I like the look of your recipe. Please let us know what you think of it after it cures. I don't know if clay affects trace time. I haven't used it enough to be able to say. I did use kaolin clay in a batch a couple of days ago. However, I used a temperamental FO which accelerated so quickly that it almost seized. Great scent but not one you really want to use for CP. It was BB's Sea Moss in case you ever want to try it. You might like the acceleration.
I've noticed in the past that batches thicken faster when I use cornstarch. I was using it as an EO anchor (still not sure if it actually works) and for a little silkier lather. You might want to try experimenting with it. I used it at 1 tsp ppo but you could try slightly more. If you find it helps, you could just use powdered sugar. It's made from sugar and cornstarch so you'd only have one ingredient to add instead of two. However, it might be more expensive as compared to using regular sugar and cornstarch. Another thought is to use honey which I've read quickens trace or try molasses. I don't know if it will help with a faster trace but it's concentrated sugar so you may not need to use much. It's certainly worth experimenting with to see if it helps. I've wanted to try molasses for a long time and just never get around to it. (The molasses ends up in cookies or pumpkin pie.) I've read you need to treat molasses like honey since it will also get hot. I have read that molasses will cause some discoloration. You might even consider trying blackstrap molasses since it's used as a health supplement because of the vitamins and minerals in it. It might be good for label appeal. (Now I've given myself an idea )
I've noticed in the past that batches thicken faster when I use cornstarch. I was using it as an EO anchor (still not sure if it actually works) and for a little silkier lather. You might want to try experimenting with it. I used it at 1 tsp ppo but you could try slightly more. If you find it helps, you could just use powdered sugar. It's made from sugar and cornstarch so you'd only have one ingredient to add instead of two. However, it might be more expensive as compared to using regular sugar and cornstarch. Another thought is to use honey which I've read quickens trace or try molasses. I don't know if it will help with a faster trace but it's concentrated sugar so you may not need to use much. It's certainly worth experimenting with to see if it helps. I've wanted to try molasses for a long time and just never get around to it. (The molasses ends up in cookies or pumpkin pie.) I've read you need to treat molasses like honey since it will also get hot. I have read that molasses will cause some discoloration. You might even consider trying blackstrap molasses since it's used as a health supplement because of the vitamins and minerals in it. It might be good for label appeal. (Now I've given myself an idea )