Why is all lather white?

[Sando]

So, why is all lather white? Creams (and soaps) of all brands that I've used have done so – GFT, Coates, Musgo Real, Harris, MWF, Arko. I can understand Proraso making a white lather – it's bright white right out of the tube. But the color of cream doesn’t matter either – Rose, Violet, Limes, Almond – they all turn a brilliant white when lathered.

...Ray

 

[mretzloff]

Hmm, I am interested to see if anyone knows. I have tried creams of all colors, and all have been white once lathered up, like you said.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

My Time Bath & Body has a soap called "Oak Moss" that turns a beige color when lathered.

 

[M80]

If they had enough pigment to stay colored when lathered they would stain your towels, face cloths, maybe your face! Its possible to use a more stable colorant that won't stain, but it probably isn't a good marketing decision as people will be wary of it staining and reluctant to buy it.

 

[ovrmnjake]

I've noticed that my trumper's rose and violet have a very light pink and purple tint, respectively when I lather them. They look almost entirely white, but if you look close, you can see the pink n purple.

 

[ouch]

You should have tried the old Harris lavender. I still have some purple towels from that.

 

[Adam D]

If they had enough pigment to stay colored when lathered they would stain your towels, face cloths, maybe your face! Its possible to use a more stable colorant that won't stain, but it probably isn't a good marketing decision as people will be wary of it staining and reluctant to buy it.

This is the answer I reckon.

Plus, you are putting more air and water into the mix, which will dilute it down.

I am now thinking about having a lavender stained face just where your stubble used to be!

 

[Speedwell68]

Palmolive Original is off white.

 

[MichaelG]

I think the coloring is still in the lather but it has been dispersed throughout a much greater volume of lather. I don't think there's a chemical change in the pigment to render it colorless. That's a guess, though.

It still leaves a fundamental question of why lather is white and not another color. If you lather up anything - soap, dishwashing liquid, etc., it makes a white lather or foam. There must be something in its physical properties that makes it reflect a full spectrum of visible light.

So, why is all lather white? Creams (and soaps) of all brands that I've used have done so – GFT, Coates, Musgo Real, Harris, MWF, Arko. I can understand Proraso making a white lather – it's bright white right out of the tube. But the color of cream doesn’t matter either – Rose, Violet, Limes, Almond – they all turn a brilliant white when lathered.

...Ray

 

[htownmmm]

C-O-N-spiracy! That's why.


marty

 

[Adam D]

I think the coloring is still in the lather but it has been dispersed throughout a much greater volume of lather. I don't think there's a chemical change in the pigment to render it colorless. That's a guess, though.

It still leaves a fundamental question of why lather is white and not another color. If you lather up anything - soap, dishwashing liquid, etc., it makes a white lather or foam. There must be something in its physical properties that makes it reflect a full spectrum of visible light.

I think it is the mixture of air and water like in a cloud.

 

[SiBurning]

Partly because bubbles reflect all wavelengths of light equally, and partly because any colored particles are so far dispersed in the foam.

For more fun download Colorful Lather printing or find out more in the Science of Shaving page on the B&B Shave Wiki.

 

[jjjackso]

My Trumpers rose makes a light pink lather, but it is pretty pink in the tub. All others are mostly white to start with and make lily white lather.

 

[mblakele]

Steve, that's a great addition to the wiki. Thanks for putting it together.

Partly because bubbles reflect all wavelengths of light equally, and partly because any colored particles are so far dispersed in the foam.

For more fun download Colorful Lather printing or find out more in the Science of Shaving page on the B&B Shave Wiki.

 

[Sando]

If they had enough pigment to stay colored when lathered they would stain your towels, face cloths, maybe your face! Its possible to use a more stable colorant that won't stain, but it probably isn't a good marketing decision as people will be wary of it staining and reluctant to buy it.

This sounds right and makes sense...

Partly because bubbles reflect all wavelengths of light equally, and partly because any colored particles are so far dispersed in the foam.

And a scientific explanation. That about answers that...

...Ray

 

[jsrdrnr]

My DR Harris Lavender that I had, it caused a purple lather.

 

[mr. s]

Partly because bubbles reflect all wavelengths of light equally, and partly because any colored particles are so far dispersed in the foam.

+1
This is why snow, although water is colourless, looks white.