I posted about this before, but I finally got some pictures

[la-rene]

So, this was poured then put in the fridge. As it spent some time in there, it developed the cracks on the top. When unmolded, it had these weird cheese rind corners. They are very hard. Harder than the rest of the soap. When cut, it did have a partial gel, but, it didn't overheat as far as I can tell. I have had this soap heat up slightly, but it only caused glycerine rivers. There are none in this loaf.

Additionally, are those stearic crystals?? It's not lye heavy.

So, has anyone else seen this? I'm just wondering, because I had another in the fridge start to crack. I'm wondering, if the top is cooling down too fast.

Thanks!
LA

 

[Hazel]

I don't have any idea why your soap is cracking. When I've had tops crack, it was because the loaf overheated. Hopefully by bumping this thread, someone will see it and have an answer.

I'm sorry I couldn't help.

 

[three_little_fishes]

I've never seen that before. Hoping someone can be of assistance to you!

 

[kazmi]

Do you think it's any of the oils or butters that you used? I've had a batch crack (cprt put in the freezer/fridge) but I attributed it to the mica swirls I used on top.

 

[la-rene]

Kazmi, this is a recipe I've made many times before, and previously (and currently), just fine. I made two of this at the same time and they both look like this. I just don't know... so weird.

 

[pamielynn]

The bottom left pic looks like it has stearic sopts - they can show up worse in dark colored soaps. But that crack definitely looks like over heating to me. Sometimes the heating process can start up before you even get it in the fridge. It's ok to throw it in the freezer first, if you think it will be a serious heater.

The crumbly corners - I'm not sure why you'd have those if it's not lye heavy. Maybe an ingredient reacted funny?

ETA: just another thought - are you deeply discounting your water?