The Gel PhaseUpdated 4 months ago
What is The Gel Phase?
The gel phase is a sometimes-present part of the saponification process where soap gets extremely hot and takes on a gelatinous consistency. This stage is not a necessary step in the creation of soap. Still, it is a necessary process for soapers to understand if they hope to control the aesthetic result of their soap.
Heat is a catalyst of saponification – heat causes saponification, it does not prevent it. Gelled and partially gelled soaps are safe for use.
To Gel, or Not to Gel?
Gelling is an easy (and the only) way to achieve certain aesthetic characteristics. Why embrace the heat?
- You want vibrant, slightly shiny colors. Any color will pop more in a soap that has gone through the gel phase.
- You are using natural colorants. Natural colorants (madder root is a great example) will take on a duller, less “true” hue if the soap does not go through the gel phase.
- You are using LabColors. These bright colors will only return to true hue in gelled soap.
- You are in a hurry to finish your soap. The high temperatures reached by the soap will cause the soap to harden more quickly. As a result, you can unmold your soap more quickly. The soap still needs to cure for 4-6 weeks.
How to Avoid the Gel Phase
- Use a water discount or increase it. Note that this will speed up the trace.
- Make smaller batches – they can’t hold heat as well.
- Use molds with greater surface area – heat transfers.
- Put the mold in the fridge or freezer.
- Elevate on cookie tray, etc. to provide airflow around entire mold.
- Don’t keep molds close together during the pour to avoid heat transfer or insulation between the two.
- Soap around 80-90 °F for mixtures.
Low surface area + good all-around airflow + cool temperatures + water discount = NO GEL
How to Force the Gel Phase
- Soap 10 °F higher than usual for your recipe (but not if you’re doing a swirl).
- Incorporate more water into your recipe – be sure to consult with your lye calculator!
- Cover your soap to prevent airflow. Insulation is advised.
- Set the soap on a heating pad.
- Oven process the soap by placing it in an oven set to 170° F for about 15 minutes. Turn off the oven. Leave the soap in the oven until saponification is complete.
Thick loaves + insulation + high temperatures + “full water” = GEL
Partial Gel
Excessive heat during the saponification causes the central area in the soap to be darker and more translucent than the soap’s outer edges. This means the soap cooled before the gel phase reached the edges of the mold.
Additional Resources:
https://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/handmade101/learn-to-make-articles/to-gel-or-not-to-gel.aspx