Thanks for your reply! I apologize for the lapse in replying back.
>Could you give more details with regards to your limitations?
Most bath melts require the use of such things as butters, oils and the like. I would rather not have to use these products as they can get expensive, and it's quite the waste if the item is melting/dissolving in a shower rather than a bath.
>Why melt? I know the product you wish to produce is called a melt, but what do you expect from something that melts as opposed to dissolves?
Melting usually lasts longer in my experience, though if I could have a substance dissolve within a 15 - 20 minute time frame in shower temperature water (approx 107 degrees F) that would work as well.
>Is it necessary that the compound act specifically towards temperature in the absence of water?
No. It must react with water.
>Bentonite or Montmorillonite does not adequately fulfill your needs? It can be incorporated to give a few of the properties desired in such a product, is inorganic, and is not slippery to the touch when mixed with water . . . . .
They would work, yes but I would need something added to slow the melting/dissolving down.
Thanks again for your reply. I hope I answered your questions properly.