Uploaded September 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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As a new soaper I was scared that I wouldn't be able to recognize 'trace' when I saw it, hopefully this video will give you an idea of what a soap batter looks like as it reaches emulsification, light trace, medium trace and thick trace. I've used a very basic beginning recipe without scents or colorants:

22.5 gms castor oil
90 gms coconut oil
157.5 gms lard
135 gms olive oil
45 gms shea butter

126 gms distilled water (28% of oil weight)
61.05 gms lye (NaOH)

I soaped at temperatures between 90-100 degrees F.

This recipe was calculated with a 7% superfat.
I used Soapcalc lye calculator for this recipe.

Please feel free to ask any questions and happy soaping!