Palm oil has been a staple in soapmaking for generations—and with good reason. It produces a hard, long-lasting bar of soap with a creamy lather and excellent cleansing properties. But when you hear “palm oil,” you might also think about deforestation, endangered habitats, and harmful farming practices. So let’s talk about it.

At The Bubble Sisterhood, transparency matters. We believe you deserve to know not only what is in your products, but why it’s there—and where it comes from.

Why Do We Use Palm Oil in Soap?

Palm oil adds several key benefits to cold-process soap:

• Hardness: It helps create a firm, solid bar that lasts longer in the shower.

• Lather: It contributes to a rich, stable lather when paired with coconut oil and other ingredients.

• Skin Feel: Palm oil helps balance cleansing with conditioning, leaving skin clean but not stripped.

It’s also shelf-stable, mild, and suitable for a wide range of skin types. For artisan soapmakers like us, it’s a reliable base that supports beautiful, skin-loving bars.

But Isn’t Palm Oil Harmful to the Environment?

It can be—when it’s not sourced responsibly.

Unsustainable palm oil production has contributed to deforestation, loss of biodiversity (especially orangutan habitats), and harmful labor practices in some parts of the world. That’s why it’s essential to know where your palm oil comes from.

Our Promise: RSPO-Certified Palm Oil Only

We’re proud to say that 100% of the palm oil we use is RSPO-certified.

RSPO stands for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil—a global organization that sets strict standards for ethical and environmentally-friendly palm oil production. RSPO certification ensures that:

• Forests are protected and not cleared for plantations.

• Workers are treated fairly and safely.

• Local communities are respected.

• Wildlife and ecosystems are preserved.

Buying RSPO-certified palm oil supports growers who are doing things the right way.

Why Not Just Go Palm-Free?

Some soapmakers choose to skip palm oil altogether, and that’s a valid choice. But going palm-free isn’t always the most sustainable option. Palm oil is an incredibly high-yield crop—meaning it uses less land and water to produce than alternatives like soy or coconut oil.

If demand for palm oil disappears, less efficient oils could take its place, creating more deforestation instead of less. The solution isn’t to eliminate palm oil, but to support responsible, sustainable production.

Sustainability Is a Sisterhood Value

From the beginning, The Bubble Sisterhood has been about more than beautiful soap. We care deeply about the people who make our ingredients, the ecosystems they come from, and the impact we leave behind.

So when you lather up with one of our handmade bars, you can do it with a clean conscience and a happy heart.

✨ Because when we all make thoughtful choices, we all shine a little brighter. ✨