Oh no! That lovely bar of expensive handmade soap you stored a few months ago has developed orange spots! What are they? Is that soap still safe to use? Has the soap gone bad?
Nothing is more aggravating to a soapmaker than seeing these stupid little orange spots forming on their soaps. This horrifying condition, known as Dreaded Orange Spot (DOS), can make an otherwise beautiful bar of soap look unappealing.
DOS usually occurs due to the oxidation of unsaponified fats in the soap, which are often referred to as “super fats.” These additional fats are intentionally included in soap formulations for their conditioning and moisturizing properties. It can also occur in soap bars exposed to fluctuating heat, humidity, and direct light.
Can I Still Use Handmade Soap with Dreaded Orange Spot?
The good news is that your soap is entirely usable. DOS does not affect the usefulness of the soap; it only impacts its appearance. Over time, it could start to smell a bit old or become sticky to the touch.
Personally, I use bars that have DOS. However, I would advise you throw out any soap that smells bad or is sticky. Overall, it is not harmful to use soap with orange spots.
How Long Does It Take for DOS to Develop?
It’s important to note that DOS takes time to develop. In my experience with olive oil soap, it typically takes more than a year for DOS to appear. I keep my soap recipes well-balanced to minimize the chances of DOS formation, and fortunately, I have not had to deal with it very often.
When properly stored, olive oil castile soap bars can last for years without developing discoloration or going rancid.
How to Reduce the Possibility of Dreaded Orange Spot In Handmade Soap
How do you minimize the development of DOS in your soaps? Be sure to store your castile soap properly. Always wrap your castile bar in tissue paper and place it in a dark drawer or linen closet.
Keep it away from fluctuating temperatures, direct light, and excessive heat. Please do not store it in the bathroom; it is too humid.
Improper storage contributes significantly to the development of DOS. Excessive moisture and warm temperatures certainly contribute to the development of DOS and degradation of castile soaps.
In a Nutshell
By properly storing your handmade castile soaps, you are securing your investment and ensuring a luxurious, creamy, well-aged soap for future use.