Introduction to 90 TFM Soap

Creating a soap with 90% Total Fatty Matter (TFM) is a journey for expert soapmakers. This type of soap offers a unique blend of cleansing and moisturizing properties, making it a cherished item among enthusiasts. This article will guide you through the detailed process of crafting such a soap, ensuring that your final product meets the highest standards.

Ingredients Required for 90 TFM Soap

The success of a 90 TFM soap lies in the choice and quality of its ingredients:

Coconut Oil: Known for its high cleansing properties and ability to add hardness to the soap. Palm Oil: Contributes significantly to the soap's lather and hardness. Olive Oil: Offers gentleness and moisturizing properties, making it a popular choice. Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): Essential for the saponification process. Distilled Water: Used to dissolve the lye. It is crucial to use distilled water to avoid introducing impurities.

Optional:

Essential Oils: For fragrance Natural Colorants: For aesthetics

Necessary Tools for Soap Making

To ensure the quality and consistency of your 90 TFM soap, you will need the following tools:

Heatproof Containers: For safely melting and mixing the ingredients. Digital Scale: For accurate measurements. Stick Blender: For emulsifying the oils and lye solution. Molds: To shape the soap. Safety Gear: Gloves and goggles for protection against lye.

Steps to Create a 90 TFM Soap

Step 1: Calculate the Proportions

Begin by using a soap calculator to determine the precise amounts of oils, lye, and water needed to reach a formulation with 90% TFM. This process ensures that your soap will meet the desired standards of quality.

Step 2: Prepare the Lye Solution

It is critical to handle the lye solution with utmost care. Always add lye to distilled water, never the reverse. Stir the solution gently until it dissolves completely, then let it cool to approximately 35-45°C.

Step 3: Melt the Oils

Heat the oils in heatproof containers until fully melted. Allow both the oils and lye solution to cool to the same temperature, around 35-45°C, for optimal results.

Step 4: Combine and Blend

Slowly add the cooled lye solution to the melted oils. Blend continuously until the mixture reaches trace, a pudding-like consistency. This step is crucial as it ensures an even emulsification and optimal TFM.

Step 5: Pour into Molds

Pour the well-blended mixture into molds and cover them to insulate. This step helps the soap retain its shape and allows for proper setting.

Step 6: Curing the Soap

After allowing the soap to set for 24-48 hours, carefully unmold it. The next step is to cure the soap for 4-6 weeks. During this period, the soap will harden and achieve its optimal TFM, becoming smoother and more desirable.

Important Safety Notes

Handling Lye: Always wear gloves and goggles when working with lye. It is highly caustic and can cause severe burns. Testing TFM: The TFM of the final product can be calculated using a chemical analysis or by ensuring your oil ratios are correct.

Additional Tips for Expert Soapmakers

For the highest TFM, use the minimum amount of water when diluting the hydroxide. A ratio as high as 1:1 by mass is recommended, which maximizes the concentration of the lye solution and eliminates excess water. This method also helps in the detergent phase, reducing the water content.

It is crucial to ensure that no fats are left unsaponified. This means adhering strictly to the saponification numbers of the oils used. Doing so simplifies the process significantly, especially when dealing with multiple oils.

Avoid adding any additives such as glycerin or scents. A pure 90 TFM soap should be focused on maintaining its high TFM while offering a natural and luxurious cleansing experience.

Conclusion

Creating a 90 TFM soap is a meticulous process that requires precision and expertise. By following this detailed guide, you can produce a soap that not only meets the desired standards of TFM but also provides a superior cleansing and moisturizing experience. Expert soapmakers will find this process rewarding and challenging, leading to beautiful, high-quality soaps.