Thread: Slimy Shave Soap

OK, gents, who'se had this happen before? I use my SRD Blood Orange, right out of the original container. I wipe the excess on the rim and put the coveron right over it when I'm done. After doing this for about a year, my soap is suddenly developing a slimy texture. Oh, it sitll gives a great shave but I preferred the creamy substance I used to get, to this ooze. I wonder if it's related to the long period of 90+ degree days we've had this summer but that's just a guess. Has anyone else experienced this? Oh, and by the way, the other day, I noticed a hole in the center or it with what appeared to be glycerin bubbling out of it. Is my shaving soap turning into Swamp Thing?

I've only had my SRD Blood Orange for a couple of months and haven't had a problem yet. I make Uberlather, so I put a small amount of hot water on the surface of the Blood Orange before I jump into the shower. When I get out, there is a gelatinous slime on the surface instead of soapy water. However, I pour this into my scuttle along with some unscented shave cream to make my lather. Despite the odd appearance, it makes great uberlather! I notice the same thing on the SRD West Indies Bay and just assumed that it's in the nature of glycerine-based soaps as my milled soaps from C&E don't do this.

We've had a 90+ high humidity summer, but my soaps inside at approx 76 degrees.

BTW, Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents - makes me hungry every time I use it

What are the ingredients of the soap in question, and what does the "slime" look like? If the soap contains a large amount of added glycerine, this can over time separate out, especially in a humid atmosphere. It is also possible that the soap is just absorbing water on the exposed surface. Try leaving it uncovered for a period after use.

Rolf, the SRD soap is a glycerin-based soap. I'm at work and don't remember any label information as to the % glycerin. It is a relatively clear soap, so I assume the glycerin content is pretty high.

As glycerin is hygroscopic, my assessment is that the "slime" I see after allowing hot water to sit on the surface while I shower is merely glycerin-bound water. In my experience it in no way detracts from the product's performance, it just looks kind of weird.

I agree with your thought that maybe in leadducks' situation, humidity may be causing the glycerin to separate out. I've not experienced the separation phenomenon that he has, but maybe my air conditioner keeps the relative humidity somewhat under control

Just my humble thoughts...

Greg

Well, what I had most feared has come to pass. After just a few days since I posted this thread, just look what's happened to my soap. I'll really have to think about whether or not I'm going to use it again.

Oh no, it's alive!!!

It's possible you have bacteria or yeast breaking down the soap (it's food, after all), if there is not a preservative present. Some essential oils are antimicrobial, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, methol and others.

Soap cakes are preserved by dryness. Creams are vulnerable, because of high moisture content. You may have added enough moisture to trip the threshold for growth.

I'd hit it with hot water (and maybe a brush) until you get that layer of goop off, then leave it open in front of a fan to dry.

(Never done such a thing -- it just seems like a good strategy.)