Essential Oils that don't solidify soaps

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Michael Hudson

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Could anyone please evaluate this recipe? A stick Blended for about a minute stirring in betwee
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n and it set really fast like a brick.
 
If you are new to soaping, I recommend making much smaller batches - like 1-2 lbs at most - until you get the hang of it. That being said, the amount of stick blending for a 80oz batch doesn’t seem excessive.

We really need a full list of every ingredient and additive, and a full description of your process, before we can help. For instance:

What EOs did you use? Many will accelerate the batter.

How hot were your oils and lye? More heat = faster trace.
 
If you are new to soaping, I recommend making much smaller batches - like 1-2 lbs at most - until you get the hang of it. That being said, the amount of stick blending for a 80oz batch doesn’t seem excessive.

We really need a full list of every ingredient and additive, and a full description of your process, before we can help. For instance:

What EOs did you use? Many will accelerate the batter.

How hot were your oils and lye? More heat = faster trace.
90 degrees lye and oils. 2.5 OZs Jasmine, 2.5 lemon and 1.5 orange EO's

90 degrees lye and oils. 2.5 OZs Jasmine, 2.5 lemon and 1.5 orange EO's
PS i also replaced 50% of the water required with raw milk which I added to the oils before the lye and it was Blended well before the lye.
Thank you so much
 
The blend sounds amazing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but my vote is on the so-called Jasmine EO for speeding up trace.

First, if what you used was labeled as Jasmine EO, that's already a big red flag, because jasmine is typically sold as an absolute, not an EO. I couldn't even find a jasmine EO right now from any reputable seller.

Second, two ounces of real Jasmine Absolute would cost anywhere from $170 to $500 depending on the variety. See attached screenshots from three reputable sellers.

My guess is that you were sold an adulterated product, maybe from Amazon or Temu? Often those are also cut with alcohol, which also is known for speeding up trace, or even causing the soap to seize.

Beyond that, almost any floral will accelerate your soap. There are exceptions, but that is the general rule. Sorry :(
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Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 6.59.53 PM.pngScreenshot 2025-03-05 at 7.02.30 PM.png
 
The blend sounds amazing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but my vote is on the so-called Jasmine EO for speeding up trace.

First, if what you used was labeled as Jasmine EO, that's already a big red flag, because jasmine is typically sold as an absolute, not an EO. I couldn't even find a jasmine EO right now from any reputable seller.

Second, two ounces of real Jasmine Absolute would cost anywhere from $170 to $500 depending on the variety. See attached screenshots from three reputable sellers.

My guess is that you were sold an adulterated product, maybe from Amazon or Temu? Often those are also cut with alcohol, which also is known for speeding up trace, or even causing the soap to seize.

Beyond that, almost any floral will accelerate your soap. There are exceptions, but that is the general rule. Sorry :(
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Thanks so much, I was suspicious of that also. I've been very successful so far at soaping. I appreciate your time spent helping me with this issue.
 
Thanks so much, I was suspicious of that also. I've been very successful so far at soaping. I appreciate your time spent helping me with this issue.
You are welcome, and I’m glad to hear that your soaping is generally going well. If you are looking for a reputable supplier of EOs, I love New Directions Aromatics.
 
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