MommaSoaper
Well-Known Member
The last two soaps I made, I had the same batter issue- it's turning orangish tan when mixed with lye solution. I use olive oil (yellow), coconut oil (clear or light tan), palm shortening (white), castor oil (clear), and Shea butter (tan). Never had this happen before. All oils and butters purchased within last 4 months. West coast summer has been really hot though ... First thought was that it might be that an oil/butter has turned. But there's no odd smells at all. No noticeable changes in texture to any of them... Soap seems perfectly fine other than the tan outcome. My second thought and the only other thing I've done differently with these two batches is use regular store bought honey (mixed with water really well) to the batter instead of using honey from my local supplier. It was all I had so I figured why not try it. Higher sugars/processed differently in store bought honey causing scorching leading to discoloration? This is my theory and will test tomorrow but thought to throw this out there. Curious and always learning, testing etc.
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