Hello Old Friends!

[WeLoveWabiSabi]

Hi there! I'm new here but not new to the forum. I have been all over reading the topics here since I've been making soap for over 15 years. So, I'm not calling any of you old, but you all already seem like old friends since I've been lingering around here for such a long time. A bit about me, I've been making soap for a long time for friends and family. Started when my kids were little and had sensitive skin. Everyone always told me how much they loved it and suggested I start selling it. Finally, last year, I started selling at local markets and now have a website. Soap making has been one of just a few hobbies that I've had over the years that actually stuck and that I continue to enjoy.

Today's issue that brought me here (when I finally decided to participate...lol) was I've had issues in the last week or two with soap batches seizing on me. I have no idea why other than maybe the fragrances I'm using, since I've been trying to use up a lot of Crafter's Choice fragrances lately. I have never had this issue before even with activated charcoal or essential oils. Only once with pine tar soap before I discovered that you don't SB it. Any thoughts? Anyone have issues with a particular brand of fragrances?

The pic is of my soap today. I just threw it in the crockpot to hot process it back to something usable.

 

[AliOop]

Welcome!

I would bet money that it was the FO that seized your soap. Did you check the reviews on WSP? Those are usually pretty telling.

 

[IrishLass]

Welcome to the forum!


I, too , would bet money it was the FO that seized your soap. What are the names of the scents you used?


IrishLass

 

[lsg]

Welcome to the forum. I agree, it sounds like the FOs are the culprit. I always read reviews before purchasing. A review will usually state whether an FO accelerates trace. I know this is no help now, but keep you might keep it in mind for future purchases.

 

[WeLoveWabiSabi]

Thanks everyone. Turns out you were right about that. It was crafters choice Japanese cherry blossom. I thought I vetted the fragrance oils thoroughly before purchasing. When I went to look again, the first four reviews were about soap seizing. I was in a rush to buy it because I was trying to find a fragrance to make a soap that one of my best customers asked me to make. I guess I missed the reviews on that one. I will say though that with most of their fragrance oils that I've been using lately, you can't stick blend them for long at all or they thicken up really quick. I like to pour on the runny side so I guess it's just not something I'm used to. On the bright side, I took this soap and added a bunch of soap scraps, some more fragrance, and had some fun looking confetti bars. Not my typical smooth square soap that is more my brand, but for a rebatch they turned out to be some hefty huge bars. lol.

 

[TheGecko]

Welcome.

I've missed a few reviews here and there, it's why I always buy a small amount and test it first.

 

[cmzaha]

Welcome. Not sure if anyone remembers, but you can put a small amount of lye solution in a little bottle and drop in some of the fo, give it a little shake. You will know almost immediately if the fo is going to seize. It is a great way to test a questionable fo.

 

[WeLoveWabiSabi]

I only bought 2 and 4 oz bottles to try some new scents. I've been using exclusively essential oils since 2006, until last year when I started my business.

@cmzaha This is the first time I've heard of that. Now you've peaked my curiosity, what happens when you do that?

 

[AliOop]

Yes, Carolyn, please tell us more! I've never heard of that trick and would like to know what to look for.

 

[dmcgee5034]

Hi @cmzaha - I was hoping to learn more about the FO test you referenced.