Teach Soap

I recently made a batch of soap that I prepared using an insulation period, this is my normal method of cold process. The color was very uneven and ugly. A friend suggested I try gelling in the oven to ensure an even color. I tried it twice at different temperatures and got the same problem: a huge mass of foam-like ash on the top of my soap. This most recent experiment overflowed in the oven and made a huge mess! Why does this happen? How can I prevent it and create an even color?

The color on these bars did turn out even, but the foamy stuff on top is really hard to get off, so this soap still isn't sellable.

kinda sounds like it got too hot in the oven and started to bubble.

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ASH

Did you reach true trace? Was everything thoroughly incorporated? My batches look even in color by the time they reach trace. I agree with soapbabysoap. It sounds like it overheated. How warm was the oven when you put the soap in?

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

Soapbabysoap sounds right to me. What temp. did you use? It should be about 170 degrees F. Then you turn it off after an hour at that temp. and leave it in the closed oven for several hours, or overnight. I don't remember the time frame if you take it out before overnight, but I think it was 4 hours. Maybe someone who does this all the time will verify that.

If you did use that low Temp. I don't know what else would have caused it. I hope those that use this method all the time can give you some better answers!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Definitely reached true trace. It looked great going in. THe first batch I did at 125 and the second batch I did at 150. Both for 2 hours then left in the oven over night.

Well then your temp was okay, maybe because you left it on for 2 hours instead of one? Hey, what FO and additives did you use? Maybe the FO and/or additives made it overheat?

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

That's a possibility! Maybe I should try it for a shorter amount of time.

I only use essential oils- no fragrance oils. Both experiments contained lavender, but the first one also had tea tree EO in it.

Do you guys know if there is a way to ensure consistent color without forcing the gel stage in the oven? Is gelling necessary for soap? I know that soap gels when we insulate it, though my understanding is that it does so at a slower rate than in the oven. I wondered if my original problem with the color might be prevented if I put it in the fridge or freezer and avoided the gel stage entirely. I've heard of people putting milk soaps in the freezer. I make vegan soaps, so no milk products- thus I haven't tried it yet. My main concern is getting consistent color. If I can do it without the oven, I might give up on this little experiment!

I don't gel. I prefer not to. My soap goes into the fridge or the freezer as soon as it's poured. Soap doesn't need to gel in order for it to become soap. Be aware that ungelled soap can zap, up to three days later.

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

just for ideas.....have you thought of trying a heating pad? OR adding some sugar, milk or honey to help heat your batch up? I'm wondering if it has something to do with your recipe.
I've left my soap in the overn, on for two hours with no problem.

I'm with Dixie, maybe it is your recipe or something else we are not thinking of, because lavender eo should not cause that issue, I thought maybe you were using a FO. I am at a loss for the cause, I hope someone else can help you.

As for having to gel, no you don't have to. I do, but I dont do the oven. SB always puts hers in the fridge. It is all in what you prefer. I suggest you experiment and see how they are different and which you prefer.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

I gel my soap in the oven at 170 for 1 hour, but I set a timer for 30 minutes and check it. If it looks like it is starting to gel, I turn the oven off so it doesn't overheat (I had this happen one time-YUCK-what a mess!). If it hasn't started gelling, I check again in 15 minutes. Usually by 45-60 minutes gel has started and I'll turn the oven off and let it finish. I've taken it out as soon as 2 hours and let it cool on the counter with no problem.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!