Making Soap with Olive Oil Alternatives

The recent olive oil shortage (in 2024) has impacted various industries, including soap making. As a result, soap makers are seeking alternatives to olive oil to continue producing high-quality soaps. This blog will explore the best substitutes for olive oil in soap making, discuss their pros and cons, and provide tips for using these alternatives effectively.

Why the Olive Oil Shortage?

The olive oil shortage began in spring of 2023 due to extreme weather conditions in major olive oil-producing countries like Spain and Italy. Spain experienced extreme heat, wildfires, and a long-running drought, resulting in a 48% loss in olive oil production.

Italy faced crop damage from severe storms, and Turkey suspended bulk olive oil exports, further impacting the supply. With the United States producing a relatively small amount of olive oil compared to its consumption, the shortage created a surge in demand and a spike in prices

The Impact on Soap Makers

As a family-owned and woman-owned company, Soaper's Choice understands the pressures involved in managing a business during such shortages. A slight decrease in product availability or an increase in price can have a dramatic impact on small-business owners. With nearly 25 years as a supplier to the soapmaking industry, Soaper's Choice has explored and tested a variety of olive oil alternatives

Good Substitutes for Olive Oil in Soap Making

Rice Bran Oil

• Rice bran oil is one of the most popular substitutes for olive oil due to its rich, moisturizing, and creamy lather
• It treats dry, flaky skin, absorbs quickly without greasiness, and functions well at high temperatures
• It contains natural tocopherols and is non-comedogenic
• Typically golden-yellow to orange or amber in color, it is recommended to use rice bran oil as 10-50% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes
• It is best if used within nine months of the manufacture date

High Oleic Sunflower Oil

• High oleic sunflower oil is a common substitute for olive oil due to its similar texture
• It is ideal for dry, delicate skin as it is moisturizing and does not absorb too quickly
• With a high level of monounsaturated fat, it is more shelf-stable and heat-resistant
• Typically light to medium yellow in color, it is recommended to use high oleic sunflower oil as 10-15% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes
• It is best if used within 12 months of the manufacture date

High Oleic Safflower Oil

• High oleic safflower oil is easy to work with and creates a creamy lather
• Known for its moisturizing and cleansing properties, it is highly conditioning and does not dry out the skin
• Neutral in odor and resistant to rancidity, it remains clear even at low temperatures
• Typically light to medium yellow in color, it is recommended to use high oleic safflower oil as 5-10% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes
• It works well when combined with harder oils, such as coconut oil
• It is best if used within 12 months of the manufacture date

Canola Oil

• Canola oil is another popular substitute for olive oil, offering a similar creamy lather
• Packed with essential fatty acids and rich in vitamin E antioxidants, it is great for all skin types
• It easily absorbs to help prevent moisture loss and softens the skin
• With the lowest level of saturated fats (6%) compared to other vegetable oils, it has a thick consistency that is slow to trace, giving you plenty of time to perfect your techniques, like swirling
• Light in color, it can easily produce a white soap
• It is recommended to use canola oil as up to 40% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes
• It is best if used within nine months of the manufacture date

Pros and Cons of Typical Substitutes for Olive Oil in Soap Making

Rice Bran Oil

Pros: Rich, moisturizing, creamy lather; treats dry, flaky skin; absorbs quickly; functions well at high temperatures; contains natural tocopherols; non-comedogenic

Cons: Best if used within nine months of the manufacture date

High Oleic Sunflower Oil

Pros: Similar texture to olive oil; ideal for dry, delicate skin; moisturizing; more shelf-stable and heat-resistant

High Oleic Safflower Oil

Pros: Easy to work with; creates a creamy lather; moisturizing and cleansing; highly conditioning; neutral in odor; resistant to rancidity; remains clear at low temperatures

Canola Oil

Pros: Similar creamy lather to olive oil; packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E antioxidants; great for all skin types; easily absorbs; prevents moisture loss; softens skin; lowest level of saturated fats; thick consistency; slow to trace; light in color

Tips for Using Olive Oil Alternatives in Soap Making

Experimenting with new recipes can be tricky and even frustrating. Here are a few tips to set yourself up for success

• Check the Saponification (SAP) Values: Ensure proper formulation and safety by calculating the lye for any new oil in your recipe
• Check the "Best If Used By" Date: Determine shelf life and formulation timing by checking the "best if used by" date
• Store Oils Properly: Store oils in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
• Conduct Test Batches: Determine which oil works best for your new recipe by conducting test batches. This saves time, materials, and money, so you don't have to scrap full batches if you have a problem

What Does Olive Oil Look Like for Soap Making in 2025?

The olive oil shortage that began in 2023 has had a significant impact on various industries, including soap making. However, recent reports indicate that the olive oil market is experiencing price declines across most Mediterranean countries, with Italy as a notable exception.

The combination of heat and water scarcity, along with the effects of Xyella, has affected olive oil production, but there are signs of recovery ahead. Now is the time to experiment with alternative oils to perfect your new recipes and hone your soapmaking skills.

Since 1998, Soaper's Choice has been producing the highest quality oils and ingredients for all your handcrafted soap recipes and cosmetic formulations.

This content was summarized from an article that appeared in the soapmaking issue WILLOW AND SAGE by Ben Caffrey of Soaper's Choice. Ima