Monday 5 July 2010

Alkanet Experiment 4

DIFFERENCE: I substituted some of the Olive Oil for Sweet Almond Oil. (If Alkanet Recipe 1 had 50% Olive Oil, Alkanet Experiment 4 has 35% Olive Oil & 15% Almond Oil)


CONCLUSION - Alkanet colouring in soap IS affected by using different oils, but I am not sure how. The base colour looks much the same but whitish streaks have appeared throughout. Could this really be from the Almond Oil? This has never happened to me in any soap before.

I could get sidetracked to other experiments here such as... Why the White Stuff on the top? I have hardly ever had it before but if you notice that from experiment to experiment, it really varies!! I will continue to focus on my objective - Master Alkanet colouring in soaps in pursuit of the perfect Mediterranean Lavender colour...

TEASER... Alkanet Experiment 5 will be adding a pinch of salt...

8 comments:

Natural Aroma Handmade Soaps said...

How much Alkanet are you using Jen? maybe you could try adding a bit more. I've had that thick ash on top of mine a couple of times and have no idea why it happens, but would really love to know why. Can't help with the streak part either, I have no idea why that happened, but it looks pretty, it looks as if you've swirled white through it.

Michelle said...

This is really interesting to follow. I'm enjoying your experiment and learning a lot. Thanks for sharing it along the way :)

Ambra said...

The ash on top seems to appear when the soaps don't gel in my experience. The appear more often when I use small mold than when I use a log mold. It can be cut off with a peeler.
Interesting swirl - and you weren't swirling? I don't know what that is. It looks like some part of the oils didn't mix with the infused oil?!
Another thing is that the colour will change during curing, so you need to keep us posted about that :). This is getting to be like a mystery series!

FuturePrimitive Soap Co. said...

soda ash? but why white through the soap I've no idea.
You're making my head spin with these experiments!...but good for you and thanks for the lessons!
x

The Soap Sister said...

Jen, Have you ever pH tested your soaps? I've read that pH really affects the alkanet color. I've never done it...I have pH paper, but does anyone know if you just touch it to the soap or what? Also, about the "ash" on top, I just read the other day that a high-top of styrofoam to cover your mould really helps. I also read that some folks spray their soap w/alcohol as it cures? Anyone tried this? ~Becky

Mónica said...

No estoy segura de porqué te pasó esto, ¿utilizaste más aceites aprte de oliva y almendras?, ¿qué cantidad de sosa pusiste y cuánta concentración?, uf cuantas preguntas, de todas formas el jabón es impresionantemente bonito, con esos remolinos tan blancos. Me encanta que nos cuentes tus experimentos.
Saludos

Splurge Sisters said...

I like the white streaks in the soap and the top looks really cool too.

Soaps and Bubbles said...

oh Jen...I am so proud of you. This soap looks beautiful. It reminds me of the moon and stars.
:)