Tamanu Oil for Soap Making
Tamanu Oil is a liquid specialty oil dominated by linoleic (38%), oleic (34%), stearic (13%). Usually added in smaller proportions for its label appeal and skin-feel contribution rather than as a recipe base.
Quick Facts
How Much Lye for Tamanu Oil?
With a SAP value of 0.149, fully saponifying tamanu oil takes 0.149 grams of sodium hydroxide per gram of oil (at 0% superfat):
| Oil amount | NaOH (0% superfat) | KOH (liquid soap) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 14.9 g | 20.9 g |
| 500 g | 74.5 g | 104.5 g |
| 1000 g | 149 g | 209 g |
Real recipes use a superfat discount (typically 5%) and almost always blend several oils. Always run your full recipe through the Soaply lye calculator rather than weighing lye from a single-oil table.
Predicted Bar Properties
Derived from the fatty acid profile, for a bar made of 100% tamanu oil:
Fatty Acid Profile
| Fatty acid | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Palmitic | 12% |
| Stearic | 13% |
| Oleic | 34% |
| Linoleic | 38% |
| Linolenic | 1% |
Substitutes for Tamanu Oil
The closest matches by fatty acid profile, which is what actually determines how an oil behaves in soap. Swap by weight and re-run the lye calculation, since SAP values differ:
Build a recipe with Tamanu Oil
The free Soaply calculator handles the lye math, water, superfat, and property predictions for any blend of 100 oils.
Open the lye calculatorMore Specialty Oils
Soap Making Tips in Your Inbox
Get practical tips, new recipes, and guides. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.