Not enough water in soap recipe

[foresthome]

I just returned from a trip to go help my father with his cancer treatment, so I am a little distracted, but I made a mistake on my water measurement. I printed out my recipe from my soapmaker3 software. I am making my normal base recipe

Castor Oil 3 ounces 5.8%
Coconut Oil 18 ounces 35.2%
Olive Oil 30 Ounces 58.8%

The recipe read

Lye 7.1 ounces
Water 17.8 ounces

I made one batch this way and after I put it in a warm oven it dawned on me that I always use 19.3 ounces of water. So I double checked on soapcalc, and it calls for 19.3 ounces. Should I just toss this batch??? I am so mad at myself. It is a brown cedarwood soap with copper and green swirls in it.

 

[scouter139]

No..do not toss it...lots of soapmakers use less water. Usually, they are more experienced because a water discount can really accelerate some fragrance/essential oils and you could end up with a sieze right there in your pot...as long as your lye is correct, you will be ok. Actually, you may like the recipe with less water, less time to cure.

 

[carebear]

It's fine.

 

[foresthome]

Thanks, guys you are such a help. I am not thinking straight. Stress really does affect the brain. It is funny how when I am with my parents and helping with my dad's care, I am fine, when I get home and try to go about my life I am spaced out.

 

[mandolyn]

Totally understandable. Being a care giver carries a LOT of stress! Good luck to you & your family.

Thanks, guys you are such a help. I am not thinking straight. Stress really does affect the brain. It is funny how when I am with my parents and helping with my dad's care, I am fine, when I get home and try to go about my life I am spaced out.

 

[ampedal]

I often use the same recipe with different amounts of water. Depending upon how fast I want thick trace to form, I subtract or add water to my recipe.

The most water I will use is 2.5x the amount of lye used. The least I will use it 1.5x the lye used.

I have never had a problem with this, and it's a good way to control color/swirling.

 

[foresthome]

I made this soap on Wednesday, gelled, and left it in the cooler for 48 hours. Took it out of the molds and cut it last night. It turned out fine. I put my personal soap stamp on them this morning and they are slightly firmer than my usual recipe. I found it easier to work with than some of my softer soaps, I may have discovered something. Thanks for the education on water in soap.