Thread: Glycerine

Remember, soap naturally contains glycerine. This is because glycerine is a by product of the saponification reaction that produces soap. Thus, unless the glycerine produced in the soap making process is removed from the mix, it is present in the final product (soap). So called glycerine soaps are usually reprocessed soap with additional glycerine added during the reprocessing.

Chemically, glycerine is an alcohol. It is a humectent, meaning that it will tend to absorb and hold water. This property is why it is used in many skin care products. The primary reason for adding glycerine to soaps, including shaving soaps, is to reduce the tendancy for the soap to dry your skin. It will also keep water in the lather, reducing its tendency to dry out on your skin.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Remember, soap naturally contains glycerine. This is because glycerine is a by product of the saponification reaction that produces soap. Thus, unless the glycerine produced in the soap making process is removed from the mix, it is present in the final product (soap). So called glycerine soaps are usually reprocessed soap with additional glycerine added during the reprocessing.

Chemically, glycerine is an alcohol. It is a humectent, meaning that it will tend to absorb and hold water. This property is why it is used in many skin care products. The primary reason for adding glycerine to soaps, including shaving soaps, is to reduce the tendancy for the soap to dry your skin. It will also keep water in the lather, reducing its tendency to dry out on your skin.

He is, indeed correct!
Glycerin is a "byproduct" of the soap making process and as a professional soap maker who makes cold process soap I produce soap in which the glycerin is retained rather than removed which is what is often done by large manufacturers. They then sell the glycerin to those who make skin care products to help moisturize the skin! We cold process soap makers are aware that glycerin is a humectant that helps to bring moisture to the skin and the cold soap making process then benefits the soap by the retention of the glycerin. I also does assist in making the lather a bit more long lasting used in small amounts. If too large amounts of glycerin are used then the lather is compromised.

So, in answer to the original question, a few drops of glycerin added to the soap may assist especially if the soap is lacking the originally created glycerin because of the soap making process used. Just be careful that you don't add too much because it will indeed kill the lather! HTH!

__________________
David

STONE COTTAGE SOAPWORKS INC.

http://www.stonecottagesoapworks.com
http://stonecottagesoapworks.blogspot.com

I add glycerin to my shaving creams to avoid it to dry in the middle of my shave IMHO I think it helps. I don't know if it helps with the production of a thicker lather. Just my 2 cents.

I also add a few drops with creams and hard milled soaps, it seems to make it glide a little better and the lather last longer, but not with glycerin based soaps like conks or vdh.

superspot : )

I have recently been experimenting with making Uberlather and all three attempts have failed. Some of what I'm using may not be up to par for that purpose. I'm using CVS Glycerine and some probably too old to be any good Mennen Brushless Shave Cream in a green tube, may be the problem. I have no complaints about the lather I get from my VDH by itself, what I would like is to get the Williams to lather better. I've watched a lot of the videos and tried a combination of methods. I'll just keep experimenting as know sooner or later I'll get it right.

Just noticed Superspot mentioned VHD is glycerine based soap which may be my problem........
Thanks Superspot!

DoughBoy I used to have a Uber recipe for Williams and a very inexpensive cream that I used at the gym, let me see if I can't find the cream name and will post it for you...

The Williams was $.99 and the cream was $2.89 at the time and with 5 drops of the glycerin added it made a very creamy Uberlather with ingredients that were available at Walmart....

Glen,
Would appreciate that very much. If other members are also using Williams they may find it helpful too, I'm sure they will also appreciate the info as much as I do.

I am not real particular about most things as I'm just a simple guy, nothing fancy for me, I just want things to work. I am satisfied with the lather the VDH makes by itself, I load my brush from a mug and whip up the lather in the supplied bowl. I know there has to be something you can do with Williams to perk it up a bit, have not figured out what yet. The before mention Mennen cream I picked up in an antique shop, could be it's just plain too old. I'm still going to experiment with what I have, you never know, may come up with a new 'stay young forever when you shave with this' formula......................

Thanks!
Bruce

Found it

Edge "Cleansing shave cream"

They also make a "Hydrating" version too IIRC, but when mixed with the Williams and 5 drops of Glycerin it makes a very creamy Uberlather for mere pennies...

Thanks again Glen! As soon as some of this snow & ice melts so I can get out I'll get some and give it a try.

Ladies and gentlemen:

I am of this mind: Since I use quality soaps and creams, I see no need for glycerine. Many of these products have some of it in them already.

Somehow it doesn't feel right to add glycerine to Truefitt & Hill's Ultimate Comfort shave cream; or Trumper's; or Taylor's; or Penhaligon's "Blenheim Bouquet"; or Mama Bear's; or Mitchel's Wool Fat; or . . . Well, you see what I mean.

Then again, it all goes back to what the individual shaver prefers.

Regards,

Obie