Why Does Ivory Soap Float

December

Laurie Longs To Know:
Why does Ivory soap float?

The Right Brain Responds:
ivory tusks Your question reminds us of that old joke: How do you make Ivory soap float? Take two scoops of ice cream and add a bar of Ivory soap. Ha!

But seriously, for years Ivory has built it’s reputation on the tagline “so pure it floats.” The reality is, it has less to do with purity and everything to do with air bubbles. Ivory has a whipped texture that traps air; the air makes the soap less dense than water so it floats.

The Ivory website has some interesting background on the product if you want to learn more. It’s good clean fun. Ha!!

5 Responses to “Why Does Ivory Soap Float”

Christina H. Says:

I can verify this. I’ve been learning how to make my own soap, and one of my soapmaking books says that Ivory soap was an accident. The guy left to take a break and forgot to turn off his mixer. That caused too much air to get trapped in the mixture, and created floating soap - or Ivory as we know it today!
thebeautybrains Says:

Good comment Christina. Although now the folks at Ivory are claiming that Mr. Gamble (the creator of Ivory soap) really meant for it to float all along. We may never know the truth. But, hey, good luck with your soap making!
Right Brain
Bby Ruth Says:

Actually, I hear that they dont even call Ivory a soap because they dont put whatever harsh, skin drying ingredients in it….
thebeautybrains Says:

Actually, Ivory Soap is very drying to your skin. In fact, in clinical studies of moisturizers, they use soap (often Ivory) to make the skin really dry before adding the lotion!
The Right Brain
Lauren Hutton Makeup Says:

Lauren Hutton Makeup…

I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….