moosey

About the soap that turned brown - did the fragrance have vanilla in it? That can change the color of a soap, sometimes immediately, sometimes in a few days, sometimes it takes longer. I'm told it isn't harmful, just a color change. Hopefully I'm not telling you something you already know, but when you said you were newish, I thought I'd offer that. Have fun!

Thanks, again! I can see several experiments in my future - without even having to buy more "stuff"!

Thanks for the info! I do have plans to try a couple of the recipes you have shared, Candybee, but wanted to salvage this base, too. And I have everything on hand that was suggested as fixes (except tocopheral). I thought I'd read that olive oil added to MP made the bars harder, though?

I was well aware as I posted that most are seeking a harder bar! That's why I hesitated to make this my first post as I have been doing MP since late '06 and have tried multiple bases, additives, etc., but after lurking for months & months, I decided to register. Then I ask a question that sounds like I've never done this before... The base in question is NG's clear, no longer available as they've gone to natural bases, if I'm not mistaken. I have used their French Milled & the Honey and both were okay, but this one just isn't tripping my trigger. I've tried a few different fo's in it, too, as in my experience even the scent can affect the outcome, but the bars seem too hard. It doesn't seem to lather much, either, which had not been the case when I tried a couple of other NG bases, but I know of a few things to try for that. I could use up the base by adding a small amount to other bases, I guess, but thought maybe someone had tried this at some point in their base testing and/or experiments.

I have a clear M&P base that, in my opinion, is too hard. I do have a base I like, several actually, but this was sent to me in error & the supplier did not ask me to return it , so while it is a bonus, I don't want to just toss it! I can't afford to spend much on doctoring it up either, so hopefully the fix may be something I already have or can get at a grocery store. Can anyone suggest which oil or additive might help?