Blotchy soap

by J A Dromm
(Clearwater, FL)

Made my firt batch of Hot process soap today.

It came to trace quickly then to a mash potato phase. I left it in the crock pot on low and it became like pudding. I continued to cook on low till the soap appeared done (vaseline mash potato). I checked the PH with PH paper snd the zap test no problem I then turned off the heat and stirred to lower the soap's temperature to around 170F. When I got to this temp I added vanilla fragrance oil and mixed.

I expected brown soap but not soap that is blotchy and isn't smooth. I don't know if I under cooked or over cooked the batch...help!

Answer:

Unfortunately hot process soap base doesn't pour like a cold process soap base. It is more like mashed potatoes stuffed into a mold and squished down. Since hot process is thicker and doesn't have a fluid consistancy it usually will have little pockets of air and a rougher texture than cold process soap.

Cathy