Question on where I went wrong

[detroitreds]

About 4 weeks ago, I attempted a new recipe that contains both NaOH and KOH. I ran the recipe though Soap Maker. After 15-20 minutes, the batch wasn't even close to the trace I experienced during other recipes (one of which was 66%KOH and 34% NaOH). This time I decided to go higher on KOH (80/20). Thinking that it might end up a cream soap, I poured (cold process).

4 weeks later, I still get the zap effect with the tonge. I tried shaving with it anyways and it turns out to be a fantastic soap (other than the minor zap tingling).

My question is whether I should fix the recipe (and how to do it), or whether I should let it sit for longer to get it more neutralized (if it ever will).

 

[judymoody]

I don't know much about cream soap. However, I'd recommend that you post your complete recipe and process to enable the best possible troubleshooting.

 

[detroitreds]

Hopefully I don't offend the fellow members here, but I'm hesitant on posting my recipe. It may "some day" become some sort of income generator.

I understand that it may be hard to diagnose an issue that you can't fully see. I thought maybe that not having trace means too many oils, for example. But on the other hand, maybe not enough oils for it to be alkaline.

I wouldn't mind posting bits and pieces if the issue narrows down to a specific area.

 

[maiseycat]

I would think if it is still zapping after 4 weeks, that is not going to change. But that's about all I can offer, I have only ever used NaOH.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

Hopefully I don't offend the fellow members here, but I'm hesitant on posting my recipe. It may "some day" become some sort of income generator.

I understand that it may be hard to diagnose an issue that you can't fully see. I thought maybe that not having trace means too many oils, for example. But on the other hand, maybe not enough oils for it to be alkaline.

I wouldn't mind posting bits and pieces if the issue narrows down to a specific area.

It's not offensive (to me, at least) that you don't want to post your recipe...but there are many variables with soapmaking, and to answer your questions without knowing what you started with is not going to generate an answer that will truly help you understand how to avoid that problem again. While I understand the issue of working hard to formulate a recipe that you feel is "perfect" and wanting it to be "proprietary", I want to assure you that no one here on the forum willing to help you troubleshoot your problem would "steal" your recipe.

 

[2lilboots]

You could always send your recipe in a msg to alchemy&ashes so that she could try to help you troubleshoot your soaping problem. Or pick just a couple ppl who seem cp soap savvy to get their oppinion. Don't send it to me, I am still in the trial and error stage of this soaping adventure.

 

[Hausfrau007]

I think it's kind of bold to ask for advice and then not cooperate in trouble-shooting. The mods and soapers are all doing this part-time, ie no one is getting paid to do this ... what makes you think anyone has the time to puzzle this together for you if you don't submit your recipe?

 

[Yooper]

If it's still zapping after 4 weeks (!), then it's obviously way too lye heavy. As to why it didn't trace, it's from the K0h, which is used for making liquid soap.

You've definitely got too much lye in there, so you're a long way from going commercial. I would NOT use something on my face that was lye heavy, so you may want to consider rebatching this. Rebatching is the ONLY fix.

 

[Lindy]

What is your superfat? Even with cream soap you need to superfat. I would also recommend joining the cream soap yahoo group. If your shaving soap is still zapping it needs to be turfed.