🫧 From Cream to Foam: How Oils Affect Soap Lather in Handmade Bars

byrontobroome
Nov 1
2 min read

Not all bubbles are created equal, and in handmade soap, how oils affect soap lather is everything. From the silky softness of Castile to the joyful foam of high-lather blends, each bar tells a story through its texture, cleansing power, and skin feel.

Here’s a peek into the lather spectrum and how I craft each experience with care.

🫧 How Oils Affect Soap Lather: A Look at Castile, Bastille & Bubbly Blends

🌿 Castile Soap (100% Olive Oil)

Lather: Low, creamy, almost lotion-like. Not bubbly.
Feel: Exceptionally gentle - ideal for sensitive skin, babies, and facial cleansing.
Notes: Castile bars take their time to cure (often 6+ months), which improves hardness and lather slightly.
Why I love it: A slow ritual in bar form. Pure, simple, and deeply nourishing.

🧼 Bastille Soap (Mostly Olive Oil + a Touch of Other Oils)

Lather: Creamy with a hint of foam, depending on the added oils.
Typical blend: ~70–90% olive oil, with shea, coconut or castor oil to boost bubbles.
Feel: Balanced - gentle but with a little more cleansing and play.
Why I love it: The sweet spot between softness and suds. Perfect for everyday use.

🫧 High-Lather Bars (Coconut, Castor & Other Plant Oils)

Lather: Big, fluffy bubbles and rich foam.
Key oils:
- 🥥 Coconut oil: High cleansing, bubbly - energizing and refreshing.
- 🌱 Castor oil: Stabilizes and boosts lather, used in small amounts for balance.
- 🌼 Other plant oils: Chosen for their skin-loving properties and ethical sourcing.
Feel: Invigorating and cleansing - ideal for body bars, exfoliants, or spa-style soaps.
Why I love it: For those who love a good scrub and a cloud of bubbles.

✨ Note: While palm oil is often used to harden soap and create creamy lather, I choose not to include it in my formulations. Instead, I work with oils that align with my values - gentle on skin, kind to the planet, and rich in character.

💡 Want to Choose the Right Bar?

Here’s a quick guide:

Sensitive skin or baby care? → Castile
Daily use with a gentle cleanse? → Bastille
Love bubbles and a deep clean? → High-lather blends

Each bar is handcrafted with intention — from the oils I select to the way it feels in your hands. Whether you’re drawn to creamy calm or bubbly joy, there’s a lather for every mood.