Adding clays and colorants to lye before mixing with base oils

[texaslather81]

Hello all,

I hope all is well. I had a couple of questions.

Does anyone add kaolin clays to your lye before mixing with base oils? Does it make a difference in the end result?

Does anyone add kaolin clays to your EO/FO before adding to mix? ( I heard this helps with the overall smell strength of the EO/FO)

Just wanted to see if there are quicker ways to mix everything, maybe reduce a step or two during. I'm always rushing due to being scared of the soap seizing up.

 

[dibbles]

I use sodium citrate which I dissolve in some reserved batch water and stick blend into my oils before adding the lye solution. When I am using kaolin clay, I hydrate it in the reserved water along with the sodium citrate.

 

[TheGecko]

I use Kaolin Clay...sometime I disperse it in a bit of water and add to my oils and sometimes I disperse it with my FO...depends on the soap I am making.

I use KC because I read somewhere that it adds a little more slip, which I thought was a good idea since I also read that recipes higher in Hard Oils and Butters can cause drag...so I figured to at least balance. Whether it works or not I honestly don't know...none of my testers or customers (prior to using it) said that my bar dragged. And buy it in a large enough quantity, it adds maybe a penny or two to my cost so why not?

I started mixing it with my FO, mostly because I read somewhere that it helps to 'anchor' the scent (make it last longer). Whether it works or not, again...don't know, but it's more convenient than have to pour a bit of water out of a gallon jug.

 

[maryloucb]

When I’m using clays I add them to my EOs. I don’t know if it anchors the scent or not, but I just find it easy to do it that way.

 

[Peachy Clean Soap]

I'll add Kaolin Clay to my oils & SB real well then add lye, Ive never tried adding kaolin to lye. Never add'ed clay to EO/ FO but i've read from a few of our seasoned soapers here it does help anchor the scent, I'd like to try as-well.

 

[Ford]

Like many others. Add a bit of kaolin clay. To ever batch. Just recently started hydrating it. With my fo's and eo's.
Used to just add it to my oils. Prior to adding lye solution.

 

[blucrsr]

Not kaolin, but I add my rose clay to my lye mixture after the initial "super hot" temp rise.

 

[Zany_in_CO]

Used to just add it to my oils. Prior to adding lye solution.

Me too! VERY useful to do it that way if you're a bit forgetful like some people we know...

 

[texaslather81]

Thanks everyone! Now that I heard it from you all, I will try with my next batch!

 

[DMCC]

I add my kaolin clay to my lye water. I've been doing it this was for many years.