There are those who say that the saponification process eliminates the need for an antioxidant as the oils are no longer oils, but soap. Others say that the soap made with oils still needs protection regardless of the saponification process, so until this controversy is settled, I prefer to take the safest route.

This was another experimental batch crafted with heavy whipping cream with the mild scent of Bay Rum.

This particular batch was very easy to make, but while we were mixing the lye into the heavy whipping cream/water, the mixture started to thicken and curdle, first a little, then a lot. What we did then was to add the remainder of the lye at once (about 2 oz) and within moments, pour the lye mixture into the oils which were by then cooled to 125F.

Trace was reached using two blenders within about 4-5 minutes. We added 1/2 oz Bay Rum and poured the mixture into the mold. Within another five minutes, the batch was almost into full gel stage and we didn't know whether to be joyful or disappointed. Luckily though, it was the outcome we hoped for. We crafted this batch at 6 p.m. and it was ready to cut into bars within 6 hours. The bars are hard with excellent lather, a wonderful color and light Bay Rum smell for the guys.

We recommend using any combination or volume of oils, but make sure you run them through a lye calculator. Then, I recommend a ratio of 1 part whipping cream to 3 parts distilled water. Approximately 6.5 oz heavy whipping cream was combined with 16.5 oz distilled water - almost 1/4. The water/whipping cream and lye are processed using the same method as goat milk/water. Directions can be found on our soapmaking page or on one of the goat milk soap recipes.

The mixture will turn a bright yellow in color as the lye is added. The temperature was maintained at below 130F and above 80F. At around 90F, it had a tendency to thicken, so keeping a close eye on it is essential. After the mixture had thickened, it also began to curdle. It was at this point that the remainder of the lye was added (about 1/8) and since the oils were already cooled to approximately 130F, they were combined together the moment the last amount of lye had dissolved.

The batch should come to trace quickly and easily, just like the other recipes and for us, it is ready for cutting within seven hours. As with the Goat Milk Soaps, I did not have to insulate the mold. We tried a sliver using our "hard water" test and the lather was exceptional. 

Note: Even if you are not substituting any of the base oils in our formulations with another oil, be sure to run the entire formula through a lye calculator to ensure that you are using the accurate amount of lye. Do this as a rule, regardless of circumstances. If you make it a habit, you won't go wrong.

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