how soon can you safely use soap?

phpworm · Oct 6, 2009

I know it needs to cure to harden and add to the life of the soap, but I'm under the impression that all lye activity is gone after 48 hours and should technically be safe to use, right?

I just want to see how the soap lathers and feels on my skin without having to wait 4-6 weeks... Can I?

Vintageliving · Oct 6, 2009

I used some of my olive/castor soap after four days. There were bits left in the mold when I unmolded it. Was nice, if very soft.

I used no water discount and had 10% superfatting. Don't know if that makes a difference.

Maybe one of the long-time experts will post soon.

Sunkawakan · Oct 6, 2009

I'm certainally NOT an expert by any means but I would think it would depend on your method. I do cphp and have used the soap as early as 15 minutes after unmolding (sometimes you just can't wait

or want to test it at different ages), however, I will tell you that imo the longer it cures, the better it gets.

Saltysteele · Oct 6, 2009

PHP,

do the zap test after a couple days. so long as it doesn't zap, you'd be safe to try it out. it will get better with time

MikeInPdx · Oct 6, 2009

It's okay to use as long as it doesn't zap, and I always try a sliver, but I do find the 4 week cure does make it milder and nicer in addition to the longer lasting.

Jody63 · Oct 6, 2009

I know it is the best after the full cure in every way, but heck with waiting, I always try a bar after three or so days, it is fine.

Salty, oh man, this new avatar is HILARIOUS! your pictures crack me up!!

hestia · Oct 6, 2009

As soon as the zap is gone it's usable. Cured is better, always, I think, but I've used barely out of the mold - and HP as soon as it was cooked & diluted (liquid soap)

dagmar88 · Oct 6, 2009

8) I don't have the patience to wait; so as soon as my cp is unmolded and zap free I try out the left overs. And with new recipes I like to keep track of how the soap changes each week...