Trending Substitutes for Olive Oil
The global olive oil shortage has significantly impacted various industries, including soap making. As soap makers, it's essential to find effective alternatives to maintain the quality of our products. This blog will explore the best substitutes for olive oil in soap making, discuss their characteristics, and provide tips for using these alternatives effectively.
Understanding the Olive Oil Shortage
The olive oil shortage began last spring 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
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.
Popular 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
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is another excellent alternative to olive oil in soap making. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, and provides a luxurious, creamy lather. Avocado oil is highly moisturizing and beneficial for dry or mature skin. It is recommended to use avocado oil as 5-30% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes. It is best if used within 12 months of the manufacture date
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is known for its emollient properties and is a great substitute for olive oil. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, and helps to soothe and moisturize the skin. Sweet almond oil is light in texture and easily absorbed, making it ideal for all skin types. It is recommended to use sweet almond oil as 5-20% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes. It is best if used within 12 months of the manufacture date
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has astringent properties, making it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Grapeseed oil produces a stable lather and is recommended to use as 5-15% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes. It is best if used within 6-12 months of the manufacture date
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice in soap making due to its ability to produce a hard bar with a rich, bubbly lather. It is highly cleansing and moisturizing, making it suitable for all skin types. Coconut oil is recommended to use as 20-30% of the total fats in soapmaking recipes. It is best if used within 18 months of the manufacture date
Latest Trends in Soap Making
The handmade soap industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly, and artisanal products. As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in personal care products and the environmental impact of mass-produced goods, the handmade soap market is poised to expand
Key trends driving demand for handmade soaps include:
Natural Ingredients:
Handmade soaps typically use organic oils, butters, herbs, and essential oils, which cater to the growing demand for sustainable and chemical-free skincare solutions
Cruelty-Free and Vegan
Many handmade soap brands emphasize cruelty-free testing and vegan formulations, which are increasingly important to consumers
Sustainability:
Eco-conscious consumers prefer products that come with minimal environmental impact. Handmade soaps are often packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials, further boosting their appeal
Small Batch Production:
Artisanal products, including handmade soap, are viewed as higher quality due to the attention to detail and the personal touch involved in their creation
Innovations in Soap Making
Recent innovations in the soap making industry include the use of new ingredients and techniques to enhance the quality and appeal of handmade soaps
Some of these innovations include:
Exotic Oils and Butters:
Soap makers are experimenting with exotic oils and butters, such as argan oil, baobab oil, and kokum butter, to create unique and luxurious soap formulations
Botanical Additives:
The use of botanical additives, such as dried flowers, herbs, and clays, is becoming increasingly popular. These additives not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the soap but also provide additional skincare benefits
Natural Colorants:
Soap makers are turning to natural colorants, such as spirulina, turmeric, and activated charcoal, to create vibrant and visually appealing soaps without the use of synthetic dyes
Essential Oils:
The use of essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic benefits is a growing trend in the handmade soap industry. Essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and tea tree, are favored for their natural scents and skin benefits
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
The olive oil shortage has had a significant impact on various industries, including soap making. However, there are several excellent alternatives available that can help maintain the quality of your soaps. By experimenting with different oils and following the tips provided, you can continue to create high-quality soaps despite the shortage.
Soaper's Choice offers a variety of high-quality oils and ingredients to help you navigate this shortage and continue producing exceptional soaps.
Since 1998, Soaper's Choice has been producing the highest quality oils and ingredients for all your handcrafted soap recipes and cosmetic formulations.