Do clays increase soap elasticity?

[Cutter]

Made a lavender clay bar the other day with clear glycerin base and Rhassoul clay.

1lb clear glycerin base
1tsp lavender/vanilla/patchouli each
1 tbsp Rhassoul clay

I didn't premix the clay - never worked with before so didn't know I needed to. Added it directly to the base and it clumped up like hell! Blender stick to the rescue! It added a ton of air and made it quite frothy but it also looked ahhhh-mazing! It actually looked like a cookie and cream latte, I was rather tempted to drink it.

So, I poured it, covered it, let it set overnight. Some had settled causing the "top" of the bars to be browner than the rest - but after first use that thin layer washed off leaving the bar a uniform latte colour. Anyway, they've firmed up a bit since unmolding but they definitely have a softer slightly rubbery/elastic feel to them. The soap itself looks good, smells great and works well - good lather. I'm just curious if this normal with clay based soaps.

Cheers
Cuts

 

[lisamaliga]

I've made clay soaps by adding it directly to the soap base and by mixing it in a bowl with some water or oil beforehand. Yes, the clay being on one side of the soap is normal because it's heavier. I think using the stick blender might have contributed to the unusual rubbery/elastic feel you describe.

 

[soapballs]

What is the best way or preferred way to add clay additives to an m&P soap base? I am new and was going to order some clay too and never considered how I would have to add it. Do you just mix it in some liquid glycerin like you would a pigments for color? Then mix the liquid into the melted soap base? I would assume the clay mixed with anything would be like a mud consistency though and not easy to blend.

Oh no more questions now on my newbie mind lol:eh:

 

[Seawolfe]

I added bentonite clay to a basic Bastille and it does feel more elastic. I can't stop squeezing it!
Unless it was the indigo, but I don't think so.
I dissolved the clay in a little water before mixing it in at trace. It was a cp soap so I just stole some of the water allotment before the lye addition. It was like loose mud. You can add small amounts of liquid to cp soap, right?