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Orange spots occur in handmade soap when excess oil that is caught in pockets begins to go rancid by oxidation. The process of adding extra oil during the process of milling is called superfatting. It adds extra emollient characteristics to hand made soaps. Even though it leads to better skin conditioning, extra oil can lead to unsightly orange spots. To avoid orange spots when making soap:

1. Keep the superfatting percentage to a 5% maximum. Too much excess oils raise the chances of orange spots.
2. Mix the oil and the soap base well but minimize the amount of air bubbles through the use of alcohol.
3. Use fresh oils and properly store them away from heat sources, light sources, or air.
4. Use only distilled water in the soap milling process. This will prevent the interference of chemicals and minerals in the milling process.
5. Let the soap cure in a cool and dry spot away from heat, light, and moisture sources especially sunlight and humidity.
6. The use or mixing of soft oils like canola and sunflower seems to promote faster oxidation of the oils.
7. Incomplete curing of the soap can lead to orange spots. Also, after full curing, it is suggested to shrink wrap soap so that exposure to temperature and humidity is minimized.

You can still use the soap because it is not harmful to your skin. Or you can take a knife and cut out the orange spots. The above steps should help you to avoid orange spots and lead to the creation of perfect soap!

Learn more about this author, Odessa Maxwell.
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