temperatures

Hi, I'm about to make my first batch of soap and I would have some questions to which I did not find many answers. Does it matter whether I use refined or unrefined oils? (not for superfatting) My understanding of what really matters here is the ratio of the different fatty acids in oils and...

Is the sky falling? My 'cold' process batter got a 'little' hot when mixing, ie around 75 C. It is now in a tall cylindrical PVC log mold that traps heat exceptionally well. I decided to leave the top off and realized a layer of obviously separated oil that is roughly 0.25 inch thick siting on...

Hi all, I'm at the phase of TOTAL RE-EVALUATION! I posted a recipe on the Calculator that I'd love some feedback on. I'm giving up on stearic acid (spots), citric acid (grainy) and fast setup (increasing my H2O%). I want the middle-of-the-road formula that can swirl a bit, has great lather...

OK. So I have to throw my first batch out. As a painter I know that everything is rehearsal so I'm ok with that. The next will be better. I do like to study up though and in reading through post after post, I have two big questions that come up that I really can't figure out the answers to...

Why do I have to allow the lye and oils to cool for CP if it isn't necessary for HP? I figure it's because you don't want the EOs/FOs to flash but that's the only reason I can think of. If that's the case, then would it be alright to add the EOs once the lye/oils mixture has cooled while...