Updated May 2025
Palm oil comes from the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). This comes from the flesh of the fruit. It’s naturally a rich, reddish-orange color (unrefined) but turns pale when refined. High in saturated fats, it is commonly used in soapmaking, cooking, and skincare products. We use it in our soaps as it creates a stable, creamy lather.
However, Palm oil has long been a controversial ingredient due to its environmental and ethical concerns, primarily associated with deforestation and habitat destruction. Yet, in soapmaking, palm oil plays a pivotal role, offering unique benefits that contribute to the creation of high-quality, luscious soaps. Moreover, when sourced responsibly, palm oil can align with vegan principles, adding a layer of ethical consideration to its usage.
One of the primary advantages of palm oil in soapmaking lies in its ability to create a firm bar with a rich and stable lather. The unique composition of palm oil, which contains a balanced blend of saturated and unsaturated fats, contributes to the hardness of the soap. This results in a longer-lasting bar that maintains its structural integrity, making it a favorite among soapmakers aiming for durability and longevity.
Additionally, palm oil brings a creamy texture to soap, enhancing its moisturizing properties. The high levels of palmitic and oleic acids present in palm oil contribute to a luxurious feel on the skin, leaving it soft and supple. This makes palm oil an ideal ingredient for soap formulations designed to provide a pampering and nourishing experience during each use.
From a vegan perspective, palm oil can be considered a suitable ingredient when sourced responsibly. Veganism, at its core, opposes the use of animal products and advocates for a cruelty-free lifestyle. Palm oil, being plant-derived, aligns with these principles. It’s essential, however, to choose palm oil that is certified by sustainable and ethical standards such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). RSPO-certified palm oil ensures that the production methods adhere to strict environmental and social criteria, mitigating the negative impacts often associated with conventional palm oil production.
When soapmakers opt for RSPO-certified palm oil, they actively support sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This choice not only aligns with vegan values but also promotes responsible sourcing, helping to address the ecological concerns associated with palm oil production.
Ultimately, while palm oil has faced scrutiny for its environmental implications, its benefits in soapmaking cannot be overlooked. We, at Fair Isle Soap Co, only purchase RSPO-certified palm oil, which ensures our creations not only adhere to vegan principles but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical industry. We have found after years of experiments that using palm oil DOES make a better, harder, more bubbly and aesthetically pleasing soap bar. If you have a problem with palm oil, simply choose a soap that does not have it.
Soapmaker Tips:
- Always Melt & Mix Before Using – Palm oil can separate as it cools, with the harder stearic and palmitic acids settling at the bottom. To keep your soap formula consistent, fully melt and stir the oil before measuring.
- Refined vs. Red Palm Oil – Regular refined palm oil is neutral in color, while red palm oil (unrefined) has a deep orange color that can tint your soap yellow to orange. If you want a more natural color boost, red palm oil is a good option, but keep it under 15% to avoid an overly dark bar. NOTE: Red Palm Oil is very expensive.
- Great for Hardness & Lather Stability – Palm oil helps create a firm bar and stabilizes lather, making it a good alternative to animal fats like lard or tallow. It pairs well with coconut oil for a balanced, long-lasting soap.
- Palm Kernel Oil Is Different – Don’t mix up palm oil with palm kernel oil! Palm kernel oil behaves more like coconut oil, giving a harder, bubblier bar, while regular palm oil adds creaminess and longevity.
- Works Best Around 20-40% – A good usage rate is 20-40% of your total oils. Too much can make the soap feel waxy, while too little may not add enough hardness.
- Blends Well with Other Oils – Palm oil works beautifully in combination with olive oil for mildness, coconut oil for bubbles, and butters (like shea or cocoa) for extra richness.