Thread: Glycerine

Glycerin definitely can produce noticeable effects on the quality of lather but since it is not a soap, it cannot increase the amount of lather. The potential effects really depends on the soap and how much glycerin you add. Glycerin in appropriate concentrations, typically a few drops (like 3) can lead to a much denser and longer lasting lather; by this, I mean that it can reduce the air in your lather. If used in excess, your lather may look like a "slime", basically because there is very little air left. Perhaps the most important reason to avoid using an excess of glycerin in your lather is that it could potentially dry your skin out as it is a highly hygroscopic chemical (absorbs moisture).

In my experience lather produced glycerin-based soap typically does not improve by the addition of glycerin.

Al raz.

Originally Posted by adydye

I have read somewhere that a couple of drops of glycerine on your shaving soap gives a bit better lather, and a bit extra lube, especially with hard water or not-so-good soap.
Well, you don't see it everyday, but I got some recently and it makes a difference.
Just thought I would share that with you.
AD

Glycerin appears in the majority of mixtures to make soap bubbles. It apparently makes bubbles last longer.

So, it could be that as you make your lather, it slows the rate at which you lose the tiny bubbles that form this lather and thus can get more of them. More bubbles, more lather.

It's also supposed to make soap films suppler, so maybe it imparts a creamier feel to the lather.

See here

McKie

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!

I use a little glycerin almost every time I shave. Seems to make the soap more lubricating. I use it and love it. Use what works for your face, and enjoy your shave.