Teach Soap

I recently made a batch of soap that I made for a 4lb wood mold and a 1lb silicone mold (to use for samples). I poured part of the batter into the silicone mold first then the remaining into the 4lb mold. After unmolding, the soap from the wood mold was full of white spots, whereas the soap from the silicone mold did not contain the white spots. Hopefully the pictures I am attaching will appear. Also, the soap from the wood mold turned darker than the soap from silicone mold?? I did use oil based TD, which I always make sure I mix thoroughly in oil before adding.
Any input as to why this may have happened. Both molds contained the exact same batter, one was just poured before the other.

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Sandy
Be a Rae of Sunshine in the world today!
"Be the person your dog thinks you are."

The white spots could be from stearic acid. Stearic acid needs higher temps to melt. Wood molds hold in heat. It's possible the the soap in the wooden mold gelled and the one in the silicone didn't.

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

Thank you for your quick response, soapbuddy!
The soap in the wood mold turned darker after I cut them into bars?? As I was cutting them, they were a beautiful light cream color and then seem to darken over the course of a couple of days. I am still trying to learn and understand the different soap behaviors...making soap is extremely unpredictable! Just when I think I might have soaping figured out, it takes an unexpected turn and leaves me scratching my head again . I enjoy the challenge!

I understand the steric acid theory, but why didn't the same happen to the soap in the smaller silicone mold?
I even took a toothpick to pick out the white spots to see if they were hard, but they actually smeared down quite easily.

Again, thank you for taking the time to offer your input; it is very much appreciated!

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Sandy
Be a Rae of Sunshine in the world today!
"Be the person your dog thinks you are."

Darkening of the soap depends on which scents you used. Some can discolor the soap to brown.
It usually starts on the outside sides. As the soap cures, the inside will get darker too.

My thought on no stearic in the silicone mold is that the stearic acid wasn't mixed throughout. The silicone mold didn't get any.

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

Thank you, Ireana, for your experienced insight, knowledge and wisdom. There is so many intricacies to learn when it comes to soaping!
I tend to use about 8% Shea or mango butter in my recipes, which both are high in stearic acid. I also tend to soap on the cooler side of warm, like you, I go by how warm the lye and oils are by touch. Since I do use butters high in stearic acid at what temp do you recommend soaping, so that the stearic acid melts? I use a meat thermometer, which starts registering temps at 130 degrees I need to go ahead and buy myself an infrared thermometer.

In reading through the posts, I learned that you always include bees wax in your soap recipes. Is this to prevent soda ash? I am having a horrible time with soda ash .

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Sandy
Be a Rae of Sunshine in the world today!
"Be the person your dog thinks you are."

I use beeswax in just about every recipe since I prefer not to gel. Yes, it does help prevent soda ash. I use about 1.5%
I would get yourself a laser thermometer. Gently melt the oils/butters til they are clear. Then I let them cool off. I combine oils and lye at about 110 degrees. I find if I go below 110US, some of the ingredients start to solidify.

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

Thanks, Irena!

I should be receiving my order from BB in a couple of days. I added beeswax to my order. I usually order the 1 oz blocks I use for lotion bars and lip balms, but grating gets old. I am assuming the pastilles will work for soda ash just the same. Alcohol does not stop soda ash in the least, not for me anyway.

Enjoy your weekend!

_________________
Sandy
Be a Rae of Sunshine in the world today!
"Be the person your dog thinks you are."

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