From Olive Oil to Sunflower: Why I Made the Switch in My Soap Recipe
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If you’ve ever flipped over one of my soap labels or watched a video on my YouTube channel, you’ve probably seen olive oil or sodium olivate listed. Olive oil has been a staple in traditional soapmaking for centuries — and for good reason. But about a year ago, I began experimenting with something new: high-oleic sunflower oil.
So why the switch? As always, I’m committed to using ingredients that are safe and gentle on your skin, kind to the environment, and aligned with the values of transparency and integrity that shape every product I make. Let’s take a closer look at how these two oils compare.
The Role of Olive Oil in Soapmaking
Olive oil is beloved in cold process soap for its conditioning properties and mildness. Its use in soapmaking dates back as early as 2800 BCE, and by the 7th century, it was the predominant fat used in soap production across Spain and the Middle East.
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid (between 55–83%), a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps create a gentle, non-drying bar. It contributes to:
- Creamy lather (though not big bubbles)
- Skin-softening conditioning
- A long-lasting, hard bar when cured properly (especially in high percentages, like in Castile soap)
But olive oil also has its quirks:
- It can slow trace, which is helpful for intricate designs but can slow down production.
- Quality varies depending on region, harvest, and storage — affecting consistency.
- Soaps with high olive oil content require longer cure times, sometimes several months.
- Its price has more than doubled in recent years.
Why High-Oleic Sunflower Oil?
Not all sunflower oils are created equal. High-oleic sunflower oil is a special variety bred to contain more oleic acid — the same skin-loving fatty acid found in olive oil.
| Fatty Acid | Olive Oil (%) | High-Oleic Sunflower Oil (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Oleic | 55–83% | 75–90% |
| Linoleic | 3–21% | 3–10% |
| Palmitic | 7–20% | 2–6% |
| Stearic | 0.5–5% | 1–3% |
What this means in your soap:
- Similar conditioning and creaminess to olive oil
- A hard, stable bar with consistent results
- Slightly faster trace and cure times (a challenge for swirls, but a plus for production!)
- Longer shelf life due to lower linoleic content (less prone to rancidity)
How It Affects Your Skin
If you love how my soap feels — that hasn’t changed. Both olive oil and high-oleic sunflower oil are rich in skin-nourishing nutrients and gentle enough for sensitive skin. You’ll still get:
- Creamy, gentle lather
- A nourishing feel after washing
- A long-lasting bar that doesn’t turn to mush
So, Why the Switch?
In recent years, olive oil prices have skyrocketed — with increases of over 100%, driven by:
- Climate change and droughts in Spain and Italy (the world’s top producers)
- Lower crop yields and harvest disruptions
- Supply chain issues from global inflation and rising transportation costs
For a small business like mine, these rising costs create tough decisions: pass them onto you, or adapt.
I choose to reformulate with intention and transparency — not to cut corners, but to maintain quality while keeping my products accessible.
Final Thoughts: Same Love, Smarter Formula
High-oleic sunflower oil allows me to make a soap that’s just as rich, gentle, and nourishing — while avoiding the unpredictability of global olive oil markets and keeping costs down for you.
As always, I’m happy to share what goes into every bar. Transparency is part of what makes handmade soap so special. If you ever have questions about ingredients, I’m only a message away.
Thank you for being part of this journey — and for trusting me to care for your skin and your family.
With care,
Natasha
Findlay Creek Soap Company
“Indulge your skin. Elevate your spirit.”