Basic Chemical Additives
- Thread starter Ensmartened
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From the link:
"EDTA and citrate do similar jobs, so if one does not appeal, then consider using the other. EDTA is arguably not as "crunchy" as citrate, so it is not the best choice for a "natural" soap. Both will function well to increase shelf life, but the consensus from informal discussions with other soapers is EDTA is more effective than citrate in reducing soap scum."
ngian
Well-Known Member
Thank you DeeAnna, it was simple as that, but I didn't have a clear mind by the time of asking you in the first place.
It is just like the 50% lye solution as it concerns the amount of NaOH needed in a recipe..
I do not think that these have a compound effect so using both would be a wasted effort not to mention expense.
I use sodium citrate just because we have a local store the sells ascorbic acid in bulk. Makes it cheap and easy for me. I do not *yet* master batch it but I probably should.
I wonder if I could dissolve the ascorbic in sodium acetate water at 50:50 and just go from there.
Sorry just thinking "out loud".
I use sodium citrate just because we have a local store the sells ascorbic acid in bulk. Makes it cheap and easy for me. I do not *yet* master batch it but I probably should.
I wonder if I could dissolve the ascorbic in sodium acetate water at 50:50 and just go from there.
Sorry just thinking "out loud".
"...I use sodium citrate just because we have a local store the sells ascorbic acid in bulk...."
Steve -- Do you mean citric acid, rather than ascorbic acid? When reacted with NaOH, the first makes sodium citrate; the second makes sodium ascorbate.
Steve -- Do you mean citric acid, rather than ascorbic acid? When reacted with NaOH, the first makes sodium citrate; the second makes sodium ascorbate.
Yes. I had a bit of brain lock this morning as I was typing.
I use Citric acid. It comes in neat little cello bags all sealed and weighed.
Jan also uses it to remove stains around the kitchen sink.
If I use both in a batch will it extend shelf life? Just asking cos I really do not know much about chemicals. Especially in soap making. Am learning EVERYTHING from this wonderful forum
I recommend using one or the other. I know of no tests that show both will work better than either one.
