Little crystals in the soap: is it undissolved lye? Did I mix in the wrong order?

[hymica]

Hi all.

I've only made about 3-4 times. The bar I just made has little crystals that look like large grains of salt or sugar embedded in it.

I am worried this is undissolved lye and the soap could be harmful.

When you have the liquid, the fat, and the lye weighed out in three containers, is it important to add the lye to the liquid first to dissolve it, and then add the lye-liquid to the fat? Because I put the three of them in together. It seemed to go alright at the time, but now these crystals have me worried.

Thank you.

 

[Yooper]

Yes you always add lye to liquid until fully dissolved. Then let it cool to 120 degrees or so. Not sure what the crystals are, if lye or not.

 

[dmcgee5034]

I’d be very worried it is undissolved lye based on the process you used.

 

[Nedyreyes]

Check the PH, if its 8-9 it's safe to use. If it's over 10, you could use it as a degreaser...make sure you use gloves when you use it!!

 

[Yooper]

All soap is over a pH of 9, often at 10 or so that is what makes it soap. I probably would not use this soap.