All About the Trace
Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen
All the fundamentals of making cold process soap from scratch with lye and oil; make all natural sustainable soap from scratch for yourself of start a side hustle selling soap.
Anne-Marie Faiola
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

All About the Trace

E118 • Apr 26, 2025 • 8 mins

In episode 118 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the concept of trace in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to the topic, explaining the significance of trace in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the various stages of trace, offering insights on how to recognize and utilize each stage effectively. She discusses factors that affect trace, including false trace, and examines how ingredients and temperature play a role. The episode concludes with encouragement and practical tips for mastering trace, along with a segment featuring resources and supplies from BrambleBerry.com.

Key Points

  • Understanding trace is crucial in cold process soapmaking as it indicates when oils and lye water have emulsified and started saponification.
  • Various factors such as temperature, type of oils, and additives can affect how quickly soap reaches thin, medium, or thick trace.
  • Avoid false trace by ensuring hard oils and butters are fully melted and maintain appropriate temperatures throughout the soapmaking process.
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