People in soaping groups are always looking for info on how soap additives behave and the right amount to use. I tested some additives today to see how these perform and if I want to incorporate them into my soaping work.
My recipe is olive oil 70%, palm kernel oil 23%, and apricot kernel oil 7% with a 6% superfat. My soaping temperature was about 100 – 105. Totally awesome recipe and it stays fluid for the 10 – 15 minutes it took me to measure and mix the samples.
Additives tested:
- Indigo
- kelp
- vanilla powder
- pearly white mica (Brambleberry)
- honey powder
- carrot powder
- anatto powder
- alkanet
- marshmallow powder
- mica dribble
- control (no additive)
Each additive was a measured 1/4 tsp per (about) 4 oz batter. The one exception was one kelp at 1/4 tsp and one at 1/2 tsp. Additives were added dry to batter and whisked in, except a couple that wanted to clump were stick-blended. The honey powder was mixed with a little water (1/2 tsp) and then batter added and mixed.
My shop is not heated so these will not gell and none are fragranced. I should have done another round of samples and gelled them; a job for another day!
Here are pics of just poured soap samples.
Tomorrow I’ll unmold and take more pictures. Then, a four week cure and, after that, I’ll lather up and see how they do when used.
Grow, Sew, Ride 