Discolouring FOs

Sonya-m · Jan 8, 2017

How long do your soaps take to discolour when you've used a discolouring FO?

The one I've used has between 15-20% vanillin so I'm expecting (hoping) it's going to result in a dark brown colour - is my assumption correct? If so, how long will it take?

mx5inpenn · Jan 8, 2017

When I use high vanilla, I see a good amount of discoloration around the edges by the time I unmold about 24 hours after pour. The rest darkens up over the next couple weeks.

newbie · Jan 8, 2017

Mine usually take 2-3 weeks to fully darken on the outside but to get the discoloration al the way through the bar takes longer. I am not certain how long as I've not cut a bar up over time to see.

Sonya-m · Jan 8, 2017

Thanks - I can see a bit of discolouration on the edges now it's unmoulded. Hopefully it will darken as I hope.

At the moment though it looks a bit speckled almost as though it has sand or coffee grounds in it??

newbie · Jan 8, 2017

Did you hand stir the FO in? Sometimes the FO's are thick and you can get tiny little bits of it in the batter if you don't stick blend it in. If that's it, it will probably even out over the next couple weeks.

CaraBou · Jan 8, 2017

My experience is that a fresh cut can reveal virgin nondiscolored soap with a framing rind for many months after its made. I suppose that might depend on the recipe, the FO etc, but it's kinda cool to see that contrast.

With 15-20% vanillin, and assuming you used a good amount in the recipe, I think you'll get a pretty dark soap. I too think the speckles will be overcome soon with the greater change.