Opinions...could this be ash?

[sue1965]

I unmolded this soap 4 days ago. It was a swirl made in a vertical mold and I had extra so I made oval soap in my silicone mold. My loaf is fine. My oval soaps had ash on them which didn't concern me. Now they have what looks like tiny sugar crystals on the side? Is ash? I would have thought lye if my square soap from the same batch wasn't fine. I have pics of both. Thanks!

Here is the top view that didn't post.

 

[Susie]

Yep, that's ash.

 

[shunt2011]

Sure is. Pretty soap though.

 

[sue1965]

Sure is. Pretty soap though.

Thank you!
I wasn't too concerned with the powdery ash on top but the crystals worried me. I am relieved that it is ash. Do you think it will get better as it cures? I guess time will tell.

 

[shunt2011]

If the ash bothers you just run it under water and it should wash off, it doesn't look overly heavy. I you don't mind it just embrace it. It's just cosmetic. I get a bit once in awhile and just let it be.