What is Superfatting?
 

Superfatting is the process of adding extra fats (oils or butters) when formulating a soap recipe.  In "Ida's Soap Story" we explained that when the lye is mixed with the vegetable oils and liquid during the initial soap making stage, a soap making process called saponification begins.  The term saponified means the oils and sodium hydroxide/liquid solution have bonded together, neutralizing the sodium hydroxide and combining the ingredients into soap.  Superfatting leaves a portion of unincorporated oils in the finished soap.  When purchasing  "superfatted soaps," from Chagrin Valley Soap and Craft, you are given a soap with superior moisturizing and emollient qualities. 

Every soap we make is superfatted with a selection of healthful, natural oils to nourish and moisturize your skin.  The oil we use to superfat depends on the type of soap.  For instance, Avocado Oats & Shea is superfatted with avocado oil; Chocolate Almond is superfatted with cocoa butter and sweet almond oil (almond scent comes from bitter almond essential oil, altogether different from sweet almond oil).  Carrot and Honey Complexion Soap is superfatted with carrot infused sunflower oil and Dead Sea Spa with apricot kernel oil.

Tomato Basil Soap