Is lye discount and Superfat the same?

The terms “superfat” and “lye discount” can be used interchangeably. This is because in order to create a superfat, you use less lye in the recipe. Extra oil creates a more gentle bar, but it can also make the bar softer.

What is a Superfatted soap?

Superfatting is the process of using less lye (or more fat) than industry standards so that there’s some leftover oil in the soap that’s not bound to lye. This leaves behind more unsaponified fat, providing more moisture in the soap. Every oil requires a different amount of lye to turn it into soap.

What is the best Superfatting level in soap making?

Some soapmakers go up to 15% and swear by it. It also depends on the recipe. For instance, we recommend superfatting coconut oil soap at 20% so it isn’t too harsh on the skin. Experimenting with a few different superfats is the best way to find the amount you love.

What’s the difference between Lye discount and superfatting soap?

Again, a 10% lye discount was taken and the soaps were processed as in the previous combination. While the original oil blend contained 9% linoleic acid, the discounted soap contained 19% and the superfatted soap 17% linoleic acid.

Where can I buy lye for soap making?

Shop for Lye in Soap Making. Buy products such as Sodium Hydroxide – Pure – Food Grade (Caustic Soda, Lye) (2 Pound Jar) at Walmart and save.

What happens if you add too much lye to soap?

If the soapmaker adds “too much” lye, three molecules of sodium hydroxide react with each molecule of oil until the oil is completely consumed and turned into soap and the excess sodium hydroxide remains in the soap. Unlike the cake example, the soap is not simply a little more alkaline – it is caustic and potentially dangerous.

What can you do with a pure Lye drain opener?

This formula creates heat to melt and dissolve grease, hair, soap, scum and other drain-clogging material. The pure lye drain opener is able to clear drains in just 15-30 minutes. It’s designed to be used in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs and showers. These lye crystals for clogged drains can also be used for soap makers.