Is this soda ash and what causes it?

[ackosel]

This goat milk soap is just over 3 weeks into curing. About a week ago I noticed this white powdery-looking stuff on it. It has been curing in the shop where it stays pretty cool (40ish degrees F) but did get below freezing for a few days during our recent cold spell. I have a cotton rag over the soap to keep the dust off. What is the white stuff and does it hurt the soap?

 

[AliensrReal]

It looks like soda ash. It is purely cosmetic. To reduce the amount you can gel the soap or cover it with plastic wrap until it’s ready to be cut.

 

[ackosel]

It looks like soda ash. It is purely cosmetic. To reduce the amount you can gel the soap or cover it with plastic wrap until it’s ready to be cut.

Thank you!