How to use stearic acid and other additives

[creativemumsie]

Hi
I am fairly new to soaping with about 9 batches so far. I have been making a fairly soft batch lately or slow to harden I should say. I put this down to the yoghurt I have been using.....one batch forgot to include it in the water amt. My question is I bought some stearic acid and plan to use it at 7 grams per kilo but can't find how to add this to the batch. Do you melt it first in the micro wave with the other hard oils then add to the remaining oils and is there anything I need to take care with. One post here said stearic acid can be difficult to use....how /what problems do I need to be aware of other than faster trace ?:crazy:
My other question is relating to additives:
Does adding yoghurt and milk to the batch reduce the soaps shelf life?
I have read somewhere that the use of vit E will help with this issue and shelf life.
Do you all add vit E to your soaps? If so how much and what strength is it?
Also I have read adding sugar to each batch for bubbles and a small amount of salt for a firmer batch, cornflour to retain fragrance.(seems I really am baking a cake) Appreciate all your help and pearls of wisdom from oh knowledgeable ones as I don't want to be adding these things to my soaps and mess up..
thanks Liz:clap:

 

[CaraCara]

Stearic acid contributes to a harder bar but can be tricky to use when making CP soap. It takes longer to melt and accelerates trace quite a bit but not to the point of seizing. I'm experimenting with it at the moment with both CP and HP (a breeze in HP!), and the only real issue I am having is that the stearic acid melts but then hardens when added to my oils and doesn't blend like it should. I could attribute that to soaping at room temperature. Others here who use it on a regular basis may have some tips for you. I usually use it at 3% of the total weight of oils so you could increase your usage to 30 grams per kilo with softer oils, less when using harder oils. Use a lye calculator and play with the numbers.
Yoghurt and milk shouldn't shorten the shelf life as long as you blended it properly and make really nice soaps to use, especially if you add sugar for bigger bubbles. All the answers (and more) you are looking for can be found in this forum.
Hope this helps a bit.

 

[new12soap]

If you are only trying to harden up your regular recipe (and not formulating a shaving soap), 1/8 to 1/4 ounce stearic acid ppo should make a significant difference. Melt your stearic separately, maybe with an ounce of your other oils, then add the stearic into your batch after trace. Try to soap warm because it will turn your batch into soap-on-a-stick if you aren't very careful.

Yogurt or milk should not reduce your shelf life in any noticeable way if you are using them correctly. Some people use vit e to help prolong the shelf life of their oils and keep them from going rancid, you only need a very tiny amount of vitamin e. Hopefully someone that uses it can tell you how much, or scroll thru the threads I am sure there is a lot of info about vit e here on the forum.

Yes, some people feel that adding sugar helps with bubbles. I would add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of sugar ppo, but make sure your sugar is completely dissolved in your water or you will end up with a crystalized mess. Salt can make a harder bar, no more than 1 tsp ppo, again making sure it is dissolved, but it can cut down on lather. You shouldn't need both salt and stearic acid.

 

[creativemumsie]

Very helpful and clear advice

Thanks for all the valuable information I have taken it all on board and noted.:smile:
Much appreciated

 

[Nightlilly]

I have been using 2 tablespoons sugar PPO in my soap and used salt for the first time in my last batch. I usually have to wait a few days to unmold and it drives me crazy. I used 1 tablespoon of salt PPO...lol...but I can't really tell if it helped or if the fact that the soap gelled on me contributed to being able to unmold after 12 hours. I haven't used it yet, so have no idea how well it'll lather but it looks nice!