Help with coconut milk powder

[Hermanam]

I have read lots of posts about using powdered coconut milk, but I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly. It sounds like a popular method is to add the powder to the oils before the lye water is added. And to add the amount of powder needed for whatever the amount of water was added to the lye (according to the coconut milk powder instructions).

Am I understanding this correctly (not sure about the amount of powder to use?). Is there a better way? What do I need to watch out for? I usually gel my soaps...will this cause a problem?

Is using liquid/canned coconut milk better?

As always, thanks for the help!

Ann

 

[Obsidian]

I've only used powdered cows milk but I tried mixing it into the oils once and I couldn't get it blended in. I ended up with little brown specks through out my bars from the milk bits caramelizing. Generally I save out 1-2 oz of water and add my powder to that, get all the lumps smooshed out then blend that into my oils. Sometimes I wait and add it right after I mix in the lye water, doesn't really seem to make a difference.
The times I have used coconut milk, its been the canned type and I use half milk/half water. Its a wonderful addition to soap, I especially like it in salt bars.

 

[Hermanam]

I've only used powdered cows milk but I tried mixing it into the oils once and I couldn't get it blended in. I ended up with little brown specks through out my bars from the milk bits caramelizing. Generally I save out 1-2 oz of water and add my powder to that, get all the lumps smooshed out then blend that into my oils. Sometimes I wait and add it right after I mix in the lye water, doesn't really seem to make a difference.
The times I have used coconut milk, its been the canned type and I use half milk/half water. Its a wonderful addition to soap, I especially like it in salt bars.

Thanks for the advice. When you use canned, do you freeze it before adding the lye, and can I let the soap go through gel phase?

 

[Obsidian]

Yes, I do freeze the coco milk or at least get it really, really cold. I'm not sure about gelling but you can probably let it. Just keep a eye on it for any overheating. If you are worried about it, pop it in the fridge or freezer overnight.