Odd color

Cyngbaeld · #1 09/22/13, 08:27 PM

I've been using the same recipe for yrs and never had this happen. As soon as I added the fat to the lye/water, the whole batch turned pink. I used the same well water as usual, same stainless pot and spatula, the lye was from a bottle I've already made 3 batches from, fat was fresh 3# can of shortening from WM, cottonseed and soy.

Any ideas? Soap traced right away and set up nicely.

MullersLaneFarm · #2 09/23/13, 09:16 AM

It is weird, isn't it?

I've had this happen to me a few times, although I don't use cottonseed or soy.

My lye/milk solution will be a nice cream color but as soon as it hits the oil in the pot, the batch turns a pinkish-orange.

My batch always turns out well, no discoloration when the soap is unmolded.

Cyngbaeld · #3 09/23/13, 10:36 AM

Thanks. Thought it was odd. Soap looks fine though. I don't put milk in it, since it is a utility bar.

hiddensprings · #4 09/23/13, 11:00 AM

This has happened to me as well and I've started to think it is the weather. Don't laugh, seriously, I'm in the south where the humidity can be killer and I honestly think that it affects the way the lye mixture/oils react. The soap still sets and works great but the color is a bit off.

Gailann Schrader · #5 09/23/13, 02:34 PM

It used to happen with me from the lard that had BHT/BHA in it... It would disipate then...

Cyngbaeld · #6 09/24/13, 11:38 AM

Interesting observation on the preservatives. Could very well be that. I would not dream of eating the shortening but the soap works for washing dishes and laundry and such.