I tried to use a castile soap as a shaving soap, but it didn't foam a thick lather. The lather didn't last long.
What makes shaving soap different from other kinds of soaps?
What makes shaving soap different from other kinds of soaps?
I think there are various factors that are different between shaving soap and normal soap. These include the fats used and the base (alkali) mix.
Some soap makers think that just adding bentonite clay to their typical soap base makes it a shaving soap, but you are still left with an unlatherable soap.
Both (proper BS and proper SS) may be made using different proportions of the same ingredients.
Typically, SS lather has smaller bubbles and more stability (due to certain saponified fatty acids, e.g. *X Tallowate, vs X Castorate).
Typically, SS lather is creamier (due to certain saponified fatty acids, e.g. X Stearate, vs X Cocoate.)
Typically, BS cleanses to a greater degree (due to certain surfactants, e.g. X Cocoate).
Typically, BS has a higher concentration of saponified fat made with sodium (vs potassium) hydroxide, thereby making it firmer.
In terms of emollients/superfat, a classic SS is closer to the common BS, than is the typical "artisan" SS (which is loaded and preferred by many looking for extra moisturization).
(* X is Sodium or Potassium)
I tried to use a castile soap as a shaving soap, but it didn't foam a thick lather. The lather didn't last long.
What makes shaving soap different from other kinds of soaps?