Shaving soap with tallow, or tallow, is a word and concept that you have probably heard mentioned as the content of shaving soap. What exactly is tallow and what are its advantages and disadvantages? Should you or should you not choose shaving soap that contains sebum? We will try to answer that. In the end, of course, it is up to you which shaving soap you choose.
What is sebum?
Tallow is animal fat, when used to make shaving soap it usually comes from cattle (beef tallow) or sheep (Mutton tallow). The tallow used to produce shaving soap comes mostly from cattle (beef tallow). Shaving soap that contains sebum is mixed with some type of salt (an alkali metal) and forms what can best be called true natural soap. Two common types of alkali metals and elements that sebum mixes with are sodium and potassium. Both potassium and sodium are natural substances that also occur in humans.
The human skin produces sebum in the sebaceous glands just below the top layer of skin on the entire body including the face. The task of sebum is to moisturize the skin to keep it soft and supple. In adolescence and even later, an excess of sebum in the skin can lead to acne. Having oily skin can mean that the skin produces more sebum than normal. Dry skin can mean too little sebum production.
When the skin comes into contact with water and shaving soap, for example, it rinses away sebum and other natural fats from the skin, which can lead to dehydration, damage to the skin and skin problems. Wet shaving is also a strain on the skin. Therefore, it is important to moisturize the skin both before and after shaving. If you also use a shaving soap with sebum, the skin is also moisturized during shaving. A shaving soap with sebum therefore gives you a very nice and comfortable wet shave.
Why should I use shaving soap with sebum?
Sebum is a natural substance that occurs in humans and animals. Together with some form of alkaline metal, it forms what is called real soap.
Shaving soap with sebum has been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years to wash itself clean. As a shaving soap, it has been used for hundreds of years.
A shaving soap with sebum contains chemicals than other soaps that do not. For a person who can easily get skin problems, this can be an advantage. Of course, you should always consult a medical expert if you are unsure.
Since sebum is a natural substance, it gives shaving soap good natural moisturizing properties. This means that after wet shaving, the skin will feel softer and smoother. In addition, it allows the razor blade to glide slightly more easily over the skin thanks to increased friction. In short, a more comfortable shaving experience with sebum.
Recommended products for those who want shaving soap with sebum
A favorite among many wet shavers that contain sebum is shaving soap from Stirling Soap Company. Their soaps are available with many lovely scents and are largely made by hand from natural ingredients.
Read more: Stirling Soap Company
Another favorite with a large number of pleasant scents is Ariana & Evans and Zingari Man. Both produce on a small scale, largely by hand, natural ingredients, shaving soap of very high quality at an excellent price.
Read more: Ariana & Evans
Read more: Zingari man
Why should I not use shaving soap with sebum?
Tallow is an animal product. There are vegetable alternatives to tallow.
For those with extra oily skin, sebum products may not be recommended. It can make your skin even oilier, but always ask medical expertise before deciding. Although shaving soaps with sebum are considered by many to be the absolute best and provide the most comfortable shave, vegetable shaving soaps are at least as good if not better sometimes.
As mentioned, vegetable soaps usually consist of various vegetable oils and fats. Among other things, vegetable glycerin/glycerol with good humectant properties. In addition, coconut oil, shea butter and several other oils.
Recommended products for those who do not want a shaving soap with sebum
Shaving soap manufacturer Phoenix Artisans Accoutrements has developed its own formula, CK-6, which is a highly appreciated alternative to sebum. Instead, a number of different vegetable oils and fats are used to create a shaving soap with the same good properties as sebum-based soap but without containing sebum.
Read More: Phoenix Artisans Accoutrements
Another shaving soap manufacturer, Officina Artigiana Milano, bases its products on five different vegetable oils that also make a shaving soap without animal ingredients.
Read more: Officina Artigiana Milano
The Norwegian company Fitjar Island shaving soaps consist of completely vegan ingredients in the vast majority of cases. Their products also do not contain parabens, synthetic dyes or similar ingredients.
Read more: Fitjar Island
