Thread: Can someone explain the logic behind lanolin in soaps and pre shave creams?

Hi
I spoke with a former barber the other day. He said that, in the 1960s, they used a "lanolin cream" on the chin first. Then a hot towel on it, before the soap. And i know a lot of you guys like the "Wool Fat soaps".

I understand the logic to lubricate the skin, but will not lanolin create a water repellent membrane around the stubble?
Would it not be better to use a product with lanolin in the end, after the shave?


- Mads

Lanolin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I doubt that Lanolin's water repellant characteristics are that strong. As the article shows, Lanolin has many other advantageous properties that make its use worthwhile. I've never looked at any of my stuff to see if it contains Lanolin and prefer to approach shaving from an artistic rather than a logical perspective.

To tell you the truth whether I use MWF or some other type soap they all work about the same I see no different with the quality soaps.

I basically agree with this. I have tried many different soaps and creams, and it seems the main difference lies in smell and "foam density" (and some are of course "better" in the sense that they are more environmentally and health friendly).
If I moisten the beard thoroughly with shower and/or warm towels first, it seems like most soaps and creams do a good job.
But I was so fascinated by what this old barber told me, about Lanolin, and I see many people like this "MWF soap" so I have ordered one :-)

I would say that one thing that gives me a very smooth and fine skin after shaving, is simply shaving with just oil (no soap or cream). I use a regular "extra virgine olive oil" from the kitchen. It softens the beard, and creates a nice gliding surface. Works very nicely when i use a DE (but not so much when i use a straight). I do this every now and then if I get dry skin — esp. in the winter time.

The same thought has occurred to me, the water repellent properties of fats.. some people use pre shave oils even. But I'm with Ace and thebigspendur, trying not to overthink things and just go with what works. I tried pre shave oils, and they work fine for me, I just can't be bothered tho. In the end, I think most is rinsed off anyways. In the cold scandinavian winters some moisturiser is a great idea, but I apply mine after the shave.

I do predict you will enjoy MWF, it's a great soap

I think any oil would get emulsified by the shaving soap. Then it wouldn't repel water.

Michael

I certainly like the idea of applying something to the chin stubble to soften it if it would work.

I just checked my 1918 "The Dispensatory of The United states of America" and it suggests lanolin is used "because of its stickiness it adheres more pertinaciously to the skin, and because of the difficulty in saponifying it is less likely to be washed off" and "this (lanolin) is a sebaceous secretion intended by nature to soften fibers of the wool". In plain English it's used because it softens hairs and stays put.

I wonder if some hair conditioner on the chin area would be beneficial to do the same thing?

Makes sense. Anything that softens the hair should, at least in theory, make for a better shave. Seems like the chemical equivalent to a hot towel.