What Foods Have Titanium Dioxide-When To Add Titanium Dioxide To Soap

Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient used in soap making to achieve an opaque, white color. It is a pigment that helps to brighten the soap and can also provide a smooth, creamy look. When adding titanium dioxide to soap, you should consider the following points to determine the best time to incorporate it:

1. **Type of Soap Making Method**:

– **Cold Process**: In cold process soap making, titanium dioxide is typically added to the soap batter once the lye and oils have been mixed and before the essential oils or fragrance oils are added. This is usually when the soap reaches trace, which is the point where the mixture begins to thicken.

– **Hot Process**: In hot process soap making, you can add titanium dioxide either before or after the cook. If adding before, it would be similar to the cold process method. If adding after, you would mix it into the soap once it has been cooked and is in a gel-like state before molding.

– **Melt and Pour**: For melt and pour soap, you would add titanium dioxide to the melted soap base before pouring it into the mold. It should be stirred in thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

2. **Powdered vs. Pre-Dispersed**:

– If you are using powdered titanium dioxide, it should be mixed with a dispersant like glycerin or oil to create a slurry before adding it to the soap batter. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth, even color distribution.

– Pre-dispersed titanium dioxide can be added directly to the soap mixture without the need for a dispersant.

3. **Desired Opacity**:

– The amount of titanium dioxide you add will depend on how opaque you want your soap to be. Start with a small amount, such as 1/4 teaspoon per pound of oils, and adjust as needed. Too much can make the soap grainy and can also lighten the color of any added colors or fragrances.

4. **Mixing**:

– It’s important to mix the titanium dioxide thoroughly into the soap batter to avoid streaks or spots of white. Use a stick blender to ensure it is well incorporated.

5. **Preservation of Properties**:

– Adding titanium dioxide at the right time helps preserve the properties of the soap, such as its scent and lather quality. Adding it too early can cause the fragrance to dissipate more quickly, and adding it too late might not give you the desired opacity.

In summary, for cold process and melt and pour methods, you typically add titanium dioxide at trace or just before pouring into the mold. For hot process, you can add it before or after cooking, depending on your preference and the desired outcome. Always ensure that the pigment is well dispersed before pouring the soap into the mold to achieve an even color.