What Is Superfatting in Soap?

Have you ever wondered why handmade soap often feels so much richer, creamier, and more nourishing than many commercial supermarket bars?

One of the biggest reasons is something called superfatting.

At Hugs n Bubbles, superfatting is one of the most important parts of creating a gentle, moisturizing soap that feels comforting on the skin instead of overly harsh or stripping.

Nature has the answer.

What Does “Superfatting” Mean?

Superfatting is a soap-making technique where extra oils or fats are intentionally left in the final soap bar after the saponification process is complete.

In simple terms:
not all of the nourishing oils are turned into soap.

Some remain behind within the finished bar to help create a gentler, more conditioning cleansing experience.

This is one reason handmade soap can feel dramatically different from many mass-produced soaps and detergents.

Why Superfatting Matters

Traditional soap-making combines:

• oils and butters
• water
• lye

During saponification, the lye reacts with oils and transforms them into soap.

With superfatting, soap makers intentionally formulate the recipe so that a portion of nourishing oils remains untouched by the lye.

These extra oils help contribute to:

• creamier lather
• softer-feeling skin
• more moisturizing cleansing
• reduced stripping
• gentler overall skin feel

Why I Prefer a 7% Superfat

At Hugs n Bubbles, I personally prefer to superfat my soaps at approximately 7%.

For me, this creates the perfect balance between:

• cleansing
• creamy lather
• moisturizing feel
• long-lasting bars
• skin comfort

That additional percentage of nourishing oils helps create a soap that feels luxurious and comforting during daily use.

The result is a rich, creamy handmade soap that leaves skin feeling softer and more balanced after cleansing.

Why Handmade Soap Feels Different

Many commercial soaps and cleansers focus heavily on:

• aggressive cleansing
• oversized bubbles
• synthetic detergents
• stripping oils quickly

Handmade cold process soap is very different.

At Hugs n Bubbles, our soaps are crafted using:

• goat milk
• olive oil
• coconut oil
• castor oil
• shea butter
• kaolin clay
• botanical ingredients

Combined with thoughtful superfatting, these ingredients help create a much gentler cleansing experience.

How Superfatting Helps Sensitive Skin

Over-cleansing can weaken the skin barrier and leave skin feeling:

• dry
• tight
• itchy
• irritated
• uncomfortable

Superfatted soap helps reduce that stripped feeling by leaving behind extra conditioning oils that support softer-feeling skin.

Many people with:

• dry skin
• mature skin
• sensitive skin
• eczema-prone skin

often prefer handmade superfatted soap because it feels more nourishing during everyday use.

The Difference Between Handmade Soap and Detergent Bars

Many supermarket “soap” bars are technically detergent bars made with synthetic cleansing agents.

These products often remove oils aggressively and may leave skin feeling dry afterward.

Cold process handmade soap retains:

• natural glycerin
• nourishing oils
• moisturizing properties
• creamy lather

And when combined with superfatting, the result feels even more luxurious.

How Superfatting Is Done

Soap makers typically create superfatting in one of two ways:

• using slightly less lye than required
• adding extra oils during formulation

Both methods help ensure:

• all lye is fully consumed
• no harshness remains
• extra conditioning oils stay in the finished soap

This creates a more balanced and skin-friendly cleansing bar.

Does More Superfat Always Mean Better Soap?

Not necessarily.

Soap formulation is all about balance.

Too little superfat may feel drying.
Too much may create a softer bar with reduced longevity.

A well-balanced superfat level helps create soap that is:

• moisturizing
• gentle
• long-lasting
• creamy
• effective at cleansing

That balance is one reason handcrafted soap-making is both a science and an art.

Why We Believe in Slow Soap-Making

At Hugs n Bubbles, every soap bar is:

• handcrafted in small batches
• carefully formulated
• cold processed
• cured for 4–6 weeks
• made with intentional ingredients

Superfatting is just one part of creating soap that feels comforting, nourishing, and supportive of healthier-feeling skin.

We believe skincare should work with your skin, not against it.

Final Thoughts

Superfatting may sound technical, but the result is beautifully simple:
a richer, creamier, more moisturizing soap experience.

When thoughtfully formulated, handmade soap can cleanse gently while helping skin feel soft, balanced, and comfortable afterward.

That is the beauty of traditional soap-making.

Simple ingredients.
Intentional craftsmanship.
Skin-loving results.

Nature has the answer.

Important Disclaimer

The information shared in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

We make no medical claims regarding soap ingredients or formulations. Statements throughout this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin-related concerns.