Palm Oil

• INCI Name: Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
• Form: Solid at room temperature; melts to a translucent orange liquid
• Appearance: Deep orange when melted
• Shelf Life: 1 year
• Recommended Use Level: 10–30% in cold and hot process soaps; 2–10% in lip products; 2–5% in lotions and creams
• Sizes Available: Sample size through bulk quantities

• Natural, unrefined palm oil — the largest natural source of tocotrienol (Vitamin E family)
• Produces a firm bar with a big, fluffy lather in cold and hot process soap making
• Works effectively across a wide range of soap formulas and usage rates
• Compatible with lotions, creams, and lip products at lower usage levels
• Turns a characteristic deep orange color when melted — a sign of its natural, unrefined state
• Available in sample through bulk quantities, ideal for palm oil suppliers sourcing at scale
• Sourced with sustainability considerations, in line with RSPO membership

• Cold process soap making: Use at 10–30% to add bar hardness, structure, and lather quality
• Hot process soap making: Performs reliably at the same usage range as cold process
• Bulk oils for soap making: Order in larger quantities for commercial soap production or wholesale distribution
• Lip products: Incorporate at 2–10% for added body and texture
• Lotions and creams: Use at 2–5% as part of a balanced oil phase
• A consistent choice among the best oils for soap when bar hardness and lather volume are formulation priorities

Measure palm oil by weight for accurate formulation. Gently melt the oil before incorporating it into your formula. In cold and hot process soap making, add palm oil to the oil phase before combining with lye solution. For lotions and creams, incorporate it into the heated oil phase of your emulsion. For lip products, melt and blend with other oil-phase ingredients as directed by your formula. Always test finished formulations for texture, stability, and performance before scaling production.

Usage rate meaningfully affects how palm oil performs in a finished bar. At the lower end of the 10–30% recommended range, palm contributes structural support without dominating the formula's conditioning profile. As usage increases toward 30%, bars become noticeably firmer and lather takes on a denser, creamier character. Pushing significantly beyond 30% is possible but can result in bars that are slow to lather and feel less soluble in water — a common consideration for formulators sourcing bulk oils for soap making at commercial scale and dialing in large-batch consistency.

Palm oil's performance in soap making comes down to its fatty acid composition. It is approximately 44% palmitic acid and 39% oleic acid, with smaller amounts of stearic and linoleic acid. The palmitic acid is what delivers bar hardness and a stable, creamy lather, while the oleic acid contributes mild conditioning properties and helps lather hold up through the wash. This balance — hardness without sacrificing lather quality — is what makes palm a foundational ingredient among the best oils for soap and difficult to replicate with a single substitute.

One practical note that matters for both small-batch makers and palm oil suppliers sourcing at volume: palm oil should always be fully melted and stirred before measuring. Palm oil naturally separates as it cools, with its stearic fraction settling toward the bottom of the container. Using palm oil that has not been thoroughly re-melted and mixed can result in an uneven fatty acid distribution across a batch, producing inconsistent bars. For bulk containers, this means transferring a working quantity to a separate vessel and melting it completely before each use.

Among the best oils for soap making, palm oil holds a distinct position — it does something that softer oils simply cannot replicate on their own. Its high palmitic and stearic acid content is what gives a soap bar its structural integrity, helping bars hold their shape through cure and remain firm during use. Paired with a high-lather oil like coconut, palm creates the kind of balanced bar that feels both cleansing and gentle. For formulators sourcing bulk oils for soap making, palm oil is also one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a hard, long-lasting bar without relying on synthetic hardeners or additives. It's an ingredient that has stood the test of time in professional soap formulation — and continues to be a staple for good reason.

Did You Know? Palm oil is the largest natural source of tocotrienol, a potent form of Vitamin E. While it's best known in soap making for the structure and lather it provides, formulators working in skin and hair care also value its naturally occurring antioxidant profile.

Crafter's Choice Palm Oil is available in a range of sizes — from sample quantities to large bulk orders — making it accessible for hobbyists, growing soap brands, and established manufacturers sourcing bulk oils for soap making at scale. Wholesale Supplies Plus offers competitive pricing, reliable fulfillment, and the kind of consistent ingredient quality your production depends on. Stock up today and keep your formulas performing batch after batch.

What does palm oil do in cold process soap? Palm oil contributes two critical qualities to cold process soap: hardness and lather. Its high palmitic acid content is what gives finished bars their firm, long-lasting structure, while its fatty acid profile helps produce a stable, fluffy lather. Without a hardening oil like palm in the formula, bars are more likely to feel soft during use and wear down more quickly. Many formulators consider it one of the best oils for soap precisely because it delivers both structure and performance in a single ingredient.

How much palm oil should I use in a soap recipe? The recommended usage rate for palm oil in cold and hot process soap is 10–30% of the total oil weight in your formula. Within that range, higher percentages will produce a harder bar with more lather, while lower percentages contribute structure without dominating the formula. For lip products, use palm oil at 2–10%, and for lotions and creams, 2–5% is typical. Always calculate your lye amount based on the specific oils in your formula using a reliable lye calculator, and test finished batches before scaling.

Is this palm oil sustainably sourced or RSPO certified? Crafter's Choice Palm Oil is sourced with sustainability in mind, and Wholesale Supplies Plus maintains membership with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). For formulators and palm oil suppliers who prioritize ethical sourcing as part of their brand standards, this is an important consideration. If your product line requires specific RSPO certification documentation, we recommend contacting our team directly for the most current sourcing details.

Can palm oil be used in lotions and products other than soap? Yes. While palm oil is best known as a soap making ingredient, it can be incorporated into lotions and creams at 2–5% as part of the oil phase, and into lip products at 2–10%. Its naturally occurring Vitamin E content makes it a functional choice in formulas where mild antioxidant support in the oil phase is desirable.