Clear CP soap not possible, right?

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I would be curious to know the definitive answer to this as well.

As far as I know, transparent soaps are NOT possible using the cold process method. However, I am by no means an expert.

I know that transparent soaps can be made using a variation of the hot process method.
 
I would be curious to know the definitive answer to this as well.

As far as I know, transparent soaps are NOT possible using the cold process method. However, I am by no means an expert.

I know that transparent soaps can be made using a variation of the hot process method.

I don't think there will be a definitive answer.
People have tried make a clear CP soap with varying outcomes, some semi-transparent, some not at all.

The easiest and most consistent method is as you said, a variation of hot process.
 
The only way I've heard of to get transparent soap is by way of a CP/HP process where you basically make soap via CP and dilute the thickly-traced batter/paste with a solvent such as ethanol/Everclear and then HP it. Catherine Failor spells out the process in one of her books. One of our members, topofmurrayhill has been successful with the process and has written about it in a few threads, such as this one, in which he includes a pic in post #6: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=59007&highlight=transparent

And my fellow modmin lsg has also been successful with it, as she explains in post #8 of this thread here: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=56382&highlight=transparent


As far as just CP goes, the most transparency I've ever been able to achieve is semi-translucent- in soaps made with 100% coconut oil, fully gelled (with a good & hot gel, i.e., hot enough to make the batter rise up a little bit in the mold but without overflowing), just as long as no TD is added.


IrishLass :)
 
I made melt and pour base which I completely understand isn't what your asking about, but for the most part it was a clear solid soap loaf. I did add a couple of extra items (started off as CP and then as it cooked I added glycerin and propylene glycol) and really had to cook it a very long time for it to clear (2hr+). I didn't realize how long the process would actually take. It was way too much effort and the soap was nothing special. From now on, I'll only HP a failed batch and usually when I do (which is rare), it turns out to be far better than I imagined. But for the most part I'm a CP hard core junkie!
 
The only way I've heard of to get transparent soap is by way of a CP/HP process where you basically make soap via CP and dilute the thickly-traced batter/paste with a solvent such as ethanol/Everclear and then HP it. Catherine Failor spells out the process in one of her books. One of our members, topofmurrayhill has been successful with the process and has written about it in a few threads, such as this one, in which he includes a pic in post #6: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=59007&highlight=transparent

And my fellow modmin lsg has also been successful with it, as she explains in post #8 of this thread here: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=56382&highlight=transparent


As far as just CP goes, the most transparency I've ever been able to achieve is semi-translucent- in soaps made with 100% coconut oil, fully gelled (with a good & hot gel, i.e., hot enough to make the batter rise up a little bit in the mold but without overflowing), just as long as no TD is added.


IrishLass :)


Thank you! I'll read up!
 

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