Thread: Superlather options

Hi,
I understand that a superlather is a mix of cream and soap (any could contain glycerin) to create a spectacular lather and improve the shaving results.
Let's go a bit beyond. Some people adds pure glycerin to the mix.
My questions are:
1.- Can a pure glycerin free superlather be considered as a real superlather? With this I am referring to the pure glycerin as an ingredient itself, not to the one included in the soap or cream.
2.- Can we sap the pure glycerin for another sort of oil or ingredient with the same effect? I commonly use pure jojoba oil as a pre and aftershave with great results. What about a combo of crem, soap and jojoba oil to make a superlather?
Please, experiences and concerns are welcome.
Regards from Spain.

Personally, I consider all of the effort involved in the uber/super lather exercises a waste of time, but that's just me. If you want to take the time and effort and it makes you feel good then go for it.

As far as glycerin is concerned, consider what it does. Glycerin is a humictant, that is, it traps and holds water. This may increase moisture level at the skin, which will aid in softening the hairs. Glycerin does not improve the thickness of the lather, in fact too much glycerine may make the lather thin and runny.

Glycerin is not a fat (oil), adding additional oils to a lather mix will increase the slickness, but may actually drive water away from the skin. In addition, any oil act as a foam breaker, reducing the thickness of the lather. Remember, you add oil to the water to keep pasta from foaming over. Also, full fat milk does not froth as well when steamed.

Superlather is soap and cream
Uberlather adds the Glycerin

Just stupid names really

As FCC just told you the Glycerin in to much amount can actually destroy lather, certain high glycerin soaps don't play well with others either...

When you get the mix correct with the right soaps, creams and about 5 drops of the glycerin the mix is the smoothest creamiest lather you can use...
I have read of others trying different oils in the mix but they seem to not post the results which has told me that maybe they don't work so well
Haven't tried anything else myself though....

Cristobal, As I am a hobbyist soapmaker I will try to answer your questions.

Originally Posted by cristobal41

Hi,
My questions are:
1.- Can a pure glycerin free superlather be considered as a real superlather? With this I am referring to the pure glycerin as an ingredient itself, not to the one included in the soap or cream.

Any combination of a cream and soap can be considered superlather. However there is always a small amount of glycerin in one or both that is the by product of the soap making process. Glycerin helps create a "slick" lather to help with the glide and to support a thick rich lather. That is whay many people add a couple of drops of glycerin to their mixture.

2.- Can we sap the pure glycerin for another sort of oil or ingredient with the same effect? I commonly use pure jojoba oil as a pre and aftershave with great results. What about a combo of crem, soap and jojoba oil to make a superlather?

When you add oils to the mixture you will end up with an oily lather that may not whip up well and will be well, oily. It is not recommended to do this but if you want to try adding just a couple of drops please feel free to experiment

Please, experiences and concerns are welcome.
Regards from Spain.

I add glycerin because it lubricates the skin extra .
As mentioned above those are only names , and I feel like many people get caught up in details like that too much.
What I did is I experimented a bit to find out how to make lather that I like best and that's what I go for. frankly I did not even know the difference between Uber and super lather till now.

Thanks to you all for your concerns and specially for your knowledge about the matter.
My curiosity has been completely satisfied. Mi intuition was aiming in the right direction.
Finally, does the adding of a few drops of glycerin improve the lather properties and performance as much as to justify its using?

Regards.

IMHO


YES !!!!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

IMHO


YES !!!!

No doubt. Gonna try right today.
Thanks.

Originally Posted by cristobal41

Thanks to you all for your concerns and specially for your knowledge about the matter.
My curiosity has been completely satisfied. Mi intuition was aiming in the right direction.
Finally, does the adding of a few drops of glycerin improve the lather properties and performance as much as to justify its using?

Regards.

yes as I said, it moisturizes and lubricates the skin, which reduces razor burn.

Originally Posted by mainaman

yes as I said, it moisturizes and lubricates the skin, which reduces razor burn.

Can't wait.
Thanks