 6-11% Oleic 4-11% Stearic 1-4% Linoleic 1-2% Iodine -