Coconut Oil Soap: A Simple, Powerful Cold‑Process Guide

Coconut oil has become a staple ingredient in the soapmaking community, and for good reason. This versatile oil creates hard, white bars with exceptional cleansing properties and a luxuriously fluffy lather that’s gentle on skin when formulated correctly. In cold‑process soap, coconut oil can comprise up to ~33% of a balanced recipe—or 100% when paired with a higher superfat—making it an essential component for both beginners and experienced crafters.

We’ve been making our 100% organic coconut oil soap bars with refined coconut oil for over twenty years, choosing consistent, high‑quality input oil for performance and skin feel. (Virgin coconut’s scent doesn’t survive saponification; fractionated coconut has different saponification values and isn’t appropriate for this application.)

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Benefits of Coconut Oil Soap

Coconut oil soap offers unique advantages compared to soaps made with other oils. Its simple, naturally derived composition makes it perfect for everyday use, especially for those who prefer fragrance‑free or essential‑oil‑free bars. Unlike many oils, coconut oil creates exceptionally hard bars even with a high superfat of ~20%.

Practical advantages include:

• Quick trace: Comes together fast—great for beginners and efficient batching.
• Cost‑effective: Refined coconut oil is widely available and economical.
• Excellent cleansing: Cuts through oils and sunscreen without feeling harsh when superfatted.
• Abundant lather: Big, fluffy bubbles—even in hard water.
• Simple formulation: Minimal ingredients, reliable performance.

Concerned about sensitivity? That’s where superfatting shines. A 20% superfat helps counter coconut’s strong cleansing for a bar that’s effective yet balanced for regular use.

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Our bars are small‑batch and naturally derived—no parabens, no synthetic fragrance. Grab a few for the shower, sink, and gym bag.

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Can I Make Soap with Just Coconut Oil?

Yes—100% coconut oil soap can be excellent when you use a high superfat (≈20%). Pure coconut oil bars are hard, white, long‑lasting, and produce abundant lather with standout cleansing. Our pure, unscented coconut soap bars take the same minimalist approach—simple, effective, and gentle when properly superfatted.

The 20% Superfat Factor

Superfatting leaves a portion of oils unsaponified to cushion the cleansing feel. Some crafters go as high as 30%, but ~20% is a widely loved balance of clean‑rinse lather and skin comfort.

Required Ingredients for 100% Coconut Oil Soap

• Refined coconut oil (76 °F): 33 oz
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): 4.83 oz
• Distilled water: 12.54 oz
• Essential oils (optional): 0.5–1.0 oz total

Important Considerations

• Use refined coconut oil: Reliable saponification and performance; virgin’s scent won’t survive the process.
• Avoid fractionated coconut oil: Different properties/SAP values—will throw off your formula.
• Lather feel: Bars feel denser applied directly to skin; for fluffier bubbles, load a natural sponge or washcloth.
• Designs: Quick trace makes intricate swirls challenging; simple, single‑color designs work best.

Benefits of Single‑Oil Coconut Soap

• Simplicity: Perfect starter formula.
• Cost‑effective: One base oil minimizes inventory.
• Stable shelf life: Up to ~18 months when stored cool and dry.
• Efficient process: Quick trace and clean release from molds.
• Great clean: Removes dirt/oils without feeling stripping at higher superfat.
• Big lather: Rich foam, even with mineral‑heavy water.

Best Coconut Oil to Use in Soap

Refined coconut oil (76 °F) is the sweet spot for consistency, price, and performance. It yields hard, white bars with abundant lather—no premium “aroma” wasted.

Why Refined Works Best

The refining process removes impurities while maintaining the fatty acid profile that powers cleansing and lather. It’s also budget‑friendly for larger batches.

Types to Avoid

• Virgin coconut oil: Lovely for food/leave‑on skincare, but its natural scent vanishes in soap.
• Fractionated coconut oil: Liquid, different SAP; unsuitable for this recipe.

Sourcing Tips

• Look for a 76 °F melting point, white/solid at room temp.
• Food‑grade is perfect; buy in bulk for savings.
• No added fragrances or additives.
• Target an ~18‑month shelf life from manufacture date.

Best Essential Oil Scents for Coconut Oil Soap

Coconut oil’s neutral base is a great canvas for aromatic blends. Add essential oils at light trace and test small batches—some oils accelerate trace.

Tropical Blends

• Lemongrass + Lime for bright, refreshing lift.
• Sweet Orange + Ylang‑Ylang for sunny floral citrus.
• Bergamot + Vanilla for creamy, sophisticated warmth.
• Grapefruit + Mint for invigorating, spa‑fresh notes.

Floral Options

• Lavender (classic calm)
• Geranium (rosy‑green balance)
• Jasmine (luxurious depth)
• Chamomile (gentle, soothing)

Woodsy & Earthy

• Cedarwood (dry, warm woods)
• Sandalwood (creamy, grounding)
• Vetiver (deep, smoky earth)
• Patchouli (bold, earthy complexity)

Scenting Tips

• Add at light trace for even incorporation.
• Typical use rate: ~0.5–0.7 oz essential oil per lb of base oil (check IFRA and supplier guidelines).
• Blend “fast” and “slow” movers to manage acceleration.
• Note: There’s no natural “coconut essential oil.” Coconut fragrance oils exist but are synthetic.

Coconut Oil Soap Recipe (Cold Process)

This minimalist recipe makes hard, white bars using three core inputs—coconut oil, lye, and distilled water. With a ~20% superfat and ~30.5% lye solution, you’ll get fluffy lather with a balanced, gentle clean.

Equipment

• Digital scale (grams preferred)
• Stainless steel pot (melting oil)
• Heat‑resistant lye container
• Silicone spatula + stick blender
• Soap mold (silicone/wood/plastic)
• Thermometer
• Safety gear: goggles, gloves, long sleeves, closed‑toe shoes
• Towels for insulation

Materials (1 lb / 454 g batch)

• Refined coconut oil: 16 oz (454 g)
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): 2.1 oz (59.5 g)
• Distilled water: 4.8 oz (136 g)
• Essential oils (optional): 0.5–0.75 oz (14–21 g)
• Natural colorants (optional): 1–2 tsp clay or 1 Tbsp botanical powder

Lye Solution (Safety First)

• Measure 4.8 oz (136 g) distilled water.
• Slowly add lye to water (never water to lye) in a ventilated area.
• Stir until dissolved; solution will heat (~200°F / 93°C).
• Cool to 100–110°F (38–43°C) before use.

Solid Oil Prep

• Melt 16 oz (454 g) refined coconut oil gently.
• Cool to 100–110°F (38–43°C).

Instructions

1. When both lye solution and melted oil are ~100–110°F, pour lye solution into oils.
2. Stick‑blend to light trace (thin pudding consistency).
3. Add essential oils/colorants (optional); pulse briefly to incorporate.
4. Pour into mold; tap to release bubbles.
5. Insulate and allow to saponify 24–48 hours, then unmold and cut.
6. Cure bars on a rack in a dry, ventilated space for 4–6 weeks for best hardness and longevity.

That’s it—simple inputs, beautiful results. If DIY isn’t in the cards right now, our 100% organic and all‑natural coconut soap bars are ready to ship.

Clean Ingredients. Big Lather.

Experience pure coconut oil soap—no parabens, no synthetic fragrance, just a great clean.

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Related Real Skin Care Blog Posts

• Coconut Oil Soap Benefits
• How to Do a Skin Care Patch Test
• Bar Soap vs. Liquid Hand Soap

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes coconut oil popular for soapmaking?

Coconut oil produces hard, white bars with excellent cleansing and big, fluffy lather. It can be up to ~33% of balanced recipes or 100% when paired with a high superfat for skin comfort.

Can I make soap with 100% coconut oil?

Yes. Use ~20% superfat to balance cleansing with conditioning. The basic recipe is simply refined coconut oil, NaOH, and distilled water—plus optional essential oils.

What type of coconut oil is best?

Refined coconut oil (76 °F) for consistent performance and cost‑effectiveness. Avoid virgin (scent doesn’t last) and fractionated (different SAP, unsuitable).

Does coconut oil soap smell like coconut?

No—the scent doesn’t survive saponification. To scent, add essential oils (or a coconut fragrance oil if you’re not strictly all‑natural).

How should I use coconut oil soap?

Load a sponge or cloth for fluffier bubbles, or apply directly for a denser lather. Rinse thoroughly and allow the bar to dry between uses.