- HairMakerGr
- Traditional Shaving
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Tallow vs Vegan Shaving Soap
One debate that often takes place regarding shaving soaps is the difference between Tallow-based (animal fat) and Vegan-based shaving soaps.
The production process for both types of soap is the same.
Many times we hear people mention that "Vegan" plant-based shaving soaps are glycerin-based.
Glycerin is a product of saponification and is generally not the main base of non-animal soaps.
The main ingredient in plant-based soaps is stearic acid which can be extracted from various plant sources including palm oil, kokum butter, mango butter and cocoa butter.
Stearic acid, when combined with potassium hydroxide, creates shaving foam.
Additional ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter can enhance the blend of ingredients.
This is why Tallow and other sources rich in stearate fats are commonly used in shaving soap formulas.
Most of the time there is a combination of ingredients used as there are many different types of triglycerides that provide various benefits to shaving soap.
It is important to produce a shaving soap with a rich lather, but it is also important that the soap is moisturising, creamy, smooth and has skin protective properties.
Tallow was formerly used as a source of stearic acid.
However, the source of the stearic acid is not as important as the process used and the proportion of the other ingredients.
While generally tallow shaving soaps are considered creamier and richer, there are some that are far inferior to some herbal soaps.
Plus the rich natural sources of fats from oils and butters, in the right proportions rival tallow soaps and often surpass them.
Artificial substitutes for tallow have also been created that mimic its composition and also produce excellent results if used correctly.
Producers who use quality ingredients in the right proportions and are experienced in the production process offer amazing results regardless of the base used.
The choice is yours, however it is certain that in your Traditional Shaving journey you will discover great shaving soaps of both types!
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