Olive Oil
Olive oil is a foundational ingredient in traditional soapmaking. It has been used for generations not because it was novel or luxurious, but because it was dependable and well-suited to everyday household use.
This page is part of the ASC Soapworks Ingredient Field Guide, a reference created to provide context around the ingredients used in our products.
What It Is
Olive oil is a plant-based oil pressed from the fruit of the olive tree. While most commonly associated with cooking, it has long been used in household care, skin care and soapmaking.
In soap formulations, olive oil is known for contributing to mild, straightforward bars designed for regular use.
A Bit of History
For much of history, soapmaking was part of ordinary household life. Oils were saved rather than discarded, then combined with lye to create simple, long-lasting soap.
In regions where olive trees were common, olive oil naturally became a staple ingredient. Its availability and stability made it a practical choice for turning everyday materials into something useful and enduring.
This tradition shaped olive oil's role in soapmaking as a reliable, no-frills ingredient rather than a decorative one.
Why It's Used in Soapmaking
In soap formulations, olive oil is commonly used because it:
- Contributes to a mild, low-cleansing bar
- Produces a smooth, creamy lather
- Benefits from longer curing times, improving longevity
- Works well in simple formulations without heavy additives
These qualities have made olive oil a long-standing choice in soaps intended for everyday routines.
Why I Use It
I use olive oil because it supports a straightforward approach to soapmaking. It allows me to create bars that clean effectively without relying on excess ingredients, fragrance or visual complexity.
It's an ingredient that aligns with the kind of products I value making — simple, intentional and designed for regular use.
Where You'll Find Olive Oil at ASC Soapworks
Olive oil appears in several ASC Soapworks formulations, including:
- All of our Signature Series Bars, including our Avocado Oil recipe bars
- Unscented Olive Oil Bar, which reflects the core formulation many of our soaps are built from, without added fragrance or additional design elements
- Whipped Coffee Salt Scrub, minimal amount used to support the overall texture and balance of the scrub
- All of our Limited Edition Bars, which begin with the same core formulation and incorporate additional ingredients or designs for small-batch releases
- All of our Shampoo Bars, made with a blend of multiple oils, with olive oil forming the largest percentage of the formulation
- All of our Artisan Series Soap Bars, which use the same core formulation with added color, pattern or whimsical design details
This page is part of the ongoing Ingredient Field Guide.
To explore other ingredients, return to the main guide: Ingredient Field Guide