all coconut created equal?

[ignitethesenses]

I'm sure its not..but the different types of coconut confuse me I've heard of coconut 76 degree, virgin coconut cream/oil, and fractionated coconut.

Too much coconut in soap recipes can be drying right? Is it any coconut? Or just one type? Any other differences between the different coconut oils?

[diamondk]

To my understanding and I am still new to this. Coconut 76 you use in soaps, fractionated you use in lotions. The others one I don't know anything about. I understand the coconut 76 in your soaps could be more drying. Hopefully one of our super soaper will chime in here. HTH

[sudsnwicks]

I've read that a certain amount of coconut oil is moisturizing, while too much is drying. The book gave the cutoff as 30%. This probably isn't a hard and fast rule, so you'll have to experiment with what amount works best for you.

[Sherie]

I try to stay around 15-20% coconut. And yes, Coconut 76 is for soaping and Frac Coconut is for lotions and cremes. I'm wanting to try Monoi de tahiti (taira is infused in coconut oil) and babassu.

[Scent Cellar]

You can also use 92 degree coconut for soapmaking. I think it makes a harder bar quicker.

[guppygirl]

OMgosh, I was just about to post a question similar to this so hopefully an experienced soaper can answer this. I picked up a couple jars of coconut oil from the natural section of the grocery store and didn't notice until I got home that one was refined & the other was unrefined. Will this make a difference in SAP values or how it soaps at all?

TIA!

[soygirl]

I'm bumping this back up, because I'd like to know too. I found this in an archives search. I'm wondering if VCO is less drying than refined CO in a lip balm/lotion bar recipe? I've read that VCO can be used straight as a moisturizing balm. Anyone know from experience? Otherwise, I will let everyone else know in a few days, because I am getting some from the nutrition store tonight.