Ingredient Alternatives for Oil-Based Soap (Eucerin Type)
Question
I am developing an oil-based soap/cleanser formulation and would like to reduce costs while achieving a texture similar to Eucerin's oil soap. I am considering using cooking-grade soybean oil or mineral oil as alternatives.
- Can cooking-grade soybean oil be used? What are its properties compared to cosmetic-grade oils?
- Can mineral oil ([url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/emollient-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99/654-mineral-oil-paraffinum-liquidum.html:2r29h7d2]mineral oil[/url:2r29h7d2]) be used? How does its texture compare to soybean oil, especially regarding light vs. heavy grades (26cst vs. 68cst)?
- Which alternative (cooking-grade soybean oil or mineral oil) is more suitable for achieving a cost-effective formulation with a heavy texture similar to Eucerin's oil soap?
Answer
Ingredient Substitution for Oil-Based Soap
Regarding your question about reducing the cost of your oil-based soap formulation and substituting ingredients:
Using Cooking-Grade Soybean Oil: Yes, you can use cooking-grade soybean oil. As the staff mentioned, brands like Eucerin use soybean oil, which is similar to cooking oil. Using cooking-grade soybean oil is a cost-effective way to achieve a texture similar to the product you are currently using, and it is generally cheaper than cosmetic-grade oils or mineral oil.
Using Mineral Oil: Mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) can be used as an emollient in oil-based formulations to provide softness and smoothness. However, it behaves differently from vegetable oils like soybean oil, especially in true soap making where oils undergo saponification. If you are making an oil cleanser or a product where saponification is not the primary mechanism, mineral oil can be considered.
- Light vs. Heavy Mineral Oil: Mineral oil comes in different viscosities. Light mineral oil (like the 26cst version) provides a lighter feel, while Heavy mineral oil (like the 68cst version) provides a richer, heavier feel. If you were to substitute with mineral oil and wanted a texture closer to soybean oil (which the staff noted provides a heavy texture), Heavy mineral oil would be more suitable than Light mineral oil.
Conclusion:
Based on your goal to reduce cost and the information that cooking-grade soybean oil is used in similar commercial products and is cost-effective while providing a heavy texture, using cooking-grade soybean oil is the most recommended approach for your formulation.
