The difference between gel and no gel

[AmyW]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7 ... =529342663

Same recipe both of of these. Same amount of FO PPO used.

On the left is a batch made with OT's OMH FO and I used a kleenex box as a mold. I didn't know this one would gel but once I noticed it was, I made sure it got to a complete gel.

On the right is a batch made with OT's Cucumber Melon and I used my new WSP loaf mold. For this one I tried to prevent gel, I soaped cooler, didn't insulate the mold, and put it in my (very cool) laundry room. I still have a small partial gel circle in the middle but IMO it looks better than the full gelled bar.

I don't think the FO would make that much of a difference? This is all from the gelling right?

 

[dagmar88]

yes it could, some OMH fragrances can give a tan discoloration.

 

[AmyW]

Thanks! I think I'll experiment and make another identical batch but try not to let it gel.

 

[AmyW]

So far (pictures taken close to the same time during the process, exact same recipe, same FO, same amount, same mold) the results are quite different. I much prefer the no-gel look. I'm glad I did this!

Gel (insulated on top of warm stove): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7 ... =529342663

No gel (soaped 10 degrees F cooler, put in freezer for over an hour): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7 ... =529342663

I'll update when I cut with a picture of them side by side.

 

[AmyW]

It doesn't look like a big difference in this crappy picture, but I think it's a pretty big difference, both in texture and color. The no-gel one is the same color and texture as the other no-gel soaps with FO.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7 ... =529342663
Thanks for following my little experiment

 

[ewenique]

Thanks for posting your results.

 

[Microdot]

Thanks for posting your reults!

 

[radar-78]

I plan on doing this too for a while.I haven't made my first batch yet but think I will halve the first few batches, gel one and prevent gel in the other to find out which I prefer.