Botanical Bleed and Soap Sweat

I have watched my soaps 'evolve' over the last few weeks.  I was quite impressed that making soap went without a hitch apart from tiny bubbles appearing on the surface.  About a week after un-moulding my soaps I noticed a brown colour around the mint leaves.  After doing a bit of investigation, I found out that it is known as botanical bleed, where the oils from the plant material leach out into the soap.  It is totally harmless but does kind of spoil the look.  Then a couple of days ago I was surprised to see my bars of soap sweating!  Yes!  Soaps do sweat when they have a high quantity of glycerin or are exposed to humidity.

4 things I have learnt about making melt and mould soap

• To prevent air bubbles, avoid overheating or over stirring the mixture and gently pour into mould popping any visible bubbles that remain on the surface.

• When using dried botanicals, make a tea with them first to draw out the oils and discard the liquid.  Some therapeutic properties of the plant will be lost but it will make for a more attractive bar of soap.

• Once the soaps have set, shrink wrap in plastic using cling film and a heat gun to provide a tight seal.  This should prevent the soap from sweating.

• Perseverance (my word of the year) is much needed!