Soap strange texture

[SylviaCV]

Hello fellow soapers,

Lately my soap has been doing wonky things (I hoe the picture insert shows up). I have been making CP soap the same way since 1999. So I am not sure what is happening. Any insights much appreciated.

Sylvia

 

[Saponomancer]

It looks like glycerin rivers to me!

 

[Susie]

Looks like glycerin rivers to me, also.

 

[SylviaCV]

Thanks Dragon girl. Anyway, any way to avoid this? Thanks!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

Could also be stearic spots... there seems to be an epidemic of that lately... caused by soaping too cool and not enough stirring.

ETA: White Spots in Soap - by Amanda of Lovin' Soap Studio

http://www.lovinsoap.com/2017/01/white-spots-in-soap/

 

[toxikon]

Here is a great read on glycerin rivers: http://auntieclaras.com/2014/05/glycerine-rivers-secret-revealed/

 

[lsg]

I think it is glycerin rivers also. Did you use titanium dioxide in your white soap. Glycerin rivers are more likely to occur when titanium dioxide is used.

 

[cmzaha]

Glycerin Rivers TD really makes them show up if you used it

 

[SylviaCV]

Thanks all for your replies. I agree, glycerin rivers. Been making soap since 1999 and now it is happening. I did use oil soluble TD, but I have many times before. Will retry and lower temps.

Awesome group! Thanks for your help!

 

[kchaystack]

Glycerine rivers are not caused by TD. TD just makes them more visible. You get them when your soap gets hot and then cools down slowly. To prevent them, you need to use less water in your soap or not insulate your soap as well so it can cool quicker after gel phase.

I think the reason that people see them with TD is that most TD used is the water soluble kind, and they add alot of the solution. This adds more water to that part of the soap - lowering its gel temp - so they can form easier.

 

[toxikon]

Yes... if you take a look at the link I provided, Auntie Clara proves quite quickly that the cause of glycerin rivers is high water.

 

[soaperwoman]

I agree your soap got too hot. Just had this happen to me with a soap i put in a box then a towel. Too warm , now I use one or the other but not both.

 

[DeeAnna]

Well said, KC. You make a good point about water-based TD adding extra water and thus reducing the temp at which the TD-colored parts of the soap will gel.