Lye Crystals in my Goat's Milk Soap????

[Amy]

Hi Everyone!

I was hoping that some experienced goat's milk soap makers could help me. I made my first batch of goat's milk soap about 6 weeks ago. I used fresh goat's milk, frozen, etc. I did not burn it, but I also did not strain the lye solution before it went into the oils. The soap seems to have what looks to be crystals mostly at the bottom (also lots of ash). I've used the soap twice and it doesn't burn. I've also tested the ph with a strip (not sure how reliable those are), but I'm still worried. I've not seen these little crystals in any of my other soaps before. Anybody know what I'm talking about? I'm I just being paranoid? I hope not...

 

[sudbubblez]

If it doesn't burn you or cause a rash when washing, it may not be lye crystals... sometimes the crystals will also melt and absorb into the soap during the cure process. Have you been able to get a ph reading off one of the crystals, instead of the lather from the whole bar? Or better yet, touch your tongue to one? does it zap or taste stingy?

Extra or undissolved lye in soap will feel slick on your hands, like bleach or household cleaners containing TSP. Does it feel like that? Its the kinds of slick that lingers after the suds are washed away and takes a few more seconds of rubbing the hands under water to get rid of it.

 

[Amy]

Thank you so much! I did use a test strip to test the "crystals" and did a zap test as well. It feels fine so I think all is well. Yeah! Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Lindy]

Sometimes if you don't thoroughly mix the lye in you can end up with crystals which are lye. If you have tongue tested for zap and there isn't any then you should be fine. You have to be really careful that you are getting all the lye mixed in when you are using a frozen liquid such as GM because there is a tendency to quit stirring too soon because you do want to avoid the GM turning orange.

 

[Amy]

Yes, that's exactly what I was afraid of. It was my first batch of GM and later I read something about straining the solution before adding it to the oils, so I was worried, because I didn't do that. The "crystals" must not be lye, which is great, because I tested and tested it! They look like little tiny snowflakes which are only 2-3 millimeters across. Not sure what they are, but they are harmless. Thanks for the help and suggestions!