jax1962
Well-Known Member
Can someone please tell me if a 'soap' made from surfactants/emulsifiers would be considered a GOOD shaving soap? If not, why not? 
Surfactant Based Shaving Soap - Is it possible?
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First off, you might have to call it a shaving product rather than a soap, as it isn't actually a soap.
Secondly, what would the properties of it be? Would it offer glide and protection? Would it be easier to make the rather consistency?
Secondly, what would the properties of it be? Would it offer glide and protection? Would it be easier to make the rather consistency?
jax1962
Well-Known Member
Haha, thank you! Yes a shaving product As for the properties, I'm wondering if it isn't possible to attain all the properties of a proper shaving soap? Using stearic acid, glycerine, cetyl alcohol, SCI/SLS/SLSA and, say kokum butter? Is the stable lather something that comes from the saponification process?
As for the properties, I'm wondering if it isn't possible to attain all the properties of a proper shaving soap? Using stearic acid, glycerine, cetyl alcohol, SCI/SLS/SLSA and, say kokum butter? Is the stable lather something that comes from the saponification process?
It's not the stearic acid itself necessarily, but rather potassium or sodium stearate. I think you'd have to play with and learn a lot about surfactant based products with and without added fats/free fatty acids to see what it can bring.
jax1962
Well-Known Member
I see what you mean. Yes I will have a play around and see if it can work though, thank you!
I agree with TEG, you will need to do a lot of testing and tweaking to see what you can come up with. Keep us posted on your progress and results. Good luck!
jax1962
Well-Known Member
Will do thanks!
I will have to send one to TEG for testing!!!
thanks!I will have to send one to TEG for testing!!!
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I'd love that. Would be interested to see what can come out from it to be honest. As we know, you CAN shave with a lot of things, including the Castile slime. So I'm fairly certain that surfactants could be used to make something for shaving with.
jax1962
Well-Known Member
I'd be glad to. So tell me, apart from stable lather and slip, what else are the characteristics of a fabulous shave soap? Give me something to aim for
The lather isn't important in itself. Rather, the lather helps to keep the skin protected and provide glide for the blade. Those two aspects are key. A good post-shave feel is a very big plus
