I made two batches of soap a couple weeks ago. The first was my regular recipe with mica color and cocoa powder swirls. It was beautiful but I forgot FO. I just left it on the counter for about 16 hours, I was disgusted. Beautiful soap, no FO. The next day it was white on top with ash. I made another batch the next day, same colors, same swirl but this time I added TN Love Spell. I put this batch in a 170* oven that I had just turned off but left the light on. I left it in the oven overnight and then unmolded at 24 hours. No ash. I have no idea what causes ash. I can gel some soaps and get horrible ash, others ash with no gel but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. I hope you figure it out, when you do, let me know, please.