Teach Soap

Let me introduce myself, I am a reg nurse and I work in a post anesthesia care unit in a community hospital. I have had terrible time with soaps on the market and I thought that if I learned how to make soap without all the chemicals and additives it would be better. I was scared of using lye but I watched and studied various video and read every book I could find and I finally tried to make soap this past weekend and my husband called me the mad chemist!!. It took me two hours to make the first one. I watched it intensely because I didn't,t really know when trace came and analyzed the contents severely. But I made it throughout it.I do have a question though books say the soap will be done 3-4 weeks but what is it that I am supposed to look for. And what is a bar supposed to look like, I know not soft but the characteristics of good soap. thanks for reading. Yes I have one more question which books should I read for accuracy there are so many, example temperature of lye and when to mix.

Welcome!
The texture and feel of the final soap will depend on the oils and butters you used. At what temp did you combine the oils and lye? Did you use a stick blender? How much did you superfat? Did the soap gel?
I soap at around 110 degrees. If you are new to this process it's best to let the soap gel. When the soap gels, it becomes softer and warm. When the soap cools off, it will be kind of like the consistency of cheddar cheese. I posted a sticky in the cold process portion of this forum. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3800
Alicia Grosso has a good soapmaking book. You can find it on Amazon. Good luck on your next batch.

I forgot to say that soap benefits from a 4-6 week cure. the soap gets milder and the water evaporates. Curing slightly changes the pH and makes the soap harder, so it lasts longer in the shower.

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

I highly recommend Anne-Marie's book! . It really is a wonderful book, for beginners and seasoned soapers alike! Lots of recipes and tutorials for different swirls!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Hi thank you for the reply. I combined the lye and oil mix at 118 and 120 and they blended well I added lavender and oatmeal for a mild exfoliant it formed well and the next day it looked like soap. I don't know what jell stage is exactly is that bad for the soap.

See this thread to see what gel looks like. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5450

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