“The iodine value is actually a test result, a test that uses iodine to measure the degree of saturation of an oil. The more unsaturated fatty acids in an oil, the higher the value. Low values mean a harder soap, with little conditioning. High values, mean a softer soap, with high conditioning.

Coconut, which is mostly saturated fatty acids, with only a low oercentage of unsaturated, has an IV of less than 10. It makes for a harder soap, with little to no conditioning. Flaxseed oil, that is 50% linolenics, 13% linoleic, & 27% oleic, has an IV of 185. It makes a very soft soap, with fantastic conditioning.

Since its a standard test, and the results are easily available for most oils, soapers can use it to check the overall hardness/conditioning balance of a soap recipe. Everyone has their own preference in where they like to put that balance.”

It helped me understand the whole scenario of the Iodine value. Perhaps it can help others.