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What is Superfat?

Published in Soapmaking 2 mins read

Superfat, in the context of soapmaking, refers to the intentional addition of extra oils or butters to a soap recipe beyond what's needed for complete saponification (the chemical reaction between lye and oils that creates soap). This excess fat isn't converted into soap and remains in the finished product.

Why Superfat Soap?

There are several key benefits to superfatting soap:

  • Skin Conditioning: The unsaponified oils and butters leave the soap moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. They add a luxurious feel and can help to prevent dryness and irritation. A common superfat percentage is 5%, which translates to approximately 0.8 oz of extra oils per pound of soap (Bramble Berry).

  • Reduced Irritation: Superfatting helps to ensure there's no excess lye remaining in the finished soap, minimizing the risk of skin irritation. This makes the soap gentler and safer for use on sensitive skin (r/soapmaking).

  • Improved Lather and Texture: The extra oils can contribute to a richer, creamier lather and a more luxurious texture.

How to Superfat Soap

Superfatting is typically done during the cold process or hot process soapmaking methods. It's not applicable to melt and pour soap. The process involves calculating the amount of lye needed for saponification and then deliberately reducing that amount to leave a percentage of oils unsaponified (TheSoapery). You can choose the type of oils/butters to use for superfatting, influencing the final properties of the soap, although in cold-processed soap, the exact superfat percentage is somewhat self-determined (The Soap Coach).

Different Interpretations of "Superfat"

It's important to note that "superfat" has another meaning within the body positivity movement. In this context, "superfat" is a term used within the fat community to self-identify a person's size, representing the furthest end of the fat spectrum (Teen Vogue). This meaning is distinct from its use in soapmaking.