This is another ITP swirl, with a layer at the base of the loaf which was uncoloured, just the slight ivory discolouration of the Fragrance. What is ITP? This is a Soapers abbreviation for "In the Pot". This means you don't actually swirl the colours manually or physically through the soap, the colours are simply poured into the main pot and the colours mix themselves as you pour the batch from the main soap pot into the mould. A slab or log Mould are best for this kind of soap.
The most important thing with ITP style colouring is to avoid overtracing the soap. If it is too thick, it won't swirl well and will clump instead of flowing. Also important is to use a Fragrance or Essential Oil that doesn't accelerate trace, so if using a different scent than Black Raspberry & Vanilla make sure you know how it will react in CP. (Just check the notes on each of our Fragrances so you know what to expect).
- 130g Cocoa Butter
- 500g Olive Oil
- 250g Coconut Oil
- 250g Palm Kernel Oil
- 165g Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda/Lye)
- 320 - 450 mls/g of Distilled Water (Use the larger quantity if you are a beginner)
- I used 40ml (approx 8 teaspoons - I like this Fragrance a little stronger) of Black Raspberry & Vanilla Fragrance to give this batch its scent, with Brite Pink for CP for the main Colour and toned it down with Royal Purple Dispersion (Or Ultramarine Violet will do admirably too) to take that Neon-ish edge off the strong colour. The discolouration is barely noticeable.
Method:
For how to make soap from Scratch, please see our Cold Process Soapmaking Instructions Page
If you are a beginner, we recommend you make a few batches before attempting this soap as it can be a little overwhelming using so many colours when just starting out. If you are more advanced, you can follow the instructions below.
- Prepare all ingredients and line the mould as usual
- Set aside a spare washed, 500ml Chinese Food container (or similar container up to 1 Litre) for the swirl colour
- Prepare your workspace and set out the liquid colour and Fragrance ready to go
- Bring soap to thin trace, and then pour approximately 1 - 2 cups of soap into the small container
- Colour this with the Liquid Brite Pink for CP & Royal Purple Dispersion until you reach a colour depth you are happy with
- Now add the fragrance into the main pot and stir through thoroughly, but don't increase the trace
- Pour a few centimetres of uncoloured, scented soap into the log mould
- Now pour the Violet portion into the main pot
- DO NOT MIX THIS
- Still working quickly, pour the soap into the log mould – the colours will mix as you do this creating the effect as shown in the pictures
- By slightly moving the soap pot as you pour you can alter the pattern a little if desired
- See full instructions for In the Pot Swirling Technique here).
- If you want a textured top, or don't wish to cover the top to avoid ashing, spritz liberally with Isopropyl Alcohol, then insulate for gel, or you can cover with acetate once firm enough to lie this over the top without it sticking
- Unmould and slice as usual
