CHOOSING A SHAVING CREAM, SOAP OR GEL: WHAT'S BEST FOR YOUR SKIN?
Read time: 5 mins
Making the switch from supermarket-style razors and shaving creams to traditional wet shaving products is one of the best gifts a man can give to his face.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between shaving creams and soaps, and share some tips that will help to find the right product for you.
INGREDIENTS MATTER
The heart of a superior shave lies in the quality of ingredients. Unlike supermarket finds, our selection boasts natural components that soothe, nourish, and moisturize your skin, promising a smooth glide and reduced irritation. For those with sensitive skin, we've curated products designed to protect and pamper your complexion.
SHAVING CREAMS: EASY LATHERING
Shaving creams are the go-to for newcomers to wet shaving, offering a quick path to a rich, protective lather. Their soft consistency is perfect for direct application or using a shaving brush for optimal results. Whether you prefer the luxurious slip of Taylor of Old Bond Street or the refreshing kick of Proraso, you're in for a treat.
SHAVING SOAPS: THE CHOICE FOR VETERANS
Ideal for seasoned shavers, hard-set shaving soaps demand skill for a rewarding lather. Tallow-based options from brands like Barrister & Mann offer rich moisture, enhancing the traditional shaving ritual. Noble Otter's artisan soaps blend tallow with luxurious oils for a superior glide and skin nourishment. Hybrid soaps, combining ingredients like stearic acid and glycerine, provide a versatile shave suitable for various skin types, exemplified by Proraso's vegan-friendly formulas. Each soap type promises a unique shaving experience that rewards patience with exceptional comfort and closeness.
SHAVING GELS: PRECISION IN EVERY STROKE
Non-lathering shaving gels offer clarity and control, perfect for defining edges with precision. Their transparent formula allows for accurate lines, making them ideal companions for beard maintenance and touch-ups.
WHICH ONE FOR ME:
Your journey to the perfect shave begins with understanding your needs. Are you seeking simplicity and speed, or are you drawn to the ritual of building a perfect lather? No matter your preference, the path to a smooth, satisfying shave starts here.
CONCLUSION & FINDING YOUR PERFECT MATCH:
Embarking on the wet shaving journey opens up a world of customization and comfort. Whether you lean towards the plush lather of a cream, the tradition of a soap, or the precision of a gel, our collection caters to every preference.
Edwin Jagger Shave cream has given me the smoothest shave ever and I have tried many of the premium options (including Proraso Yellow Foam which has been my “go-to” option for years.)
I have found the quickest and best shave by merely massaging a little onto your beard with my fingers. No brush no mess, easier and the best shave – no nicks.
Is there a reason you do not mention shaving oils at all? I have used these with success.
I can agree with terry, I use the proraso sentitive shaving soap… and I find that as it gets to the bottom of the tub foaming gets harder too. I still love the product…. but yeah I’ve noticed the same phenomenon.
Hey Terry, thanks for your comment! We haven’t heard any reports of Proraso shaving soaps losing their ability to lather towards the end of the bowl. If you’re getting through the bowl within 12 months, it should be good to the last scoop.
It’s hard to guess without having more details, but leaving behind moisture from bowl lathering can affect the remaining soap in the bowl. If you do lather in the bowl, it’s recommended that you leave the lid off for 24 hours to let the soap dry fully before storing it away.
I hope that helps!
Im about to order off yous for the first time. Have a 3 piece and butterfly shaver from the army…but would love a new one. Find the weight of the butterfly easier to use. Have you had any drama with the PRORASO EUCALYPTUS & MENTHOL REFRESH SHAVING SOAP 150M. The last two i bought from a shaver shop and find that when i have about a fifth left, it doesnt foam anymore. Before that they worked till the end.
Regards Terry
Hi Craig! As with a cream, a shaving soap will work best when the lather is built up in a separate bowl. This will allow enough room for the bristles to whip the soap into a foam, and for the lather to expand without spilling over.
Loading the brush with the hard soap should be done in a similar way to the cream as shown in the video, with a damp brush rotated over the soap in the container.
They key difference with a hard soap is that much more water will be needed while lathering in order for the lather to develop.
I hope that answered your question!
Hi,
How do you get the maximum foaming from a hard shaving soap (as opposed to cream) as you obviously don’t place an amount in a different bowl?
Thanks
Hi Linda, thanks for leaving a comment! Generally speaking, all shaving creams and soaps are ‘alkaline’, with a pH above neutral. This helps with softening the hairs and preparing them for shaving.
Provided you properly rinse off the razor and dry it fully, there should be no risk to the steel using any shaving cream or soap. For carbon steel razors (as it sounds like yours may be), it’s also necessary to apply a light oil to the blade before storing it away so as to prevent rust.
I hope that helps!
I’m looking for shaving soap that says alkaline free for a Rolls razor. It stipulates this to not rust the hollow ground blade.
Hi Alec, thanks for your question! The Proraso shaving creams are a soft cream that can be hand-lathered directly on the face. Simply squeeze a small amount of the cream onto wet fingers, then massage into the skin to build a lather.
While this will work, for best results, we do recommend using a shaving brush to build a more substantial, thicker lather.