I will never forget the sugar or sodum lactate again

[Overthemoon]

Todays screw up has ultimately proven to me that the use of either sodium lactate or sugar is essential in the handling and colouring and cutting and the end look of my soap. The batch of hot press I made yesterday with sugar, and the batch I made today where I forgot the sugar look distinctly different, the latter is much rougher, was so much harder to mold and just not as pretty and I used the same recipe.

Oh yes, I am a believer.

 

[donniej]

I do a lot of chemistry experiments with soap, and I'd really like to see what the difference is. If you could post a picture of the two side-by-side, I'd really appreciate it!

Thank you.

 

[honor435]

ive never used either of those in my hp, iam interested to.

 

[Healinya]

Yup! I've used both, wouldn't hp without it. They are both great, I like using sugar the best.

 

[Overthemoon]

I'll post pictures tomorrow if I can get decent ones. Dang cheap camera does not take even ok photos in my basement suite. Mind you I do live in a cave, I shouldn't be surprised.

Even the texture in use feels different to me, the sugar bar is smoother.

 

[gekko62]

What does sugar bring to the table regards HP? I have a whole ONE batch HP under my belt(looks like playdough but hey,Im happy with it lol).

 

[Overthemoon]

Sugar and sodium lactate, either or both, make a smoother, more pourable soap batter. The end bar is much more smooth, swirls are easier, all and all it makes every difference in the world to the workabilty of the soap.

I compare a batter without salt or sodium lactate and a batter with at molding as being the first like think mashed potatoes, and the later like a more flowing applesauce.

 

[gekko62]

Do you use the sugar same as with cp? 1 tabs ppo dissolved in water B4 lye? Want to give it another shot,1st batch was sm amt in big crock so it got real dry but I picked up a bargain sm crock so figure why not??

 

[Overthemoon]

I've never actually made cp but I have read lots of recipes for it so I think it works the same for both types.

I do use 1 tab ppo, I've dissolved it in the water before lye, into the lye water and into the hot oils and it has turned out the same each time, keep in mind that this is with hp, for cp I would dissolve it into water before adding lye or into the lye water.

 

[gekko62]

yeah,probably the heat of the cook would dissolve it ok.With cp if its not added to water B4 lye it just doesn't melt at all. Thanks OTM

 

[Overthemoon]

Your welcome, happy to help.

Edit: I will post photos but the ones I am getting with my camera are just so awful. I'm visiting my parents tomorrow and I'll use their camera, since I have gotten excellent soap pictures from it.

That digital slr is looking more and more tempting.