Soda Ash? Or cold area?

[I made this soap]

Hey there! I've made a small batch about 1 week ago which... didn't turn out as I hoped!

I've poured just after the batter emulsified in a very light trace, as I wanted to have a watery spread of the colours. I think this might have been the issue? After 2 days, there was a layer on top - see the attached. It looks a grainy, not sure if it's soda ash as normally I only get a small partial area with a little ash, which after a little steam goes away. Also, it was quite cold in the room and I didn't cover the soaps with a warm blanket (I never had the same when I use a warm blanket).

The top later was soft to the touch yet below the soap itself was firm. I used a steamer on them, which remove the white bits yet the top still has a weird and different texture to it. I'm thinking that perhaps it was too cold and the hard oils (coconut, cocoa butter and some shea) went solid before saponification?

I just rather not using the blanket on this recipe, as it changes the colours and I want to stay with the pastel look. Anyone had the same and can share a tip?

Thank you!

 

[moodymama]

I think it is soda ash. Pouring and emulsification and not gelling gave me thick soda ash. I stick all my cavity molds in the oven on dehydrate to make sure they gel. Soda ash can be thick, chalky and soft.

 

[I made this soap]

I think it is soda ash. Pouring and emulsification and not gelling gave me thick soda ash. I stick all my cavity molds in the oven on dehydrate to make sure they gel. Soda ash can be thick, chalky and soft.

Oh I see, I thought it might be just never seen it this bad before I tried to make it again but blended for too long this time haha. Such a fine line.

 

[Lin19687]

The soap itself looks like it is crumbly as in it is too brittle. The pics are not good enough to tell about ash. Does it wash off?
I would search for ash on here. There are a ton of posts on it to help you decide on what it is.