Salt Bars first attempt

[alan117]

By alan117 at 2012-06-03[/img]

By alan117 at 2012-06-03[/img]

By alan117 at 2012-06-03[/img]



Hi
Here are some photos of my first attempt at a salt bar.

The recipe:
Coconut oil 3065gr (90.5%); Coco Butter 190gr (5.6%); Shea Butter 90gr (2.6%); Castor oil 40gr (1.1%);
Lye 500gr; Water 1.6L and regular cooking salt 2.4Kg (+/-75%)

I added the salt very early so it would have more time to dissolve (and I was worried that if I added it when the mixture was tracing it would accelerate the trace) but when it did not I realised that perhaps it does not fully dissolve, also the salt does not seem to accelerate trace, is that correct?
When I unmoulded the bars about 18 hours later the sides of the bars (that were in contact with the mould) are very smooth, and the surface that was in contact with the air is also mostly very smooth. Some of the bars that were poured at a thick trace have a rough surface.

Colouring and swirling remains a bit of a struggle!

So is that how it should be:
1. That the salt does not fully dissolve when you pour it into moulds but then continues to dissolve while the soap is curing?
2. That one should then purposefully add the salt at thin or medium trace and not worry that it will then suddenly accelerate the tracing?
Cheers
Alan

 

[IrishLass]

The recipe:
Coconut oil 3065gr (90.5%); Coco Butter 190gr (5.6%); Shea Butter 90gr (2.6%); Castor oil 40gr (1.1%);
Lye 500gr; Water 1.6L and regular cooking salt 2.4Kg (+/-75%)

I added the salt very early so it would have more time to dissolve (and I was worried that if I added it when the mixture was tracing it would accelerate the trace) but when it did not I realised that perhaps it does not fully dissolve, also the salt does not seem to accelerate trace, is that correct?

Hi Alan!

Looks like a great first attemp to me!

The salt in salt bars does not need to be dissolved. I never dissolve mine and I personally don't know of anyone who does. Traditionally, it is added 'as is' at trace, right before you pour, which is what I do. Don't worry- it won't accelerate trace. Your batter will become thicker, yes- but not from accelerated trace (unless you used a notoriously accelerating FO, that is).

The salt won't dissolve during cure. It'll remain 'as is' until you bathe or shower with it. When the water from your shower comes in contact with the bar, whatever salt is on the surface will immediately dissolve. Some people have the impression that salt bars are supposed to be exfoliating- and they can be if you used really coarse salt that takes longer to dissolve in the shower- but mine are not exfoliating at all (I use fine sea salt).


HTH!
IrishLass

 

[sasha]

Looks lovely!