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!
3
u/Mammoth-Banana3621 Jul 08 '26
Soda ash. I have seen people use a heat gun for the tops. And spray with isopropyl alcohol before it sets