Vegetable Oils

Coconut Oil: Rich in lauric acid, it has strong cleansing power and abundant foam. It is recommended that its usage does not exceed 30% of the total oil to prevent excessive stripping of natural oils.

Palm Oil: Increases hardness and durability. However, it is necessary to choose sustainably certified sources (such as RSPO) to balance performance when combined with coconut oil.

Olive Oil: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it provides high moisturizing properties and is suitable for dry skin and baby soaps. It is often used as a superfat component to retain un-saponified oils.

Castor Oil: Adds shine and moisturizing properties to soap, and can stabilize fragrances. It is recommended to use 5% to 10%.

Camellia Oil: Similar to olive oil, it has strong penetration and is suitable for sensitive skin and anti-aging products.

Grape Seed Oil: Light and easily absorbed, it contains linoleic acid and is suitable for oily skin.

Animal Fats

Beef Tallow / Lamb Fat: Provide high hardness and long-lasting foam, commonly used in cold process soaps. However, they may cause ethical concerns among vegetarians, and the source should be carefully considered.

Pork Fat: Gentle in texture and produces fine foam. Historically widely used, but is gradually being replaced by vegetable oils in modern markets.

Sustainable Choices

Alternatives: Castor oil, rice bran oil, and canola oil are favored as palm oil substitutes due to stable supply and environmental friendliness.

Certified Ingredients: Choose organic and fair trade vegetable oils (such as organic olive oil and coconut oil), or RSPO-certified palm oil to reduce environmental impact.

Summary

The main raw materials for soap production are animal and vegetable oils and strong alkali. The market shows a trend towards naturalness, functionality and high-end. In the future, environmental regulations and consumer preferences will further promote the application of plant-based oils. Meanwhile, technological innovation (such as biodegradable materials and smart packaging) will reshape the industry landscape. Enterprises need to focus on raw material selection, process optimization and brand differentiation to adapt to the rapidly changing market demands.