Olive oil that is of the highest quality, least processed, and extracted from fresh, whole olives simply by using mechanical or “cold pressing” (without heat or chemicals) is called extra virgin olive oil. 

Many soap makers will use what is called pomace olive oil to make soap. Pomace olive oil is produced by taking what is left over after naturally pressing the olives and extracting it using chemicals (especially hexane) and heat. A few weeks ago my research suggested that even organic pomace olive oil can be extracted with hexane, but I can’t find that article anymore, so I can’t say for sure. Soap makers love pomace olive oil because it saponifies (produces soap) much easier and faster. Kailey and I figured out how to get the extra virgin olive to saponify, but it does take more time.

I started out using pomace olive oil several years ago when I started making soap, not realizing the dangers, but then we switched to using all organic ingredients in all of our products that we sell and use for ourselves. Along with using only organic oils, herbs, and essential oils, we now only use certified organic, extra virgin olive rather than organic pomace olive oil to make our soap and skin care products. This is more expensive, and at times I can’t get buy it, so I have to be diligent about keeping it in stock.