Superfatted Soap

What is superfatted soap? It is  soap made with extra amount of fat. The excess fat is used to consume the alkali.The glycerine left in the soap acts as a moisturising agent. It also makes the soap softer and less resistant to becoming mushy if left wet.

Superfatted soap is more skin-friendly than one without extra fat. However, if too much  fat is added, it can leave a greasy feel to their skin. Sometimes an emollient additive such as jojoba oil or shea butter (nut extract) is added to make the skin softer.

Superfatting can also be accomplished through a process known as lye discount in which the soap manufacturer uses less alkali than required instead of adding extra fats.

View the following video  on soap-making.

Test Your Science

1. What is the advantage of adding glycerine in soap making?

Find out how soap was first discovered in the Young Scientists Issue 116 Level 2.