TFM or Total Fatty Matter is a percentage that describes the quality of a soap. It is a measure of how much fatty matter a soap contains, and the higher the TFM, the more moisturizing properties the soap has. Toilet soaps are graded into three categories based on their TFM content:
- Grade 1 soaps - minimum 76% TFM content
- Grade 2 soaps - minimum 70% TFM content
- Grade 3 soaps - minimum 60% TFM content
It is mandatory for toilet soaps to have their TFM content specified as part of their ingredient list. Laundry soaps follow a different grading system:
- Grade 1 laundry soaps - minimum 62% TFM content
- Grade 2 laundry soaps - minimum 50% TFM content
It is important to note that soaps with high TFM content can sometimes dry up the skin if their pH levels are too high. Therefore, it is recommended to look for the TFM content in a toilet soap based on your skin type and talk to a dermatologist about how much TFM content is good to be used on your skin. Laundry soaps and bathing bars have lower TFM content compared to toilet soaps.
