Teach Soap

I'm considering using various clays for color (so in small amounts) and am wondering how much I should account for the clay absorbing water in my bars? I know that different clays have different absorption properties, but think they all will absorb water to some degree.

Clay will suck up some of your water, but you still need the full cure time. Clay will not speed up cure.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Genny

i agree that it doesn't speed cure time but I love clays in cp! The bars cut so nicely, the colors are beautiful and the clays seem to prevent ash (for me anyway). Let us know how it goes for you!

Thank you both!

So Im guessing that the clays don't suck up too much water, but could you stir them into a little bit of your oils or part of your water first to hydrate them before adding them at or before trace?

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Kristen D. Vineyard
visit my blog http://washwithvegetables.blogspot.com

When I use clays, I hydrate them in a tiny bit of water first. Then I mix with a bit of oil. Then when my soap is at trace, I mix some soap batter in the clay mix. Then if I want all of it in my soap, I just dump it in the pot & mix it together.

I've found this works best for me to get the clay dispersed more evenly.

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Genny

For my clay based soaps, I add the clay to my melted oils and stick blend to disperse. You can however make a slurry of clay and water, then add that to your soap.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I've never used clay, how does it change the feel of the soap, subjectively?

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Hmm...I've never had them prevent ash. The only way I've found to prevent ash was by spraying the top with alcohol after pouring.

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Genny

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Genny