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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Chemical of the day: EDTA in soapmaking


One of the problems soapmakers face is the bound-to-happen dreaded orange spots (DOS) that appear on the soaps usually 2-4 days after molding. These spots are caused by one of the following:

a.) Too much superfatting
b.) Rancid Oil used
c.) Short shelf life of oil
d.) "Soft" oils (olive, canola, sunflower, e.g.)
e.) High temperature curing

Another problem soapmakers face is the production of soap scum which unpleasantly creates mess in the bathroom and even in the soapmaker's workplace. 

Soap scum and DOS can be prevented by using EDTA.
EDTA is white and is in powder form. 

How to use:
OPTION A:
1. Dissolve EDTA in distilled water with Sodium Chloride (Salt).
2. Add during light trace.

OPTION B:
(AFTER LYE SOLUTION)
1. Dissolve EDTA in lye water.

OPTION C:
(BEFORE LYE SOLUTION)
1. Dissolve EDTA in Distilled water before adding lye.

Always remember that you can't state your soap as "Organic" once this chemical is placed. In order to avoid using EDTA, always check your measurements and check the shelf life of your oils. To prevent soap scum without using this chemical, you can use hardening agents that are natural like Sodium Chloride (Salt) or Cera Alba (Beeswax). These natural ingredients can hold the bar together stronger and it can help reduce soap scum.







10 comments:

  1. How do I determine how much EDTA to use? I've noticed since making my own soap that the scum is worse in the shower--I've now cut down on supperfatting as a result. I use EDTA in my shampoo recipe (not a soap recipe--surfactants) and I'd like to try it in my bar soap recipes but haven't found a place that tells me how much to put in!

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  2. How do I determine the amount of NaCl required ?

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  3. Whats the percentage of EDTA should be added n tell me e.g 100g EDTA can be disolved in how much lye??

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  4. EDTA is a chemical that is obsorbed through the skin which causes developmental problems along with reproductive problems. DO NO USE EDTA AND BAN IT FROM USE OR CONSUMPTION.

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  5. B Martin:

    California Prop 65 Statement: The following statement is made in order to comply with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This product is not known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

    What is your source for your claim? Who's research are you referencing?

    I do not want to put anything into my soap that may or will cause cancer, developmental problems or any other problems.

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  6. This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works. natural soap

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  7. I've been considering adding EDTA to my cold process soaps but I cannot find how much to add anywhere. How do you measure it per oz of oil?

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  8. For those who claim edta is harmful (without any validity or links to specific medical documents), please do your research! Edta is used in the medical field in wound care due to it's antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Here's an article directly from the National Institutes of Health, Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486448/

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