stereatic acid

by sara
(monza, Italy)

can you tell when and how much quantity of this product(stereatic acid) is going to be added in the soap process. I have intention to add this product to have a harder soap.

hope you can help/sara+

Answer:

Do you mean stearic acid? Stearic acid can be added to cold process soap but the amount depends on your recipe and the oils you are using.

Some oils already contain stearic acid and some have palmitic acid. Both of these will lend hardness to a soap recipe. You must be careful not to have too much of either since they can both greatly speed up the saponification process.

I suggest using SoapCalc to formulate your recipe. The site has pages of information that you will find helpful in creating your recipe.

Good luck,
Cathy