Am I doing something wrong?

[nframe]

Hello everybody,

I use cold process soap making and once had a bad seizing problem when I added some vanilla FO at trace. Since then, I add all my FOs and EOs to the oils before the lye solution. I never had a problem with seizing since then but I was wondering whether it is OK to do this. What is the advantage of adding the EOs and FOs at trace? Am I losing some benefit by adding them before the lye solution?

As usual, thank you to all those who take the time to reply to me. I don't know what I would do without this forum...

Nicole

 

[kharmon320]

It's perfectly acceptable to add the FO before the lye. The only disadvantage would be if you needed an unscented portion of batter, but, otherwise, keep doing what works for you. I can't speak to whether you lose any benefit or properties when added at the beginning.

 

[Moody Glenn]

Hello Nicole! :wave: Yes, you can add your fragrance oils (both EO and FO) before adding your lye solution. I think this also helps so you do not accidentally forget to add it after adding the solution. I think most soap makers have had that 'sick' feeling when suddenly discovering not adding the scent after making the perfect soap batter, swirls, etc. There is a possibility of a loss of scent but not very much - at least in my experience.

 

[sistrum]

When I tried adding a very touching FO to my oils before the lye to prevent seizing (bay rum type) as soon as I added the lye it seized anyway. It seized so bad that I was afraid the lye and oils would never mix properly so I ended up dumping it in the crockpot.

Not saying it will always happen just that it can.

 

[shunt2011]

I almost always add my FO/EO to the oils. On occasion there will be a FO/EO where it just doesn't matter what you do it's going to misbehave. For the most part I have much better success doing it that way. Also, you oil/lye temps can cause seizing if too hot. I generally soap at room temperature.

 

[CaraCara]

I found that adding a small amount of the batch oils to the misbehaving FO beforehand and letting it sit for a while and then adding it right at the end helps. I love gardenia but it likes to act up and it will regardless, but tempering it buys me enough time to get everything blended the way it should be. It may not work with other FO's so you will have to experiment.

 

[PinkCupcake]

That's a great idea, CaraCara! I'll definitely try it.

 

[moonbeam]

I think it's a way easier way of doing it. Plus it gives you an extra chance to add it later if you forget to do it earlier!
Some things by the way, will just be obnoxious and accelerate a bit anyhow, florals are notorious for that.

 

[jenneelk]

I have also tried it with temperamental and it didn't really help much but gave a bit more time. Had what I assume is ricing where it gets kinda lumpy but then this out.. then lumps.. then thins out. Very annoying. lol

CaraCara I'll def try that when I need to use my bad FO's again.

 

[paillo]

The prettiest soap I think I ever made was one that riced. It was Volturi, one of MMS Twilight series. I'd made most of the color a royal purple, and swirled it with black. The ricing created beautiful veins and a marbled texture. It was really beautiful. Alas, I've never been able to recreate the look, the FO has behaved perfectly in every subsequent batch.

I too almost always add my EOs/FOs to the oils before adding the lye. If it's one I know is going to misbehave, I hp it and add the fragrance after the cook.

 

[kazmi]

I have a FO that I knew had the potential to seize on me so I added it to my oils and let it sit while my lye/water cooled. It accelerated trace but not too bad and didn't seize up. The swirls I got from it turned out beautiful too. I hope that I can recreate it again the next time I use it.