Superfat

Superfat is a term used in several fields, most notably soapmaking and cosmetic formulation, to describe extra fat or oil that remains in a product beyond what is needed for a basic reaction or emulsion. Its exact meaning varies by context, but it generally refers to intentional retention of oil for conditioning and moisturizing properties.

In soapmaking, superfat refers to the portion of oil that remains unsaponified after the soap has formed. The superfat percentage is chosen to increase the soap’s conditioning qualities, leaving skin-softening fats in the bar. Typical superfat levels range from about 5% to 20%, though some artisans use higher percentages. A higher superfat yields a milder bar with more emollience but can reduce lather and bar hardness, and may affect shelf life. Superfat can be achieved by calculating a smaller amount of alkali relative to fats or by adding extra oil after the saponification process.

In cosmetic and skincare contexts, superfatting describes adding extra oils or emollients to a formulation to boost moisturization and skin feel. This results in a product with higher oil content than a baseline formulation, which can improve conditioning but may influence texture, absorption, and spreadability. The concept is not standardized across industries, and the appropriate level of superfat depends on intended use, skin type, and formulation goals.

Overall, superfat denotes deliberate excess fat or oil in a product to enhance conditioning, balanced against texture, performance, and stability.