Coconut Oil

The lather, and only as much of it as the bar needs.

Also known as: Cocos nucifera oil

What it is

Fat pressed from coconut kernel, dominated by short-chain lauric and myristic acids.

Why it's in the formula

Saponified coconut oil is what makes a bar foam and lift grime quickly. Used alone it is drying, so it sits in a minority next to olive and shea, which is the whole balancing act of a cold-process formula.

Where it comes from

Cosmetic-grade kernel oil, kept at a proportion that lathers without depleting.

What to know

Well tolerated on the body. Skip heavy coconut-oil products on the face if you are prone to congestion.