discoloration of olive oil soap

[mmsleblanc]

I'm attaching a pic of some soap I made recently. Every surface of the soap, except the bottom, has discolored. So, every surface that came in contact with air discolored, and almost looks "ashy" or like it's dried out?? The soap's Ph is fine and it lathers and moisturizes fine, but it's ugly. Plain and simple. I welcome advice, opinions, answers, preventative measures... Thanks!

 

[dubnica]

I don't see any pictures.
The white ash can be prevented by spraying isopropyl alcohol after you pour the soap into mold but I found that this trick does not work EVERY TIME. You can wash or steam it off.

 

[mmsleblanc]

I don't know why the image won't load. Thank you for the advice! I'll try that next time.

 

[carebear]

castile? leave it in the mold as long as you can stand to, and then another few days. it'll help with the ash on the sides. really.

 

[hervor]

I cover my cp soap with cling film as soon as it is in the mold. It stops the ash from forming and it is a great way to smooth out the top of the soap. Once it is cooler the next day the film can be removed.
I like to work with the oils and lye just luke warm as the soap behaves better in the gel stage and cures more evenly with no ash.
No idea why a castille soap would discolour though...... unless the oil was a blend and had some other oil such as rape seed? sorry

 

[mmsleblanc]

I didn't cover it well enough to "seal it," since I used only used a tea towel, and I unmolded it in 48 hours. You both offer advice that makes sense and I appreciate it! Every surface but the bottom discolored, so if protected, likely will maintain its color... I'll let you know. Many thanks!