the secret to very black soap?

[funkydallaire]

Hello Fellow soapers,
everytime I try to make black soap it turns grey. Even with charcoal and black mica...maybe I am not using enough? what is the ratio to get a really nice black without compromising the soap and make it crumbly? Please share your secret...

 

[Yooper]

My charcoal soap is very black. I don't use that much, and it's definitely not gray. How much are you using?

 

[funkydallaire]

I was using 1 tsp PPO...

 

[Zero]

You should be able to use up to 1TBSP (3tsp) PPO without any crumble, but do note that it will likely create a grey lather.
This article is a pretty good one to check out Nerdy Farm Wife: Charcoal in Soap

 

[Dibennett]

Do you hydrate your AC in olive oil before adding to batter?

 

[kocopop2]

Hi - My loaf makes 10 standard bars and I use 2 Tablespoons

 

[Valkiria]

I´m having the same problem my black soap ends up gray : (

 

[WilliamD]

My Batch is for a total of 12 5oz Bars. I use 1 1/2 to 2 TBS powdered activated charcoal. You do not need to add Mica for coloring. You know you have used too much if bubbles turn grayish/blackish and not white when soap is used. Since charcoal absorbs water I recommend leaving them in mold for a little longer than usual (bars will be softer than normal) and I highly recommend Sodium Lactate for this type of bar (depending on recipe) to aid in the drying process. Before I package them for sale I spritz 70% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth and rub the bars (a little goes a long way) ....it gives them that deep black glossy look! All the Best..........Bill