Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (Of soap) containing extra unsaponified fat: Describes a type of soap that has been formulated with an excess of fats or oils beyond the amount needed to react with the alkali during the saponification process. This leaves some of the fats in their original, unsaponified state, which is intended to make the soap milder and more moisturizing for the skin.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • This superfatted soap is very gentle and won't dry out your skin.
  • Traditional shaving soaps are often superfatted to provide extra lubrication.
  • The label claims it is a superfatted soap bar, suitable for sensitive skin.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Manufacturing Context: In soap-making, the term "superfatted" precisely indicates the percentage of excess fat that remains in the final product as emollients. For example, a soap with a 5% superfat contains 5% of its fats unreacted.
  • The artisan soapmaker calculated the lye discount to create a 7% superfatted batch.

Variants and Related Words

• Superfat (verb/noun): The process of creating superfatted soap, or the excess fat itself.
  • To ensure mildness, you should superfat your cold process soap. (verb)
  • The superfat in this soap is coconut oil. (noun)

Synonyms

• Emollient-enriched: Emphasizes the moisturizing property added by the extra fats.
• Lye-discounted: A technical synonym referring to the method of using less alkali (lye) than required to fully saponify the fats.

Related Terms (Not Direct Synonyms)

• Saponification: The chemical process of making soap by reacting fats with an alkali.
• Unsaponifiables: Components in oils that do not turn into soap, often contributing to the superfatted quality.

Adjective

1. (of soap) containing extra unsaponified fat
   • superfatted toilet soaps