When does a cream become a croap?

I agree with the opinion that if you could put it in a tube and squeeze it out, it's a cream. Otherwise...well you know the answer.

Gels come in a tube.  

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I agree with the opinion that if you could put it in a tube and squeeze it out, it's a cream. Otherwise...well you know the answer.

Gels come in a tube.  

I have several creams that come in jars.
R.P. Williams Shaving Cream.
Body Shop Maca Root Shave Cream.
Both are excellent products.
I am sure there must be more out there.

I think a definition of a cream might be "It's a cream if you can easily poke your finger into it."

I have a big selection of croaps - my favourites. MEM. Nine from The Great Canadian Shave soap Company. Some from The Blades Grim. And others.
Some croaps are quite soft but not finger pokable.

Amanda from Tiki Bar Soaps wrote an interesting article explaining the differences between soaps, croaps and creams. Thought you might find it interesting.

https://tikibarsoap.com/traditional-wet-...-vs-cream/

"Croap" is forum jargon, and is not readily understood by the general public or even all wetshavers.  For that reason, the term "soft soap" is preferable to "croap" in my humble opinion.  It helps us reach out beyond the forums and to the larger public, and offering them the option of traditional wetshaving.  Also IMHO:

Cream vs. soft soap:

• If it can be readily squeezed from a tube, then it is a cream.  If not, it is a soft soap.
  
• Alternatively, place a dab in the palm of your hand and run your finger over the top of the dab with a light touch.  If your finger immediately goes into and through the dab rather than merely denting it, it is a cream.  The same can be done with cream or soft soap in a tub.
  

Soap vs. soft soap:

• Press your finger into the soap cake with moderate pressure.  If it gives and your finger leaves a dent in the soap, it is a soft soap.  Otherwise, it is a regular hard soap.
  

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I agree with the opinion that if you could put it in a tube and squeeze it out, it's a cream. Otherwise...well you know the answer.

Gels come in a tube.  

Ok then, cream vs. gel:

• A cream is an opaque semi-solid emulsion of oil and water.
  
• A gel is a transparent or semi-transparent semi-solid emulsion in an alcohol base.
  

Does that sound like a good definition?

Ok then, cream vs. gel:

• A cream is an opaque semi-solid emulsion of oil and water.
  
• A gel is a transparent or semi-transparent semi-solid emulsion in an alcohol base.
  

Does that sound like a good definition?

I can live with that!

"Croap" is forum jargon, and is not readily understood by the general public or even all wetshavers.  For that reason, the term "soft soap" is preferable to "croap" in my humble opinion.

This.

It's like Lupper or Brunch. It's a cross between Cream and Soap. So anything that is not a hard soap or soft cream is basically a croap. I'd say 95% of the artisan lather products fall under the category of Croap or Soft Soap.

All evidence has been buried. All tapes have been erased.

How about this. You take a spoonful of the concoction and place it on a hard surface, at room temperature.

If the lump of stuff changes shape, it's a cream.
If it does not change shape it is a croap [or harder].