Sodium Lardate

Sodium Lardate is Lard (pork fat) after saponification has occurred.

What it does in soap
Lard produces a hard, stable bar with a mild, creamy lather. It contributes to longevity, meaning the soap dissolves more slowly and holds up well with regular use.

What it feels like on skin
Soaps made with lard tend to feel gentle and balanced—cleansing without being stripping. The lather is not big or bubbly, but dense and cushiony.

Why it’s used
Lard has a fatty acid profile that’s well suited to soapmaking, particularly for creating durable bars with a smooth texture. It’s predictable, forgiving to work with, and performs consistently across batches.

Why it’s an ethical choice
The lard used in soap is a byproduct of the food industry. Using it helps divert material that would otherwise be discarded, making use of an existing waste stream rather than driving new agricultural demand.

By contrast, some plant-based oils—most notably palm oil—are associated with deforestation and habitat loss when demand increases. Choosing a byproduct fat avoids contributing to those pressures and supports a more circular use of resources.

This approach doesn’t rely on additional land use or monoculture farming; it simply makes practical use of what already exists.

Common questions

• Does it smell like pork? No. Properly rendered lard is neutral, and finished soap does not retain an animal scent.

• Is lard old-fashioned? Yes—in a good way. It has been used in soapmaking for generations because it works.

• Is this soap vegan? No. Lard is an animal-derived ingredient.