Soap feels sticky when in use

[SoapyGoats]

Some of my soap have a sticky, drag, feeling to them. One is:

.9oz Castor Oil,
5.5oz Cocoa Butter
5.5oz Coconut Oil
11.1oz Shea butter

What causes that feel? What do I do to prevent it?

 

[Obsidian]

I would reduce the shea and add some lard, it helps make a nice slick bar. The only bar I have that drags is high in butters, its a nice hard bar but I can't use them. My hairy DH doesn't mind them though.

 

[kazmi]

I agree! reduce the shea and add either lard or OO.

 

[savonierre]

I would only use a couple of ounces of shea and cocoa butter and make that amount up in OO..You will still have a great soap for less cost too. You can also add tussah silk or clay to the recipe.

 

[judymoody]

I agree, butters can cause drag and I find castor to be sticky above 8% of my recipe or so. I keep it at 5%. Butters between 5-10%

 

[dagmar88]

With about
29% castor
18% cocoa
18% coconut
35% shea

that is as sticky as it gets.
I read your other post, where you say your soaps often don't work out. Try creating a basic recipe that works for you and add just one or two special oils.
When creating your recipes, go for percentages and measure in grams.
That makes it a lot easier and more reliable.

I agree with judymoody; go for a max of 5-8% castor. Shea is hard to rinse off, higher amounts of cocoa kill lather and create that drag.
There's really no need to formulate recipes this expensive.

I'd start with something like 20% coconut, 20% palm, 40% olive and 5% castor. That leaves 15% to play around with more luxurious oils and butters.
I wouldn't advise to change your recipes that drastically all the time. Stick with three or four and try to perfect those first.

 

[SoapyGoats]

Thanks! Will do.