Soap is different colour inside

by Paul Bradfield
(New Zealand)

I made some basic goats milk soap, as I like the low PH of this soap. I used Olive oil, & Coconut oil. Upon cutting the bar in half after 4 weeks curing, I notice the outside 3-5mm all round is a lite colour but the inside is much darker. What would cause that

Paul

Answer:

I'm not exactly sure why it happens but once the cut portions of the soap have been in contact with the open air, they usually turn the same colour as the previously exposed surfaces. It's some sort of reaction with oxygen but the scientific explanation is beyone me. Often the reaction has to do with fragrances/essential oils used in the soap but milk soaps can do this as well even without any scents.

Cathy