Theory on Skin-Type Impact on Shave Soap Selection

Very Nice post!!! In my post I refer to "Fatted Soaps" to soaps that have additional moisturizers in them besides the mere ingredients that can make a simple soap.  I dont really refeer to the technical definition of Super Fatting (as Im no soap maker).   For example, in my definition used, MDC, LPL or Caties bubbles are not fatted soaps, since the only contain ingredients to make the soap (potassium hydroxide, coconul oil, stearic acid, etc).   In the same manner, Soap Commander is considered a fatted vegan soap since in addition to the normal ingredients required to make up the soap, it also contains Shea Butter, which is a moisturizer).

I noticed that. Somewhere later in the thread though someone asked about superfat I believe, but have to check. You are exactly right with extra fats in some soaps though, and I must have been tired to miss that in my post last night.

Interesting: checking out the chart that ask4Edge linked to, I see that lanolin doesn't saponify at all, and shea only somewhat, meaning these would be (if I understand correctly) super-fats by definition; in other words, seeing them as part of a soap recipe, they're there for moisturizing and skin-benefitting qualities first and foremost. Generally it looks like what other fats do for the skin will depend on how much discount is left for them (how much is left not saponified). Am I more or less understanding this?

otl, indeed! Any unsaponifiables will act as emollients. Also, if the lye completely equilibrates (1:1 reaction) with oil X, any addition of oil X and/or oil Y, will act as an emollient(s).

(I just noticed, according to the chart, the conditioning effect of Lanolin is “0,” but of course, it's actuality 100, if unsaponified; they comment on its conditioning ability under "Misc. information.")

herbert7890, great thread!
onethinline, I agree, a non-tallow can be every bit as conditioning as a tallow. Tallow seems useful/practical though, due to the combination of its different fatty acids.
Here is a link to a chart of various oils and their properties.

Interesting: checking out the chart that ask4Edge linked to, I see that lanolin doesn't saponify at all, and shea only somewhat, meaning these would be (if I understand correctly) super-fats by definition; in other words, seeing them as part of a soap recipe, they're there for moisturizing and skin-benefitting qualities first and foremost. Generally it looks like what other fats do for the skin will depend on how much discount is left for them (how much is left not saponified). Am I more or less understanding this?

Below is the soap calculator I often use, which is similar to what Ask4edge posted but you can select the oils and add them and then determine the overall values of the soap. However, it is debatable how accurate this is, and the place I learned to make soap from does not believe it is accurate, but I still like to use it to get a general idea of where I'm at.

http://soapcalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp

I wonder if some of our soap makers have any opinions on this!

I wonder if some of our soap makers have any opinions on this!

I too was hoping a few might chime in.

Another great thread herbert7890. I have middling skin. No dryness, no sensitivity, etc.

I do think that our individual chemistry, as you pointed out, has absolutely everything to do with YMMV. Great breakdown and thought provoking thread- would definitely be interested in some of our subject matter experts chiming in as well.

Another great thread herbert7890. I have middling skin. No dryness, no sensitivity, etc.

I do think that our individual chemistry, as you pointed out, has absolutely everything to do with YMMV. Great breakdown and thought provoking thread- would definitely be interested in some of our subject matter experts chiming in as well.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Interesting theory. I think there's a caveat with your oily skin category though. Many of us who fight oily skin unknowingly do so because we have dehydrated skin. There's a subtle difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. I am in that category, so I actually find that the Vegan soaps leave my skin far more oily than others. I do best with the combination soaps that have a mix of Tallow, Lanolin, and glycerin, oils, or butters.

Very interesting and informative post. I'd be curious to hear more from a few soap makers.