Interesting Soap Stability Observation

I recently purchased a vintage Semogue 840. It is the same red acrylic handle as the 830, but with a shorter loft and darker bristles. As it is a boar brush, I really like to break it in before use and I tend to use the same method every time. What I do is lather in my scuttle and let the brush sit in the lather for about one hour.

So, I did this over the last four nights with four different soaps: Cella, MWF, Trumper's Rose and Institut Karite. I like to think the different fragrances help to get rid of the funk and the different soap base help to soften the boar bristles.

Anyway, my observation is on the stability of the lathers after one hour. It was very interesting to watch each soap lather break down (or not) over that period of time.

I discovered that of the four, Cella created the most stable lather. I did not shave or lather my face, but the Cella lather in the scuttle actually seemed better after an hour of sitting in the scuttle! :dropjaw: I was very surprised. It was thick, creamy and moist and would not separate easily I was actually pretty amazed.

Next the MWF was also very stable. Almost as stable as the Cella, but not quite. The lather did dry out slightly and became a little fluffy, but was probably still usable after an hour. Again, thick creamy and moist, but separating a little easier than the Cella after an hour.

Next was the Trumpers and the IK. They both broke down over the course of the hour and were definitely not usable after sitting for one hour. I think the IK probably broke down the fastest while the trumpers held out slightly longer? I could be wrong on this though.

So, that was my little experiment/observation. What does it prove? I don't now? :shrug: I actually like and use all of these soaps but I guess performance does mimic my experiment as I find MWF and Cella to be two of the best performing soaps. Thanks for listening! :beer1:

What does it prove? Maybe nothing that matters since no one waits an hours to shave after they lather. Still a neat observation. Thanks for posting.

I have no experience with Cella, but it's my guess that the lanolin in the MWF is what prevents the evaporation of water. Is Cella a lanolin or tallow based soap? I admit I've never heard of it.

In my mind, the soaps/creams that evaporated the fastest in your experiment may be more desireable to me, as it could possibly indicate that they rinse more thoroughly without leaving any residue on the skin. I have uber-sensitive skin and have had problems in the past with breakouts due to residuals left behind after rinsing. I have to actually wash my face after I use creams and before I apply witch hazel and aftershave to prevent irritation. Never have a problem with soaps, though, as I find they rinse much better with water.

There may be more value to this experiment than you think! Institue Karite, you say? May have to look into this...

You proved that tallow makes the best soap as the two best performers are tallow based while the two that lacked staying power are veggie based.

Best Regards,
EL

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Originally Posted by Fbones24

I recently purchased a vintage Semogue 840. It is the same red acrylic handle as the 830, but with a shorter loft and darker bristles. As it is a boar brush, I really like to break it in before use and
...snip...:

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Interesting....
I recently discovered Cela and like it a lot. Half cream half soap
works well with a boar brush too. Lather from a badger brush
is very rich and enjoyable.

My break in trick for a boar bristle brush is to worry my way half the way
through a puck of Williams. Might take a couple days...

Your little trick is interesting. It may be a fun way to match soaps
and lathers to your water and what ever if you can match it to
how they shave -- bonus.