There are two main reasons to rebatch:
- To fix a batch of soap that you've made a mistake on...
- To use delicate or temperamental ingredients that don't survive, react badly, or otherwise have problems with the lye solution.
There are two sides of the soap making fence when it comes to rebatching:
- The Kathy Miller's Soap Site side of the fence that basically says “Don’t do it unless you absolutely have to.” (I fall onto this side of the fence.) I have used rebatching process several times to fix batches of soap I’ve made mistakes on, and the soap comes out just fine. But I don’t usually ever set out to use rebatching intentionally.
- The Norma Coney's Complete Soapmaker and Susan Hamblen's Making Scented Soap side. In their books, they use, practically celebrate, the rebatching process right along side their other recipes and processes – as a completely useful and valid technique.
