Lye water n oils

clownking99 · May 27, 2024

It's been years since I've last made a batch of cold processed soap.

I purchased a bb quick mix kit to get my feet wet again.

I remember to add my cooled down lye water to my oil mix once the lye water reaches 120*.

My question is Do I have to get my oil mix also @ 120*? Do both the lye water n oil.mix have to be within 5* of each other ? Or just the oil whatever temperature as long as it's thoroughly melted ?

KiwiMoose · May 27, 2024

Not at all - it's a guideline for beginners. And things have probably changed since you last made soap. Most people don't soap as hot as 120 degrees - usually more around 100 or lower.

Mobjack Bay · May 28, 2024

If the quick mix is the one with palm, heating until the fats are completely clear will reduce the chance of ending up with stearic spots in the finished soap. You might need to heat to over 140 F. If so, just set the bowl aside until the temp cools down to 100 F or lower.

clownking99 · May 30, 2024

Does it matter if the lye water and the oils are the same temp? Do they need to be within a similar temperature range ?

Should I wait until both the lye water and oil are both 100*?
Thanks !

Mobjack Bay · May 30, 2024

They don't need to be the same temperature, but having the temps within a similar range is not a bad idea if you want the starting temp of the batter to fall within a particular range.

clownking99 · May 30, 2024

Went pretty decent.

Tho I didn't recognize trace at first and kept blending. Added in the FO and gave a few bursts with the ol stick blender- next thing I knew it was thick as Greek yogurt