Great question! Trace is when the soap batter thickens just enough that if you drizzle a bit on top, it leaves a faint trail before sinking back in. If you’re using a stick blender, it usually takes about a minute. Just be careful not to over-blend, or your soap might get too thick to pour into the mold easily. If you want more tips on reaching trace, I’ve got a detailed guide on making cold process soap for the shower that you might find helpful.