Mitchell's Wool Fat
This ^.
Mitchell's Wool Fat
All soaps have an alkaline pH.
All soaps have an alkaline pH.
Sure, of course.
But Gold Dachs claimed to have an even higher pH -- this was on their website which is currently under some reconstruction. I can't verify this without my litmus papers.
I took the intent of the OP -- asking which soap is best for beard softening, not what is your favorite soap, and honestly answered.
There's a balance to be struck on the pH thing. Added detergents like SLS and SLES will raise pH dramatically and remove oils very effectively, but they may also irritate the skin. It's possible that Gold Dachs has hit the target (although I haven't tried it yet, I'm willing to believe).
Agreed. Also, it takes hair 3 to 5 minutes in warm water to fully hydrate and become it's softest. The coarser the beard hair the longer it takes to become fully hydrated. The best way is to take a shower before shaving, however, keep in mind, the instant you dry your face or allow it to dry, the hair begins to also dry out and become tougher again. If you don't shave in the shower, keep applying water to your beard area to keep it continuously wet so as not to dry out while doing any prep before lathering.
The way it is for most threads that ask "what should I buy" or what is the best this or that...
I always go to the review section for tips when I'm in the market for new stuff. Lots of helpful stuff there.
Agreed.