How long does it take for soap to go gel phase?
The soap still needs to cure for 4-6 weeks. Warm temperatures are key to forcing gel phase. Start with your lye and oils around 120-130°F. Once the soap is in the mold, cover it with a cutting board and then a towel or blanket. If your soapmaking area is cooler, you can place it on a heating pad set to medium.
How can I Make my Soap more gel-like?
Soaping at warmer temperatures, like 125°f, can help the gel phase. Be careful not to get your soap too hot, as very high temperatures can lead to crumbly bars of soap.
How long does it take for soap to cure?
Customers might get frustrated with a soap that dissolves quickly. The typical cure time is 4-6 weeks. Soaps high in olive oil will take closer to six weeks to cure. This is a good starting point, but it is flexible. If you water discount, you won’t need the full cure time.
How do you make gel soap with a heating pad?
Cover your soap with wood or a cardboard box to hold the heat in. Set your soap on a heating pad to force gel. Combine this with covering your soap with wood or a cardboard box and you’ll be creating heat and making sure that it stays in the soap.
At what temperature does soap gel?
High-water soap “melts” or reaches gel phase at roughly 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) when lye and oils are combined when warm or hot. Medium-water soap that's combined when lye and oils are hot, reaches gel phase around 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
How do you force soap to gel?
Cover your soap with wood or a cardboard box to hold the heat in. Set your soap on a heating pad to force gel. Combine this with covering your soap with wood or a cardboard box and you'll be creating heat and making sure that it stays in the soap. Use your oven to force gel.
How do you force gel phase in cold process soap?
2:239:21Learn About Gel Phase in Soap Making - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way you can force gel phase is just to place your soap on a heating pad this is done oftenMoreAnother way you can force gel phase is just to place your soap on a heating pad this is done often especially in the winter.
How long does it take for soap to thicken?
It's important to use distilled water, as tap water can have microbes or trace metals. When the water is boiling, add the paste and stir to combine. Keep the mixture around 160°F and stir the soap periodically until the paste is fully dissolved. That can take up to 8 hours depending on how much soap you're diluting.
Does all soap go through gel phase?
It may gel or not, depending on oil and lye temperatures and how warm the space is. That can sometimes result in partial gel phase, where one area of the soap (typically the middle) is slightly darker than the rest. Again, that only affects the look of the bars – they'll still feel great on the skin.
Can you put soap in fridge to harden?
Don't put your soaps in a refrigerator or freezer. After you make your soap, don't try to make it harden quicker by freezing them. Leave your finished products at room temperature to prevent your soaps sweating. Generally, let your soap harden at room temperature, wrap them and then store in a cool, dry place.
How long does it take for cold process soap to gel?
You can also sometimes oven process a partial gelled soap (in the mold!) within 24 hours, if you discover it has a partial gel. This can take upwards of 30 to 45 minutes in the oven at 170° F. Keep an eye on the soap so you don't dry it out or overheat it.
What temp does gel phase happen?
around 120-130° F.To force gel phase, your lye and oils need to be around 120-130° F. Once the soap is in the mold, you can insulate it. There are a few ways to do that. First, put the soap in a drawer or place a box over the top.
How long should I insulate my cold process soap?
First cover the soap, we usually cover with another mold turned upside down, and then insulate around the mold. Use a towel or blanket to wrap around the mold to keep it warm and keep it covered and wrapped for 24 hours.
Why isn't my soap coming to a trace?
False trace occurs when soap batter appears to be a thick consistency, but the oils and butters have not saponified. Perhaps the most common cause of false trace is using solid oils or butters at too cool of a temperature. If solid butters and fats are below their melting point, the oils and butters may re-solidify.
How long does it take soap to come to trace?
about 30-60 secondsDepending on your recipe, it takes about 30-60 seconds of stick blending to get there. Thin trace is the best time to add colorants and fragrances because it's easy to stir. It's also easy to pour, so it's perfect for swirl designs. As the soap sits, it will continue to thicken.
What happens if I pour my soap before trace?
Ingredients to Speed up Trace Time Whether you pour your soap at light trace or heavy trace, it's still going to make soap. As long as you reach that point of no return where the oils and lye won't separate, you're fine.
How do you fix partially gelled soap?
To force a full gel phase, try:Soaping at 110° F to 140° F, depending on your formula and additives. ... Invert a cardboard box over the mold and wrap it with a fabric that insulates well, such as wool or felt.Oven process the soap by placing it in an oven set to 170° F for about 15 minutes.More items...
Why is my soap not tracing?
False trace occurs when soap batter appears to be a thick consistency, but the oils and butters have not saponified. Perhaps the most common cause of false trace is using solid oils or butters at too cool of a temperature. If solid butters and fats are below their melting point, the oils and butters may re-solidify.
What to do if soap is not hardening?
Check out my tips below.Use at least 40% hard oils in your recipe. ... Stearic acid at 0.5% of your oils can be used as a hardening agent in cold process soap. ... Sodium lactate is your friend! ... Water discount your soap anywhere from 5-20%. ... Decrease the superfat. ... Promote gel phase. ... Thicken the trace of your soap.More items...•
What is the fastest way to cure cold process soap?
Curing Soap Faster: Speed up the processReduce the humidity. Most people make soap in their homes, or if they are lucky enough, in their workshops. ... Zeolites. Zeolites are rocks that pull moisture out of the air. ... Fans. ... Use less water. ... Space heater. ... Good Airflow. ... Too much lye. ... Using the oven.More items...
How long does gel soap take to cure?
You’re in a hurry. Because of the higher temperatures, gelled soap hardens and unmolds more quickly. The soap still needs to cure for 4-6 weeks.
What color is gel soap?
You’re using natural colorants. Without gel phase, they can have a dull appearance and a different hue. For instance, gelled soap colored with madder root powder has a deep red hue. The ungelled version is a muted mauve. See both versions in this post.
How long to leave soap on heating pad?
If it’s getting too hot, turn the heating pad off and remove the blanket. If not, leave it on for another 30-60 minutes. Then, turn the heating pad off but leave the soap on it overnight. Learn more about how to insulate soap here.
Why is soap frosting not holding its shape?
You’re working with soap frosting. If it gets too hot it may not hold its shape.
Why does soap smell so bad?
You’re making cold process soap with milk. It can scorch if it gets too hot, which causes discoloration and an unpleasant smell. That can also happen with alternative liquids like coffee, wine, tea, etc.
Does cold process soap look gelatinous?
Has your cold process soap ever looked gelatinous after a few hours in the mold? It’s likely going through gel phase. That’s a part of the saponification process where the soap gets hot – up to 180°F. It doesn’t affect the quality of the final bars, but it does affect the way they look.
Can you use molds for soap and food?
Yes, keeping food and soap in the same space should be fine, but we don’t recommend using the mold for both food and soap – it’s best to have a dedicated set of soaping tools . Since your colors aren’t coming out the way you want them to, you may consider skipping gel phase.
What temperature should soap be for gel?
Stay within the safe soaping temperature range, but on the higher side (around 125°F). Another simple way to encourage the gel phase is to insulate your soap. Use cardboard, wood, or another safe material to cover your molds and wrap them up in a towel or blanket.
Why do you need to use gel in soap?
You will want to encourage the gel phase if you're looking for brighter, more vibrant colors in your soap. Gelling can make colors brighter or darker depending on the hue and adds a bit of a shine to the bars. This is especially true if using natural colorants, which can completely transform into the heat of the gel phase. The high temperature reached during the gel phase also makes the soap harden faster, allowing for easier unmolding.
What is the “gel phase”?
The gel phase is a part of the saponification process that happens after the soap has been poured into the mold. During this time soap gets hot, up to 180°F, and becomes more translucent in appearance. Though this is a part of the soap making process that can happen naturally, it is not completely necessary. Your decision on whether or not to let your soap gel depends on the result you’re looking for.
How to prevent gel phase soap?
Avoiding the gel phase involves reducing heat rather than adding it. You can start by soaping at a lower temperature, around 90-100°F. After the soap is in the mold, place the mold on a wire cooling rack to allow air circulation which impedes heat retention. If you’re soaping in a warm environment or using ingredients that accelerate saponification you may need a little help keeping your soap cool. You can put the molds in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 24 hours to keep them nice and cold while they harden. Ungelled soap may need to stay in the mold longer to be hard enough to unmold and handle easily.
What happens to soap when it is ungelled?
Ungelled soap tends to have pastel colors and a creamier final look. Some additives may have undesirable reactions during the gel phase. Milk, coffee, and other unconventional liquids can scorch during gel causing it to discolor and smell unpleasant. Additives with high sugar content, such as honey and fruits can have similar effects.
How long to bake soap molds?
Put your soap molds on an oven-safe tray or baking sheet and place them inside. Leave the molds in the warm oven for 6 to 8 hours. You may want to avoid the gel phase if you are aiming for a more matte, muted bar of soap. Ungelled soap tends to have pastel colors and a creamier final look.
How long can you keep soap molds in the fridge?
You can put the molds in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 24 hours to keep them nice and cold while they harden. Ungelled soap may need to stay in the mold longer to be hard enough to unmold and handle easily. Jan 24, 2020 • #essential oil #essential oil blends #essential oil company #Essential oils #gel phase #gel soap #jelly soap #making ...
How long does gel soap cure?
You’re in a hurry. Because of the higher temperatures, gelled soap hardens and unmolds more quickly. The soap still needs to cure for 4-6 weeks. Warm temperatures are key to forcing gel phase.
How to force gel phase?
Warm temperatures are key to forcing gel phase. Start with your lye and oils around 120-130° F. Once the soap is in the mold, cover it with a cutting board and then a towel or blanket. If your soap making area is cooler, you can place it on a heating pad set to medium.
Why do you want to avoid gel phase?
Here’s why you might want to prevent it: You prefer matte soap. Ungelled bars look creamy and have pastel colors that some makers love. You’re making cold process soap with milk. It can scorch if it gets too hot, which causes discoloration and an unpleasant smell .
What is gel phase?
Gel phase helps the colors pop and it gives the bars a slightly shiny appearance. You’re using natural colorants. Without gel phase, they can have a dull appearance and a different hue. For instance, gelled soap colored with madder root has a deep red hue. The ungelled version is a muted mauve. You’re using Lab Colors.
Why is soap frosting not holding its shape?
You’re working with soap frosting. If it gets too hot it may not hold its shape.
Does cold process soap look gelatinous?
Has your cold process soap ever looked gelatinous after a few hours in the mold? It’s likely going through gel phase. That’s a part of the saponification process where the soap gets hot – up to 180° F. It doesn’t affect the quality of the final bars, but it does affect the way they look.
Can you put soap in a garage?
You can also put the soap in a cool area like a garage or basement and run a fan over it. The third option is to leave your soap uncovered at room temperature. It may gel or not, depending on oil and lye temperatures and how warm the space is.
What happens to soap when it is gel?
During the gel phase, the soap has a soft, “gel-like” consistency. And, it is REALLY hot – I don’t recommend trying to stick a your finger into it at this point. (Ask me why I say that!) Once the gel phase is complete, the soap will begin to cool and become opaque again. It will also harden.
How long does it take for soap to cure?
After 15 hours or so, the soap will be ready to unmold and cut into bars. It is then left to cure for a minimum of 4 weeks. The curing process allows for the water in the bar to evaporate, resulting in a mild, hard bar of soap that will last a long time.
Is there soap in lye?
No Lye, no soap! (And, that’s the truth!) The oil/lye mixture is then poured into a mold, where the process called “Saponification” (the chemical process that turns the oils/lye into soap) can continue. The mold is insulated to encourage the “gel phase” of the soaping process.
Why do soaps have gel?
Probably the biggest benefit of gel is purely aesthetics. If you want bolder more vibrant colors , you probably want your soap to "gel" completely!
What is gel phase in soap?
Gel phase is part of the process where your soap is going through saponification, and may appear gelatinous.
How long does it take for soap to unmold?
The other BIG benefit of gelling your soap is being able to unmold the final product faster. Gelling your soaps can have you unmolding within 24 hours , instead of 48 or 72 hours later. This has to do with the elevated temperatures, which allow for the soap to harden more quickly.
How to get a gel phase?
Temperature! One of the more tried and true methods if you want the "gel phase" to occur is by soaping at higher temperatures. For instance, soaping when your lye and oils are around 130 degrees, and then insulating.
What temperature should soap be?
Soaps like these, we usually will start with our oils and lye solution at room temperature. For us that's around 70-80 degrees when we say "room temperature". If it's a cold climate outside you may even be able to get away with placing the soap mold in a garage or basement.
Why does partial gel occur?
Partial gel happens do to uneven temperatures during saponification. It could be due to...
What happens when you mix oils and lye?
Simply put, your oils and lye solution is going through chemical reactions that will eventually leave no lye behind (ideally if your calculations are correct in a lye calculator), and you will be left with a different substance , that of soap!
How to make soap gel?
is one of the best ways to force your soap to gel. With CPOP you make your soap as you normally would, but instead of leaving on a counter to set, you place it in the oven for a time. Be sure you are using heatproof molds, like silicone. Heat your oven to 170-180°f, then turn it off. Place your soap on a cookie sheet and set in the oven. Leave for about 6-8 hours, or overnight. No peeking! When you peek, you let heat out. When you take your soap out, you may notice the gel, you may not, but it will have happened.
What is the gel phase of soap?
Gelling, or the gel phase in making soap, especially cold or hot process soap, is when the center of the bar or loaf turns hot and translucent. Sometimes this happens on its own, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it’s just the center of the bar, sometimes it’s the whole thing. If you insulate your bars and they gel, ...
What temperature should soap be?
I teach my students to bring each unit (oils and lye) to 95-105°f, but you can go a bit lower than that to prevent the gel phase in soap making. I wouldn’t recommend going lower than 85°f. Saponification only happens at a certain temperature range.
Why gel soap?
The gel phase in soap making can be beneficial in a few ways. One is to add translucency to the bar. Not only does it help avoid a chalky look, but it also helps add to durability to the bar. Soaps that have gel tend to last longer. Another way gelling is good is that it makes the colors darker. When you cut loaf soaps, sometimes a ring or circle may appear in the center where the gel happened, making the colors look distorted. After a while, it will all even out. One more benefit of gelling is that it adds to the pliability of your soap. You’ll need this if you ever want to bend your soap to make rimmed soaps. If you’ve never seen them before, check these out! Gelling will add the pliability you need.
What is gelling in soap making?
Gelling, or the gel phase in soap making, is when the center turns hot and translucent. You may or may not want gelling so here’s how to control it better. To gel or not to gel, that is the question. All soap makers experience gel at one time or another, but what is it?
What temperature to keep soap from gelling?
You can also do the opposite of what you would do to prevent gelling. Soaping at warmer temperatures, like 125°f, can help the gel phase. Be careful not to get your soap too hot, as very high temperatures can lead to crumbly bars of soap.
What causes soap to gel?
Use different ingredients. Honey, as mentioned above, as well as titanium dioxide, can cause your soap to heat up, thus forcing a gel phase to happen.
How long does it take for soap to saponify?
If it doesn’t, it is probably done with the process. Again, saponification takes about 24-48 hours. If you have a zappy soap after 72 hours, let it set a week and retest. Occasionally, you might get a soap that takes longer to saponify. You probably didn’t stir in the right direction (always stir counter-clockwise).
What happens during the cure time of soap?
The cure time is all about water evaporation. During the cure time water dissolves from your soap creating a harder and longer-lasting bar in your shower. Curing = drying. If you were to step into your shower with a brand new bar of soap it would dissolve pretty quickly. It is very important not to sell fresh soap.
How Do You Know When Your Soap is Done Curing?
There isn’t really a hard and fast rule and that is why most soap makers advocate for a minimum cure of 4 weeks.
How long does it take for saponification to occur?
Saponification is the chemical reaction that occurs when we mix oils with a lye solution. This process usually takes about 24-48 hours to occur. During saponification the sodium hydroxide and oils are binding, doing their love dance and turning into salts of the fatty acids.
How long before I use soap with water discount?
So I personally cure soap with a water discount at least 3 weeks before I use it. I feel like it gets milder.
Can you dissolve soap in water?
Yes, but I don’t. I just don’t find them accurate. And they are a pain. You have to dissolve some soap either by dropping water on the bar or dissolving soap in a bit of warm water. And since the soap is then diluted, I don’t think it is that accurate. I know that many soap makers use test strips and that is fine.
Do you have to zap test soap?
You don’t have to zap test every batch of soap. I use it to troubleshoot.
How long to stir fragrance oil?
Lastly, you need to mix your fragrance oil very well with gel. This involves stirring your gel for at least two minutes – just like you do with wax. Yes, stirring causes more bubbles, but those can be eliminated by reheating the gel when the fragrance is mixed in thoroughly.
What is gel wax?
Gel is essentially a combination of polymer resin and mineral oil that is cut with exceptional safety in respect of the flash point. When combined in a container with a wick it can produce exquisite transparent candles. Because of the clarity of gel, it gives off about 40% more luminescence than regular paraffin wax. The possibilities with gel wax are endless.
What is the best grade of gel for candle making?
The most popular grade of gel with candle makers is the Medium Polymer (MP) because it allows for more fragrance and is a firm gel that works in most projects. The HP grade is more costly, but it holds a significant amount more fragrance and is a stiffer gel.
Why do gel candles fizzle out?
Many of the mass-produced gel candles available on the market in discount stores will fizzle out within a few minutes of lighting because the wick is too small. As always, make sure you are thoroughly testing everything before offering it for sale to the general public.
Can you use Penreco gel candles?
Yes! If you are using non-polar fragrance oils with Penreco gel, tested for the correct wick, and also followed the recommended procedures for making gel candles, then the safety factor is no different from any other candle. It can be argued that all candles are unsafe because of the naked flame, so use due care and caution when burning all types of candles and educate others on the safety aspects of burning them with candle maintenance tips. See below for information about non-polar fragrances.
