Avoiding Gel

[shunt2011]

I RTCP and have never had a crumbly batch thank goodness. It generally takes several hours for gel to start so if I do put it in fridge or freezer I don't a problem avoiding gel. I don't insulate most of my batches as I always use some kind of milk or even coffee or beer and know the sugars can also increase the temp when gelling. I do gel most of my batches though as I don't have a lot of extra space in my freezer. You just need to try and see what works best for you and your recipe(s) as differend recipes and fragrances can react differently.

 

[HerbalEarthling]

Once my soap got too cool before pouring it into the mold that it crumbled when I tried to cut it! Ever since, I've been scared to put it in the fridge/freezer to inhibit the gel phase! Maybe it'll be okay if it starts out hot like it should, then into the mold, and then into the fridge/freezer. I definitely hate losing my scents, too.

I LOVE your name, by the way, HerbalEarthling!

I have an ongoing thread about the soap in question. I brought it in from outside, went to cut it and it crumbled. But it was a 100% coconut oil superfatted to 20%. I let it sit another day upset that I had to rebatch it, went to cut it up and it cut like butter. Whew!

Thanks! Herbal Earthling in the name of my business. It was just my virtual pen name for the longest time before I started my business.

 

[HerbalEarthling]

Love story, In-laws using the garage with door open? The mind boggles..........

Any update on how it's all going?

It's cold in winter here in Austria, so I'm thinking I won't have issues at the moment. But in summer it might be a bit harder to avoid. I have a cellar, so will see what the temp is like there. Mrs Efficacious won't be too happy if I start filling our fridge up with soap!

Haha good catch. Yeah I meant long story. Silly auto correct. Check out my reply to girlishcharm2004

 

[HerbalEarthling]

Thanks for the information. I didn't know that gel can suppress fragrance. I guess it is an effect of the heat? I did make a soap with tallow, canola, olive, coconut which i think gelled as a shadow spread across it and it really heated up in the mould. There was nearly no fragrance left 4 weeks after.

I only use essential oils to scent my soaps. All essential oils are very delicate to temperature changes, high temperatures, and sunlight. That's why they are sold in dark glass bottles. I don't know much about fragrance oils. Storing essential oils in a dark, cool cabinet is best.