Common oils and butters used in cold process soapmaking

When making cold process soap, the oils and butters you choose play a big role in how the soap feels, lathers, and treats your skin. Each ingredient brings its own special properties to your recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or have made a few batches already, understanding what each oil and butter does can help you create better bars every time.
Here’s a simple guide to some of the most popular oils and butters used in cold process soapmaking, what they do, and how much to use.

Olive oil
Why it’s used: Olive oil is gentle and moisturizing. It’s great for sensitive or dry skin.
What it does: Adds conditioning and softness to the bar.
Lather: Low bubbles, but creamy and smooth.
Recommended usage: 30–40% (some use up to 100% in castile soap)

Coconut oil
Why it’s used: Known for strong cleansing and big, fluffy bubbles.
What it does: Adds hardness and cleansing.
Lather: Big and bubbly.
Recommended usage: 15–30% (lower if skin is dry or sensitive)

Palm oil
Why it’s used: Helps make firm, long-lasting bars with creamy lather.
What it does: Adds hardness and stable texture.
Lather: Rich and creamy.
Recommended usage: 20–30% (choose sustainably sourced)

Sunflower oil
Why it’s used: Lightweight and rich in vitamin E, it’s great for moisturizing without feeling greasy.
What it does: Adds conditioning and silkiness.
Lather: Low to medium, smooth feel.
Recommended usage: 5–20% (often used to complement other conditioning oils)

Shea butter
Why it’s used: Packed with skin-loving vitamins and adds richness.
What it does: Adds creaminess and moisture.
Lather: Silky and conditioning.
Recommended usage: 5–15%

Cocoa butter
Why it’s used: Makes a hard bar with a rich feel.
What it does: Adds moisture and firmness.
Lather: Dense and creamy.
Recommended usage: 5–15%

Castor oil
Why it’s used: Boosts lather and makes bubbles last.
What it does: Adds lather stability and draws in moisture.
Lather: Creamy with stable bubbles.
Recommended usage: 2–8%

Avocado oil
Why it’s used: Gentle and full of vitamins A, D, and E.
What it does: Adds conditioning and softness.
Lather: Mild and moisturizing.
Recommended usage: 5–15%

How to choose oils for your soap
When creating your recipe, think about the feel and function you want. Most soap makers blend oils for balance. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hardness: Coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa butter
Cleansing: Mostly from coconut oil
Conditioning: Olive oil, shea butter, avocado oil
Lather: Coconut oil, castor oil

Don’t be afraid to experiment
These are a few favorites in the soapmaking community, but there’s so much more to explore. Feel free to try different oils that are affordable and available in your area. You might find a unique local ingredient that works beautifully!

Your turn!
Have you used any of these oils or butters in your cold process recipes? What’s your favorite combination and why?
Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and learn from your process!

Geeta S

Hi, I’m Geeta!
What started as a “just-looking-for-handmade-gifts” moment turned into a full-blown love affair with soap making.
About 7 years ago, I stumbled across a Pinterest post that said “Make Handmade Soaps”—and let’s just say, it sent me down the most amazing rabbit hole! I was instantly hooked. I dived deep into YouTube tutorials, Facebook groups, and blogs, and soon enough, I was whipping up my first batches of cold process soaps.
Let’s be honest—those first few soaps came with a steep (and slightly messy!) learning curve. But once I got the hang of it? I was completely obsessed.????
Over time, I realized something even more exciting than soap itself: I loved sharing this craft with others. Teaching, connecting, laughing over lye mishaps—it lights me up! So now, I run soap making workshops where we get creative, get a little messy, and have a whole lot of fun.
If you’re curious about handmade soap, want to try something new, or just need a fun break from the 9-to-5 grind, come hang out with me. Let’s make some magic (and soap) together!
See you!
Geeta

Common oils and butters used in cold process soapmaking