Activated charcoal - how to mix and how much?

[ah-soy]

I want to try a soap with a bit of a black swirl. I bought some activated charcoal and have a couple of questions.

Do you have to pre-blend it with some oil or glycerine before adding to your soap batter?

How much generally do you use PPO?

I did a search, but must be using the wrong terms.

[ladysj]

I just add it directly to my soap mix - I usually use 1 capsule at first then see how dark it is. It doesn't take much. HTH

[ah-soy]

Thanks. I bought it in powdered form. How much would you say is a capsule? 1/8 tsp? 1/4 tsp? And is what you see colorwise, what you get or does it lighten up and get grey?

[ladysj]

I'd try starting off with an 1/8 & yes it's pretty much what you see is what you get. I've not had it turn grey.

[ah-soy]

Thanks!

[powderblueboutique]

I use 1 tablespoon ppo. This is what soap making resources reccomends, seems to work pretty well.

[ChrisR]

I use 1 tablespoon ppo. This is what soap making resources reccomends, seems to work pretty well.

1 tablespoon per lb. of oils is way too much, I use 1 tablespoon for a 5 lb. batch and it gets good and black.

[HappySoaper]

I also use 1/8 ppo. It's all very trial and error. Just remember that you can always add more if you need to.