About 'Gel phase' in Cold Process Soap Making. What is it? Why consider it? How does it work?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 чер 2021
- A nice example of one of my cold process soap recipes going through a full gel phase, plus a discussion about gelling soap in cold process soap making: What is 'gel phase', why you might want to consider it for your recipes, and how to promote or discourage gelling of your handmade soap for different reasons.
My accompanying blog post about 'gel phase' for cold process soap making:
www.ellyseveryday.com/ellys-e...
Link to my cold process laundry soap recipe video:
• Eucalyptus Laundry Soa...
Blog post (written recipe) for my laundry soap recipe:
www.ellyseveryday.com/ellys-e...
Links to my favourite soap making books (second half of the page) including Kevin Dunn's 'Scientific Soap Making' mentioned in the video:
www.ellyseveryday.com/favouri...
More technical information about soap making on my Soap Making Terms page on my website:
www.ellyseveryday.com/soap-ma...
Thank you for your wonderful support everyone. If you have any questions please ask them in the comments section or visit my website for more information www.ellyseveryday.com/
If you would like to support my work further, please visit my 'Buy Me a Coffee' page: www.buymeacoffee.com/ellyseve... (thank you!)
DISCLAIMER
The information provided in my videos and website is based on my own personal research and experience and is provided for informational purposes only. While I take the utmost care to ensure that the recipes and information I provide are accurate and calculated without error, I am not a professional soap manufacturer, nor do I have formal qualifications in chemistry or skincare formulation (or any other related field) and I make no guarantees about the correctness of the information presented. I am not responsible for the consequences of the application or misapplication of any of the information I provide. Use the information in my videos and on my website at your own risk.
Full site disclaimer: www.ellyseveryday.com/disclaimer
Copyright © Elly’s Everyday 2021 - Навчання та стиль
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*DISCLAIMER:* The information provided within Elly's Everyday videos, website, social media pages and for Elly’s Everyday group members is based on my own personal research and experience and is provided for informational, entertainment and general educational purposes only. I am not a professional soap manufacturer and do not hold any qualifications in chemistry or skincare formulation (or any other related field) and I make no guarantees about the correctness of the information provided. Please use any information provided at your own risk and view this video if you are new to soap making: ua-cam.com/video/EZTsW9UvNmU/v-deo.html. Thank you!
Thank, Elly, for your wonderful educational videos. I call them "Soapmaking University". Not only you explain all the intricacies of the craft, but you do it an easy, relaxed manner that really is very helpful when dealing with this rather complicated process. You are the best!
Thanks Diana, yes there's a lot to learn!
Wow, I've been making soap for about 10 years, and I never knew why some of my soaps had "strange" more translucent patches. And when friends told me my soap lasts so much longer than store bought soap, I never knew the reason! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I'll be trying to gel my soaps from now on. :)
As a foreigner, your English is smooth like silk! I don't feel the need even for subtitles, it's so easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
That's wonderful! Thank you.
I am a new cold process soap maker and this was so educational. Thank you.
You are so awesome Ms. Elly! I absolutely LOVE your videos and as a super new soap maker, you give me a bit more confidence that I can do it. Thank you so much for your lessons and your kind nature to teaching. I really do love it!
I'm so happy to see a new video out! I always learn so much from your videos! I probably should have done a CPOP on my last soap, it was still pretty soft when I cut it into bars, even after two full days in the mold. I have really been getting into hot processed soap, they're both so much fun to do in different ways.
Thanks Liz, yes I"m with you. I'm loving HP soap more and more! I would like to do more HP videos in future.
Great video! I love the vibrant colors in gelled soaps :)
THanks, me too!
As always I learn something new from every one of your videos! I did not know that gelled soap would make a harder longer lasting bar, that is so fascinating! I usually CPOP… I once pulled a Soap out too early and cut it before it was completely gelled. I was very disappointed in the way it looked… So I decided to turn the oven back on, and put the soap back in, and low and behold… It worked!! Just thought I would share One of my experiences! Thank you for a great tutorial, and have a great day!!
That's fantastic! I have heard that works too but have never tried it. Thanks Terry Ann!
I have been watching your videos lately and I love how help all your videos are to me and I'm sure others. Yesterday I made my first cold process soap and it turned out beautifully thanks to your tips and helping me understand so much about soap making.
Thanks so much Jenna :)
Thank you for all the helpful information you have given us on youtube. Much appreciated.
You're very welcome Helanna
Thankyou for a great tutorial again! I have learned so much from you .
Excellent video. You are very knowledgeable and explain things so well that even a newbie feels confident enough to try. Well done!
Thank you Belinda, that's so great!
Thank you for this. I was looking for gel information and your video was just what I was looking for. So very helpful!
You're welcome :)
Hey loved this one,I am going to buy that book.
Listening to your voice is so relaxing. I can imagine when George of Dawn Organics says that his mom sleeps off on listening to your videos 😀😀😀
Haha that's so funny. Thank you Joya! Yes I take it as a compliment when I put George's mum to sleep :)
I have added 2.4% sodium lactate in coco olive 30,/70 can I forego the force gel phasing
Its the weekend so I my time to work on my craft/soap education and I got my book and took notes. Thank you Elly because I didn't understand what "jelling" meant. I love your videos. I am never going to stop saying that 😊.
I love watching your videos. I learn something new every time 😃 Thank you
Thank you so much Elly for another informative vid…I learn so much from you…always sharing and educating..Blessings always !
Thanks!
So helpful, always! I have found you and now I am binge watching❤️!
Yay! Thank you!
Thank you Elly for sharing this useful piece of information :)
Thank you, you're very welcome!
Hi Elly
SO! Informative and helpful ... As always 💟
I've always let soap go through this phase
I didn't know what the advantages were for doing it, or the reasons for inhibiting it
So this has been really interesting ... Your videos always are to be fair
Looking forward to the next one
Thank you ❤️🙏🌍
Thank you Debra x
I never knew these things regarding gelling and the benefits. Thanks for the video 🙏😊
Thanks George, you're welcome!
Thank you very much for this video🙂You are great. Perhaps the best explanation I've ever heard.
Thank you Yuliia :)
This is very helpful Elly, thank you. I like to make soap using coconut oil, tallow, and cocoa butter and I make small amounts which means individual silicone molds. I have a lot to learn about how those oils heat up/react during saponification and the best way to gel them.
You're welcome Maureen, I think you might really enjoy the blog post I wrote for this yesterday. Lots more detail there (the link is below).
I’m learning so much from your videos ...still have a way to go...great presentation thank you 😊
Hi, Elly nice to see you back again. Liked your class. Come with more innovative recipe and artistic soaps. Thanks
Thank you Prem.
The increase in longevity for the soap is just one more reason that I prefer hot process.
With HP, it's all gel, all the time. 👍
Hi Elly … thank you so much for this video. I’m very much a newbie, having only just made my first soap since doing my soap classes.
This was something I have been researching lately and really trying to understand what “gel phase” is. Your video has certainly helped me now understand at least 🙂 off to your website now to checkout the post btw love your website 😍 Jenny from NSW
Oh thanks so much Jenny! Yes, please do check out the blog post. More detail there :)
Your vids have become my most useful!
That's great John! Thanks for your feedback.
Thank you very much dear Elly 🌷💚
Thanks Elly for explaining gel phase. Another great explanation!
Thank you Katherine. Hope it wasn't too boring!
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking never boring, always amazing, calm and educational xx
Thank you so much. Good to be a calm person in this world I reckon!
Thanks Elly for this great explanation on the reasons to gel soap. 🐾
Thanks Marion :)
Thank you Elly. Very well explained. Good to see you! 🙂 Iris
Thanks Iris!
Thank you for explaining why gel is good and when it’s not!
Hi Elly I'm really excited to watch this video.thank u
Thanks Yamini :)
wonderful information thanks.
Big fan ❤️ you really brighten my day !!
Thanks so much Johnathan :)
My milk soap is in the oven now, lol It's important to refresh my memory every now and then I guess. Thanks Elly good info.
Thank you for all the great information!
I will definitely have to keep the gelling in mind for my milk soaps... I have been wanting to do the CPOP, and now am better prepared, thank you!
I have to experiment now and see if the gelled soap lasts longer, if so that would be great😀
On to the blog post!!
You are so welcome!
I love your channel. Thank you.
Thanks Elly. This is very helpful info. Looking forward to your next. Stay safe up there in Qld expect your still in lockdown like my son.
Thank you, yes should end tonight I think... we'll see. I'm staying home to make my laundry powder today, finally!!
Thanks, Elly great tips. Loved the garbage truck pick up, made me laugh. Cheers.
I love this section
I learn so much from you, thx
Oh very neat! I'd thought that gel phase was just a cosmetic difference (and one I like!), so it's neat to hear it also makes the soap last longer!
Wow, great video
I just did my very first soap. Fingers crossed!
Thank you for your video
Thanks Elly. Take care. 🤗
Thanks Kathy :)
Thanks again for a well explained video. I see from the comments you have a lot of new soap makers following your instruction, myself included. There is indeed a lot to learn, I'm on my fourth batch now, trying different variations on a combination of oils and lye concentrations to find one I like. The frustrating part is waiting for them to cure and see if they are any good. My first batch from late April is now cured enough that it doesn't melt in the shower after a few days.
My latest soap, traced very quickly, a few minutes and started thickening as I was stirring in the colouring, I just managed to get it in the mould albeit by spooning it in as it wouldn't pour. it seems ok and I think the heat was a big factor in this as my oils and lye solution were over 40 degrees C when I was mixing them, only time will tell if it is any good, I'm confident though.
It's possible you have explained in a previous video but if not can you suggest whether using warm oil and lye solution is better than room temperature liquids?
Keep up the good work, you inspire a lot of us soap makers.
Thanks Andrew, I'll be doing a video on soap making temperatures soon. It can be important, yes :)
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking I look forward to watching that when it comes.
You are alys So much informative…
Thank you Shubhada :)
Interesting info! I don't do CP, I only make HP, so all my soaps always go through Gel Phase. So I never knew that the speed of the Gel Phase in CP could be affected by the recipe. Very interesting indeed!
Thanks Khione, yes it's interesting stuff! It's funny, I've always liked the quality of HP soaps, and this is why!!
thank you Ally great to know .
Thanks Anthea, you're welcome :)
Thank you for explaining, I got nervous. I made a large batch of coconut soap and it became translucent. I thought it was failed because of the Castor oil I put which is just 10%. I was already planning to re-batch it haha. Good thing I searched about the gel phase.
Thank you
Thanks so much, Mrs Elly. I learned much from you. I have partial gel in both oat soap and avocado soap. I use coconut oil not too much, only about 33%, and medium water 33% lye. in avocado, I used 10% water discount. I live in tropical climate area, so I don't find what is the cause for this partial gel. I poured lye solution right away, didn't wait them to cool down, if only they already looked clear and well disolved. could it be the reason for partial gel in my soap? TIA
Thank you for sharing
You're welcome.
I once had to force the gel phase to have a homogeneous color of the batch because it was a specially reuquested soap. So i just put it in the oven at 50⁰C for few minutes under direct supervision and the gel completed and the color of the green clay was much better as well
Yes CPOP works really well! You can run into trouble with silicone moulds though, I talked about that in my blog post (link below).
New Subscriber ... And new to soap making. Quick question, Would you know the average temperature to "sustain" the proper gel phase? I like building things and am willing to try make some sort of oven specifically for CPOP and try to keep it inexpensive!
Thaaaaank you soo much, Elley.
May you talk about sunflower oil when making soap?
Thanks Omar. Sunflower oil doesn't make very good soap, but it's ok in small amounts (makes very soft soap)
Hi Elly. Thanks for this great video - I love them all!!! I have learnt soooo much from you and make lots of soap for my family and friends.
I have a question: some of my soaps have remained quite squishy in situations where there is little airflow in a shower or bathroom - is this to be expected? My soaps do gel thoroughly. I live in Mackay, so is it the humidity?
Is there a way we can send you photos?
That’s all. 😄
Have a nice Sunday!!!
Hi Kim, yes some handmade soaps are quite soft, especially in high humidity. I love olive oil based soaps, but they are quite soft! They need to be dried very thoroughly between uses or they don't last long. I keep a few bars going at the one time and pick the driest one. If you use different formulations you will get longer lasting soaps, depends on the skin feel you're looking for. You can send photos via my website if you like :) (links below)
Thank you for another great video! I am a fan. I'm a beginner, may I ask, have you done a video, probably I skipped or did not see it yet, about how to choose which oils to use? also, can I use regular essential oil? thank you!
Hi, no I haven't done that video yet - it's on my list. Yes, you can use any essential oils, but buying in bulk from a wholesaler is the most affordable option :)
Ok. Thank you. This is something I’m not clear about. I normally do hot process soap.
All hot process soap gels - we're actually forcing the gel in HP! You might like the blog post linked below - lots more detail there :)
Hi Elly! So nice hearing from you again! And so rich information. Thank you always for sharing your knowledge!! A question: when you say “high” or “low” water soaps, what concentration levels do you men, give or take? Thx again!!!
I discuss the water levels in terms of lye water solution 'lye concentrations' in my video on how to calculate soap recipes :)
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking thx!!🥰🥰
Hi Elly. Great video as usual! Will 100% coconut oil soap always reach gel phase in a log mould? Also does the silicone liner make a difference to how quickly a soap will gel or not?
Yes, 100% coconut oil soap will usually fully gel in a log mould, but it depends on the soap making temperatures, and room temperature. Silicone mould liner won't affect it :)
Thank you for sharing such great tips and tricks! You do the best job at explaining why things work the way that they do. I am brand new to soap making. I have rectangle molds that fit inside wood frames. My first batch had a gel center ring. My 2nd batch was a complete disaster. I used too much water. It was wet and super soft. I did a rebatch, but it is still soft. I don't know how to fix it. The 3rd batch I placed inside a warmed oven, but it still has the gel center ring. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it gel completely? I love the colors of the outer loaf of soap. I would like for them to have the same pretty colors inside too. Thank you! Have a blessed day.
Jackie in USA
Hey Jackie, maybe try using warmer ingredients? Or wrap in a woolen blanket, or something else really warm?
Hi Elly!
I've been learning a lot from you and your videos! Altho I'm from the Philippines which is very warm (hot even)....makes it hard for me to understand some stuff about gelling the soaps. Is it possible that I don't need to insulate the soaps in a silicon mode considering the fact that the room temp. is very warm (hot)? Will it gel on it's own? I'm considering on making my own log mold with my dad as well.... as far as I learn and understand from your video today....I don't need to insulate my soaps if ever I use the log mold here in the Phillipines because it might get too hot like the volcano you mentioned and leading to crack my soaps(?)
I hope I'm correct x'D
It really depends on the recipe! Some heat up more than others. But generally speaking, yes you can insulate your soap less in hot weather. (ie, in summer I often just use a towel, in winter a warm blanket).
I made the olive oil soap from your recipe 3weeks ago. So I wonder how much time it needs to cure. Would that be enough 4 weeks? Thank you very much for your work and attention! 💖
4-6 weeks minimum is best, even longer is better!
I love gelled soap. I can't CPOP because of the type of oven that I have. (It stays on). I have a nice recipe that gels on its own. :)
Hi Elly...the more I learn from you, the more I want to learn, and the more questions I have, I can barely keep up with my own mind! You are my go to for soap making and I love to watch your videos over and over, so thank you! My questions for today are, with HP soap, does the gel phase happen automatically during the process? Meaning, while it's cooking and reaches the vaseline phase, is that the "gel phase" we're looking for? and does it have the same end result as gelling with CP soap?
Hi Darlene, yes, you are right! in HP soap process we are forcing the soap to gel through cooking, and yes, the vaseliney-gel phase is a good sign that your soap is cooked. Yes, the results are similar apart from the 'rustic' texture of HP soap :)
Assalamu alaikum please explain me why is separate oil and other things in the sabun ,
Hi Elly, could you please tell me for using fresh puree in soap. I am afraid of getting my final soap early rancid or cut its shelf life.
I use a puree in this recipe, it's nice! ua-cam.com/video/I_QU9N2bKmc/v-deo.html
Thankyou, I thought something was wrong when this happened lol.
So if I’m doing small batch hot process soap in a crock pot, if I’m understanding you correctly my cook time is actually forcing the gel process? I’d like to try some cold process soap making. I like the smooth top you achieve when you do not cook the soap to such a thickened state. Even though I told my cooked soap is ready to use, it still lasts longer and is milder when it is allowed to sit for several weeks. Another question I have is about essential oils. It seems that adding essential oil at the end of the cook seems to destroy (evaporates) much of the oil scent. The cooked soap cannot sit until cooler before adding essential oil as the cooked soap sets up too quickly. Is this issue avoided with CP soap? Thank you.
Yes, you're exactly right Michelle! CP is much easier for adding EO's to soap.
Elly, thank you for your teachings. I made this 100% Coconut oil bar soap and for four days now, it's still oily, looking like a gel. How do I correct this please? It's still in the mold.
Sounds like it perhaps wasn't mixed thoroughly enough?
Hi Elly a batch of my first soap I made went cluggy in the shower when using it. Is this to do with gel fase? I used them about 6 weeks after making them. I have kept some of this soap it’s been 3 months and looks and feels harder now! Does keeping soaps longer stop the cluggy? I used mostly olive oil and some coconut. Thanks for your very helpful videos 🤗
Hi Denise, that would be due to the recipe I'd say. Mostly olive oil soap can go very gluggy under certain conditions. This video will help a lot! Choosing Oils for Soap Making - Oil types and fatty acids, balancing recipes and Soapcalc explained ua-cam.com/video/V-uDPifp3n0/v-deo.html
Hi mam you are really spr..one doubt how much percentage of flaxseed gel need to add For cold process soap with Weight of oil?? Can u kindly reply me mam waiting for your answer
Yes
My first batch is gelling. I am glad
Elly, two days ago I made your recipe for aloe vera soap. It is soft and when I tried to take it out of the moulds the bottom is not completely set. Do I just leave the soap in the mould until set completely? This is the second day.
Yes it is a soft soap. I would take it out of the mould if you can get it out, but if it is really soft just leave it there for another day. It will become a nice soap with a good cure period.
Thank you!
Hello.. I use individual moulds and cover and wrap as soon as pured. I find some bars especially those with sandalwood, bergemot or bay in trace very fast and do retain lot of heat these bars can show glycerin swirls in. Also my wrapped soaps can stay hot for a day so I'm assuming they are gelling and going through the saponification stage naturally..they last long time and don't take on anywater. Coconut content is over 30%.
Thank you for sharing. Is this with cold process soaps?
Hi Lynda, yes that is possible with some FO's and it sounds like you're using high water if you're getting glycerine rivers? High water soaps gel much more thoroughly and for a lot longer than low water soaps.
Yes the coconut would make the gel more vigorous too. I've got lots of detail about all of these aspects in the blog post (link below)
PS
Please don't let the rudeness from some put you off
The video was wonderful 🙏💟
Thanks so much Debra. I haven't seen much rudeness in my time on youtube, but some people can't help themselves. I don't take it personally :)
Elly, Wondering about a all Tallow or Lard soap? Or combination of those fats? After listening to this video I'm sure we would want it to go through gel phaze to get hard. Is there a good recipie for this? Thank you
They both make great soap. I don't have a recipe, but there are plenty around if you do a search :)
I made one and I thought the gelling process was going to help prevent it from looking translucent over time. So will it stay looking shiny? I put in the oven but it didn't gel until the next day. I didn't cut yet because it's still soft. Do you have any recommendations? It was a good amount if water content. I am new.
Yes it should be fine, it very much depends on the recipe though.
Hello Ma'am ! Thankful for your knowledge and it's a great learning ! I Have one question regarding wrapping in a blanket thing ! Over here In India one of my friend got crack in her soap so is it possible because of over heating ??? As per 35°C room temperature over here (Indian climate) do we need to wrap in a blanket or a simple cloth at first ? and for what duration ? I'm confused some people freeze it and some keep it warm ! When should we do that exactly and for what particular oil proportions ! ? Please revert back at your ease ! Thank youuu !
Hi Jeet, my blog post that goes with this video answers all of those questions, the link is in the video description box :)
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Ok Thank you ! Will go through it 👍
you're so lovely and amazing and informative. i love you so much.
Thank you Hossein
Hello Elly, where is that soap wood mold from?
Hi Geldine, it's one my Dad made for me :)
Thank you mam for showing how gel phase looks like and shared knowledgeable information about the gel phase. Mam I have a doubt after cutting the soap how much time should we leave it for curing time to dry. Because many articles says different time period
Thank you Kajol, 4-6 weeks is an average minimum cure time. A couple of months is ideal, but it depends on how long you can wait and the type of soap you made.
thank you mam😇
Hi Elly, my next batch of soap will be dish soap, so 85-100% coconut oil, and I have to pour it into a log mold. I know I don't want to cover it because it can overheat, but would it be okay to put it in the fridge? I'll also have to cut it within 4-5 hours, right? Thanks very much. (p.s. I miss your videos.)
You could put it in the fridge, but it might not fully gel that way. If you want a full gel, then just leave it at room temp :)
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thanks very much for your reply, Elly. Have a great day!
Can anyone answer this: I’ve just done my first batch using lard and it looks like it went through partial gel but the pink clay I added only colored the outer layer of the soap. Any advice so I don’t make the same mistake.
Edit: I just checked it again and the color has turned completely pink with a gelled circle in the middle.
Ah, I love that you got your answer :)
I made a batch of soap, but after 24 hours I took it out of the mold and it was soft like puty, but after curing on the shelves it's hardening. Should've waited another day or 2 to un mold it
Hi Elly, i would like to ask if its possible to gel a milk soap. You are talking a little bit about it but, if i would like to gel a milk soap, how would i do that? I get that it would be much more difficult because i dont want to scorch it.. thx in advance!
Hi Vanessa, yes you can gel milk soaps but you have to be prepared for them to be a darker colour than ungelled soap.
Can you adopt me ? I'm so jealous of your kids, your house must smell devine from all your soaps.
😂
lol I laughed out loud when I saw your comments bro. Me too I wanna be kids of Elly 2
No me meeeeer,lol
😂 exactly my thoughts ❤
Im firssstttt,thanks for good topics
Welcome 😊
Ma'am, would you please teach us how to make soap base? yours tutorial is the easiest ever
I've never made a soap base. That is a very different method to the soaps I make.
I just got into soap making and continuously have been running into the same problem that from what i've seen no one else is. It's as if my soap is stuck in the gel phase for days and won't harden. Do you have any clue as to what might be wrong?
yeah, yesterday I made Castile soap and I checked it today and it is still in the gel phase! I wonder if that is normal?
That sounds odd to me. The gel phase at most usually lasts half a day.
And what about the glycerin rivers??? Its good?
Usually they are a sign of too much water in the recipe :)
what does it mean when the soap starts to erupt in the mold and makes cracks. i tried to smash it back down.
We call that a soap volcano!
Check the description :)
Hello hello first of all thank you for your all tutorial videos, I'm following from algeria, just started to learn how to make soap 🧼 please why we can't use soap after for example 3 days of cure why we have to let it 4weeks
Thank you. It's important to let it cure so that it drys out and hardens properly. It also becomes milder as it ages.
@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking thank you very much, please do you have a good soap recipe for acne, thank you
Gel soaps have diffrent quality in use or not?
Yes they do. You can check out all the details on my blog post about it here www.ellyseveryday.com/ellys-everyday-blog/gel-phase-in-cold-process-soap-making
I'm a new soap maker and I'm not understanding the milk and water discount can you do a tutorial .
This video explains water amounts for soap making ua-cam.com/video/wd7_uZfbPn4/v-deo.html