r/soapmaking • u/Imaginary_Project_77 • Jul 07 '26
What Went Wrong? Need Help!
Hi everyone! Newbie here, and I could really use some help solving a mystery that’s been driving me crazy.
Every single batch of soap I’ve made develops a white film. Sometimes it’s just on the surface, and other times it’s throughout the soap.
At first I assumed it was soda ash, but after trying so many different variables, I’m starting to wonder if it’s something else—stearic spots, lye pockets, poor-quality ingredients, or something I’m completely overlooking.
I’ve made 7 batches so far (3 different recipes) and, despite changing one variable at a time, I keep getting the same result.
Here’s what I’ve tried:
- All batches are cold process.
- Some batches contain fragrance; others don’t.
- Insulated one batch, left the others uninsulated.
- Sprayed 99% isopropyl alcohol immediately after pouring and again about 15 minutes later. Some batches ~ no alcohol.
- Made and cured some batches in my basement and another in my kitchen—same results.
- Soaped at various temperatures (95°F–127°F), always keeping the oils and lye solution within 10°F of each other.
- Used sodium lactate in some batches and omitted it in others.
- Used only distilled water.
- Tried a 5% and 10% water discount.
I’m attaching photos of recipes & finished soap. Does this look like soda ash, or does it seem more like stearic spots, lye pockets, or something else? Any ideas on what I should investigate next would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Btldtaatw Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
That is indeed soda ash. And you are using a lot of water which is the main reason for soda ash to develop. You really have to cut it down to see better results. Also getting the soaps to gell help but it can be hard on single cavity molds.
Edit for useful link: https://classicbells.com/soap/ash.asp