Teach Soap

Thanks Vinca Leaf for responding, despite me posting in the wrong topic! Below is what happened yesterday (a recap):

I forgot to add 4 ounces of oil (about 12.5% of my base) into this batch of CPOP I was making.

I didn't want to let there be more lye than oil, so I added those 4 ounces to my already molded soap.

The soap started to dry up almost immediately but I added more liquid. About 4 tablespoons. I was already the max recomended amount (12oz)

When the soap got softer, it was easier to mix and mash. After a few tosses and turns (it started to remind me of dough), I finally plopped it into a new mold.

This morning I unmolded and it looks like soap, tastes like soap, but I am not sure just yet. pH strip testing was at 9ish/10ish...but we can't really trust that. :-p

Photo #1
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WR ... directlink

The swirlies are thanks to the liquid I used: espresso!

Photo #2
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LR ... directlink

I am suspicious about the light caramel colored specs: I tongue zapped those first but got nothing. It may just be soap that didn't get to gel?
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Has anyone ever forgotten to add an ingredient to their recipe before?

You added more oil after the soap already gelled; correct? If you cooked the soap, how long did you cook it? Newly made soap into a rebatch should not need more water. If you add too much, you could end up with misshapen bars. Rebatch soap is not usually pretty.

If it doesn't zap, you're most likely ok. I would give it a couple of days, then try washing with it.

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

Half of the batch was already gelled. The other half was still soft but well set. This was about 45 minutes into the cook.

After I added the oil and mixed for a while, I put it back in the oven for another 40-45 minutes.

I added that extra liquid because the soap started to get really crumbly and dry...I think as a result there were extra swirls...some pockets of espresso that didn't quite absorb into the soap too. Those were at the edges though...Will probably bevel though.

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

Well one of the fragrances had a FP of 154 degrees.

I kept the temp at 130 no more than 135.

I was planning on cooking that 2lb batch for 1.5 hours in the first place...with ALL my ingredients in. :-p

Thanks soap buddy. When I did cut the soap only a few edges were crumbly...as you can tell from the pics.

2 lb. batch should be done in 45 minutes. Unless your fragrance has a flash point of 110 or below, cooking this soap around 170 degrees in the oven will be fine.

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

This soap has a feint hint of alcohol...I noticed it strongly when I mixed my 2 fragrances:

BB's Almond Biscotti and Fresh Baked Bread

Together they smelled great throughout the mixing/cooking process. Hopefully the cooking didn't warp it too much... i figured AB would be okay since I cooked at 130-135 degrees ...but FBB didn't have a flash point listed.

For the most part, soapmakers don't worry too much about flashpoints. Those are geared more towards candle makers. The exception would be citrus oils as they could evaporate if the soap is too hot.

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

Well that's a relief! And I'm sure you'd be happy to know that after a few washes with this bar the vote is in: success!

There is a stable lather, it smells great now and I just love how soft my skin is afterwards. This recipe was a spin off from Break the Rules Soap.

Thanks for all the help soapbuddy. I promise not to FORGET to add an ingredient next time!

You're welcome. Glad it worked out for you.

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

YAAAAAY!