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My Reward PointsIf you see products in the present-day market, there are umpteen number of soap bars from different brands. Although it is good that you get to choose from so many options, it also makes choosing the right soap a confusing task. This is where the term TFM or Total Fatty Matter comes into play.
This might be a totally new concept for you and hence, we are here to help you understand it. In this blog, we will discuss the presence of TFM and which amount is right in soaps so that you can make the right decision. But first, let’s understand what is Total Fat Matter.
What is Total Fat Matter in Soaps?
The TFM or total fat matter is one of the crucial characteristics that define the quality of soaps. It is the total quantity of fatty matter primarily consisting of fatty acids, present in soaps. The TFM quantity describes the quality of soap and adds moisturizing properties to the product, leaving your skin deeply cleansed, yet soft and supple. To know more in detail, let’s discuss its importance in soaps.
Importance of TFM in Soaps
The TFM quantity plays a huge role when it comes to the quality of the soap. A higher quantity of Total Fatty Matter in Soaps implies that it is hydrating and least harmful to the skin. On the other hand, with less TFM matter in the soaps, you can experience rashes, skin breakdown, and infections. Let’s discuss this in detail.
One of the first things that make TFM important is the cleansing efficiency. The higher total fatty matter in soap enhances its cleansing efficiency by ensuring the effective removal of dirt and impurities from the skin. The soaps that have higher TFM are more adept at breaking down oils and grime leaving the skin completely clean.
2.Skin Compatibility:Now, coming to the point that is skin compatibility. The soaps that have higher total fatty matter content cause less dryness and skin irritation. This is because they do not strip away skin’s natural moisture levels and reduce the risk of rashes and infections. Low TFM matter strips away skin’s natural oils leading to skin irritation.
3. Lather and Foam:Lastly, You might not know but soaps with high TFM content are more creamier in texture. This means they are pleasant to use and easily glide over which further helps in the cleansing process. It easily distributes over the body and generates enough lather to ensure a thorough cleaning.
What Does TFM Do For Your Skin?
TFM quantity in the soap actually describes the quality of the soap. The presence of TFM matter in soaps adds moisturizing and cleansing properties to the product to ensure deeply nourished and cleansed skin.
When a sufficient amount of TFM matter is present in soaps, there’s less space for fillers and hence you get a product that has deep cleansing properties in higher amounts. Hence, experts always suggest individuals check for TFM content in the soaps based on their skin type.
How To Check TFM In Soaps?
Now, like we said you should always check for the TFM quantity when buying soaps. You must be wondering how you can check the TFM in soaps. We are here to help. Three toilet soap categories are classified by The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) based on TFM in the soap.
Grade 1: These are soaps with a minimum of 76% of TFM content
Grade 2: These are soaps with a minimum of 70% of TFM content
Grade 3: These are soaps with a minimum of 60% of TFM content.
Grading for Laundry Soaps
Grade 1: These are soaps with a minimum of 63% of TFM content
Grade 2:These are soaps with a minimum 50% of TFM content
Always remember high TFM quantity in toilet soaps does not mean that every toilet soap has it in high quantity. The reason behind this is cost. TFM can sometimes turn out to be expensive for manufacturers and hence they opt for fillers to add weight to the soap.
How TFM is measured in Soap?
The TFM (total fatty matter) in soap is basically measured by determining the amount of fatty acids and their salts present in the soap. The process involves dissolving soap in an alcohol solution and then adding hydrochloric acid to release the fatty acids.
These fatty acids are separated by a filtration process and are then weighed. So, the weight of fatty acids that you will achieve will be expressed as the percentage of the total weight of the soap sample, which gives the TFM value.
Are Bathing Bars And Toilet Soaps The Same?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Here’s your answer. Bathing bars are relatively different from toilet soaps. According to BIS, the TFM quantity in bathing bars should be less than 60% but not below 40%. On the other hand, toilet soaps contain more than 60% of TFM amount. This is the reason why toilet soaps have better cleansing and moisturizing properties than bathing bars.
Conclusion
In the end, we can say that it all comes down to the cost. TFM may be a useful point when purchasing soaps but for some people, TFM makes buying soaps a costly affair too. And this is the reason why companies have started using fillers to add weight to the soap. But after reading this article, we hope you understand the importance of TFM in soaps and make a wise choice next time you are in the market.
