The Different Types of Palm Oil

What is Palm Oil?

Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. The primary sources of palm oil are Malaysia and Indonesia. Based on the part of the fruit from which the oil is extracted, palm oil can be categorized into:

Palm Oil: Extracted from the fruit pulp, it is rich in palmitic acid and oleic acid. Palm oil is known for its high melting point, making it ideal for creating hard, long-lasting soaps.
Palm Kernel Oil: Extracted from the kernel of the fruit, it contains a high percentage of lauric acid, similar to coconut oil. Palm kernel oil contributes to rich lather and hardness in soaps.

Types of Palm Oil and Their Properties:

Red Palm Oil: This is the unrefined palm oil, rich in beta-carotene, giving it a deep red color. It's packed with antioxidants and is often used for its natural color and moisturizing properties.
White Palm Oil: This is the refined version of palm oil, with a light color. It's commonly used in soap making for its hardness and long-lasting properties.
Soft Palm Oil: A fractionated palm oil, it has a lower melting point and is often used as a cooking oil.
Hard Palm Oil: Another fractionated palm oil, it has a higher melting point and is used to increase the hardness of soaps.

How to Use Palm Oil in Soap Making:

Palm Oil: Use up to 30% in your soap recipe for a good balance of hardness and conditioning.
Palm Kernel Oil: Use up to 30% for rich lather and hardness.
Red Palm Oil: Use for natural color and moisturizing properties. It's best used in small quantities as the color can fade over time.

Benefits of Using Palm Oil in Soap Making:

Hardness: Palm oil contributes to hard, long-lasting bars.
Lather: Palm kernel oil provides rich, creamy lather.
Conditioning: Red palm oil offers moisturizing benefits.

The choice of palm oil depends on the desired properties of your soap. For a hard, long-lasting soap with a rich lather, a combination of palm oil and palm kernel oil is ideal. If you're looking for a more natural and moisturizing soap, consider adding red palm oil.
Understanding the different types of palm oil and their properties is essential for soap makers. By carefully selecting the right palm oil for your recipe, you can create high-quality, long-lasting soaps with desired characteristics.