crisco is a hydrogenated oil, a process that does change the molecules by using high heats and a metal (usually Nickle). It forms a man-made acid (trans fatty acids). I don't use crisco or other trans fats because of the bad reports they have gotten in the last few yrs. In 2006 foods in the US will have to list their trans fats on the label for food products. I've read a lot of studies about these products for reports in school and they have stated trans fats change the cell membrane's ability to exchange fluids in the body, among tons of other things. Sorry for the long explanation, I did a lot of research on it! I don't do crisco for soaps because I dont want hydrogenated oils on my skin either! I know a lot of people use them, just not my choice of oils!