The Shaving Soap Guide

When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

Elevate Your Shave with a Quality Shaving Soap

As bottled body wash and liquid hand soap have become increasingly popular because of their presumed convenience and ease of use, real bar soaps, despite their considerable benefits, are becoming harder and harder to find. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of shaving soaps: specially formulated bars that serve the same function as shaving cream.

A metal basket of shaving supplies, with a shaving soap highlighted, sits atop a bathroom vanity; text reads, "Shaving Soap Guide"
We hope that you enjoy our Shaving Soap Guide!

Shaving soap is a prime example of a classic men’s grooming essential that’s been overshadowed by its canned cousins, even though, in several respects, the newer product is actually worse than what it attempts to replace! The fact of the matter is the only real difference between bar shaving soap and canned shaving cream is water, some added stabilizers and chemicals, and a bit of extra convenience, but as you will learn in this guide, there is at least one factor in which shaving soaps are the clear winner!

William Hone

“A good lather is half the shave”

William Hone

In today’s guide, we will explain exactly what shaving soap is, reveal how it differs from and is largely superior to canned shaving cream, teach you how to find a quality shaving soap, and share with you some of our house favorites.

Understanding What a Shaving Soap Is

Shaving Soaps Make Shaving More Convenient and Pleasant

Fundamentally, shaving soap is a bar of soap specifically formulated to be used during shaving because the resulting lather helps to protect the skin and soften the facial hairs, encouraging a better shave.

Shaving soap consists primarily of fatty acids and oils, often tinged with a sweet-smelling fragrance, that appears in a bar or puck form and, when mixed with water and agitated, builds up a thick, luxurious lather that is applied to the face before shaving.

Shaving across the grain with a straight razor

Shaving soaps work with all

Razor Types

While often associated with traditional shaving methods, like straight-razor shaving or double-edged razor shaving, shaving soap can undoubtedly be used when shaving with a cartridge razor. A quality shaving soap will drastically improve your experience of shaving and work in conjunction with a quality razor blade of any type to give you the most comfortable and close shave.

Master shaving with a double-edged razor!

The Benefits of Shaving Soaps

Functioning similarly to a lather, shaving soap offers three primary benefits.

Kyle is the Gentleman's Gazette resident facial hair expert.

Permeates Hairs

The lather from shaving soap is dense and rich, permeating facial hairs and causing each follicle to soften and lift away from the skin. This allows for a closer and more comfortable shave with fewer knicks, cuts, or razor burns.

Finishing a first pass with a straight razor with the grain of the hair growth

Protects Your Skin

Because of their high content of fats, shaving soaps lay down an ultra-thin protective layer over the skin. This layer helps the razor blade glide more smoothly over the skin while lubricating it and thereby reducing irritation.

Kyle applies moisturizer to his hands

Restores Moisture

Most shaving soaps are filled with emollients and nourishing oils that leave your skin feeling moisturized and super soft. Because the process of shaving can dry out your skin due to the razor blade essentially scraping away your natural oils, shaving soaps help to restore the natural protective layers on your face.

A Brief History of Shaving Soaps

19th century depiction of a man being shaved by a barber
Shaving soaps have always been an integral part of the modern shaving ritual. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Men have likely been using some kind of soap or a similar product to aid in shaving for essentially as long as they have been shaving. Prior to the specialized formulation of dedicated shaving soaps, however, men often used a regular cleansing soap when shaving: it would provide some kind of protective barrier for the skin and ensure that the facial hairs were plump and elevated.

Mosaic depicting a Sumerian king

The history of the world’s

Oldest Soap

The oldest known soap recipe in the world is about 5,000 years old and was developed by the ancient Sumerians. Consisting largely of oil and ash, this formula emphasizes the fact that the principles of soap manufacturing have remained essentially the same for millennia: oils and fats are boiled with alkalis, like sodium or potassium hydroxides, to create the base, to which fragrances, usually in the form of aromatic oils, are added.

The first references to specialty soaps designed specifically for shaving appeared in the 14th century. Many soaps during this time were made from rendered animal fat, also known as tallow, or olive oil, and it was eventually recognized that soaps with higher concentrations of fat worked best when used for shaving.

A photograph of James Joyce

“Stately, plump Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed”

James Joyce

As modern shaving methods developed and were codified in the late 17th century, shaving soaps assumed a standardized form, usually that of a small, round puck. If intended to be used with a shaving mug, these pucks would have a flat bottom, while rounded bottoms appeared on shaving soaps intended to be used with a shaving scuttle, a special mug with a spout for holding and retaining hot water.

Shaving soaps were a fixture in men’s shaving routines until the middle of the 20th century, when canned shaving creams rose to prominence and eventually became ubiquitous. To this day, however, shaving soaps remain in high esteem with shavers who savor the traditional aspect of the wet shaving experience and with men who appreciate having a bit more control over one of the most important products used in a shaving regimen.

Photo of the Interior of an American barber shop c 1920 Image Credit Wikimedia
Shaving soaps were still being used in barber shops, like this one in c. 1920 Richardson, Texas, through the 20th century. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Distinguishing Shaving Soaps from Shaving Creams

Based on their formulation and ingredients, most shaving soaps have a higher concentration of moisturizers and other elements that contribute to a pleasant shave than canned shaving creams do. This is only because, however, shaving soaps tend to be designed to higher standards than most shaving creams, as shaving soaps are intentionally marketed to a more discerning audience.

The fact of the matter is that high-quality shaving creams are functionally almost exactly the same as quality shaving soaps, delivering the same degree of comfort and closeness.

Find the best shaving creams!

High-quality examples of both products differ in essentially two ways: the time and effort needed to achieve a superior lather and overall cost.

The Benefit of Shaving CreamThe Benefit of Shaving Soap
Because they have already been mixed with water and exist in a natural lather state, shaving creams are more efficient than shaving soaps: there is no need to work up a lather as the cream is already lathered and simply needs to be applied to the face. When you are short on time, traveling away from your usual toilette kit, or just don’t feel like going through the ritual of a full shave, a quality shaving cream can offer a great lather.Because they are pre-lathered, cans of shaving cream consist primarily of air, while bars of shaving soap are highly concentrated and offer considerably more real product than is found in a can of shaving cream. Quality shaving soap can last for six months or longer with daily use, while most shaving creams have sufficient lather for about two months. Therefore, shaving soaps offer a superior ratio of cost-per-shave, or how much money you are actually expending per shave.
Logo of the TSA featuring an eagle

Shaving soaps are

TSA Approved

Traveling with shaving cream cans through an airport can be a hassle because many security agencies limit the volume of aerosols that can be stowed in a carry-on bag. Currently, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits aerosolized creams to less than or equal to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Conversely, there is no limit placed on hard, dry shaving soaps.

The Characteristics of a Quality Shaving Soap

The Best Shaving Soaps Encourage the Best Possible Shaves

Shaving Mug
A great shave starts with a great shaving soap!

When considering what makes a quality shaving soap, it is important to recall what the function of shaving soap is. It should act as lubrication between your skin and the sharp blade, in combination with water and heat, to soften the hair and protect the skin.

The fact that shaving soap can help to clean the skin or that it has a pleasant and enjoyable fragrance is technically just a bonus! Therefore, it is most important for you to keep the following facts in mind when shopping for shaving soap.

High Fats and Glycerins Improve the Shave Experience

The best quality shaving soaps contain a high level of fat, usually derived from animals or vegetables, and glycerin.

FatGlycerin
The fat content in shaving soap is essential because it provides the necessary lubrication and protection for the skin during the shaving process so that the blade glides over the surface of the skin without irritating or nicking it. Glycerin is a special compound extracted, ideally, from vegetable oil, although synthetic examples also exist. It is a humectant, meaning that it possesses special properties to lock in water and hydrate the skin. Glycerin is also an efficient emollient because it softens the beard and leaves the skin smooth and moisturized while creating a barrier between the blade and your skin.

The higher the fat and glycerin levels in the shaving soap, the better the lather in most cases. Ideally, the soap should have a fat content of at least 30 to 50 percent, although it can be hard to determine based on the label alone as ingredients lack percentages and are listed by their chemical names. The best indication of high fat and glycerin content is a rich lather that coats the skin thickly and lubricates effectively without requiring pressure; your skin should also feel soft and moisturized after shaving and not tight or dry. 

Aside from reading reviews and seeking out tested and recommended products, like those discussed later in this guide, experimentation is usually the only way to test the fat and glycerin levels of soap.

Williams Mug Shaving Soap for as low as $1 per soap bar

The best shaving soaps will be

Milled

Milling refers to a process by which soaps are treated, usually through the application of pressure, to thoroughly blend ingredients while forcing out excess air and water. The common appellation “triple-milled” means that soap has undergone this process three times. Doing so increases the profuseness of the lather and produces very creamy foam.

Privilege Quality and Natural Ingredients

Popular fragrance ingredients on display in Palazoo Mocenigo in Venice Italy.
Although they often cost more, investing in quality natural ingredients usually pays superior dividends.

In many aspects of menswear, relying on natural products is a safe bet, and this is especially true when it comes to personal hygiene. Synthetic ingredients are usually favored by manufacturers because they are cheaper and easier to source and not because they offer superior results; in addition to potential chemical undertones, many synthetic ingredients are more likely to dry out your skin.

Natural ingredients, on the other hand, usually provide superior results with fewer issues and have the added benefit of not requiring special manufacturing that often unnecessarily harms the environment.

If possible, seek out shaving soaps that take advantage of natural products. Shea butter and lanolin, for instance, are both natural moisturizers, while coconut oil and almond oil can soothe the skin and balance natural oil production. You should also avoid products that include superfluous synthetic ingredients like artificial colors through dyes.

Price Can Serve as a Guideline When Making Your Selection

Shaving Products Group
Grooming products can be expensive, so make sure that you spend your money wisely!

Price and quality are not always correlated in the shaving product world, but it can be a rough indicator of quality, especially if the low pricing of a product seems too good to be true.

Bargain bin shaving soap brands cost less because they are usually nothing more than regular bath soap disguised as a specialty shaving soap: they offer little to no protection and can even cause significant irritation when used for shaving because they were not formulated for that particular task.

Conversely, some retailers take advantage of the assumption that all shaving soaps are innately high quality to charge over-inflated prices for products that do not justify the increased cost. This tactic is especially common among designer and name-brand labels attempting to cultivate a luxurious or high-end appearance.

Regarding price, you should not be afraid to pay a little extra upfront for a product that you enjoy and that offers good longevity. After all, a good quality soap that costs $25 may last you for half a year, which comes down to cents per shave and represents a superior value to a cheaper product that only lasts a month or two.

See our favorite grooming products!

Rely on Trusted and Well-Reviewed Brands, Not Just Famous Brands

Klar Shaving Soap since 1840

For a luxurious shave direct from Germany

Klar Shaving Soap

Travel Size Proraso Shaving Soap

A standard straight from Italy

Proraso Shaving Soap

Geo F Trumper's Almond Shaving Soap

The gift of a fine English shave

Geo F. Trumper Shaving Soap

When it comes to shaving soap, you will find it easier to narrow down and source quality products if you limit yourself to reputable brands. This does not necessarily mean Gillette or any of the products you’ll find at your local drugstore: name recognition and market saturation does not always indicate a superior product.

Instead, seek out brands that are known primarily for making shaving products, have been around for years, have loyal followings, don’t rely on flashy marketing and claims, and have excellent reviews about the performance of their products. Essentially, these brands have a reputation to maintain and can therefore be safely considered reputable.

Choose a Scent That You Enjoy

Raphael knew that he would be wearing this cologne, which is not an experience he had with other colognes.
Great smells make everything, including shaving, more enjoyable!

Shaving products, and hygiene products in general, are often associated with pleasing smells. Therefore, for many men, the scent of shaving soap is very important.

Many smells associated with shaving soaps are derived from common shaving soap ingredients, like almond, eucalyptus, rose, and lemon. Other smells are generally associated with “smelling clean,” like mint, lavender, menthol, or clove. Finally, some smells are simply considered enjoyable and masculine, like sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, musk, or patchouli.

Keep in mind that the scent of your shaving soap will not linger for long, as the soap is washed off after the shave. Therefore, you do not need to worry about scent confusion between your shaving soap and other products like an aftershave or cologne. Therefore, when selecting a scent for shaving soap, opt for something that you enjoy, as you are likely the only person who will be smelling it.

Looking for a new fragrance?

Preston shaving his neck with a DE razor

For men with

Sensitive Skin

Most quality shaving soaps are formulated in such a way as to be safe for men with all skin types, including sensitive skin. In general, however, you should avoid shaving soaps with any added fragrances or scents, as they are more likely to cause sensitivity or irritation. If you do find that you are suffering from sensitivity issues, discontinue the use of that particular shaving soap and seek out products specifically designed for those with sensitive skin.

How to Use Shaving Soap

Getting an Old School Shave
Get the benefits of an Old School Shave … at home!

Traditional shaving soaps are worked into a lather, or “bloomed,” by placing the soap into a shaving scuttle, mug, shaving bowl, dish, or jar, adding water, and agitating the soap and water with a shaving brush until a thick lather is formed.

What distinguishes cheap from expensive shaving brushes?

Some shaving soaps also come in a stick form that is wetted and applied directly to the face, and you can always use your hand and water to work up a lather if necessary.

Follow these steps to work up the perfect foamy lather every time!

Step-By-Step Shaving Soap Instructions

1
The brush construction is the second most important consideration you should have when buying a brush

Wet your brush.

You can do this by running the brusher under running hot water or filling up your sink with hot water and leaving the brush in the water for at least a minute. We prefer using a natural-hair brush, like badger, because it is inherently soft and retains water like a sponge.

2
Aside from the handle, make sure to also pay attention to the bristle material as well.

Make sure the brush bristles have soaked up the hot water.

It is essential to retain the moisture in the brush so that it gets directly to your face to soften your beard hairs and open pores. Therefore, do not tap too much excess water off the brush.

3
Lathering shave product with a brush and bowl

Lather up.

Lather up the soap using circular motions directly in the container. At first, the bubbles that appear in the lathering soap will appear overly large, but as you keep going, they will increase in number and become smaller and smaller until you can barely see them at all. After about 25 seconds, you should have achieved a thick, warm lather.

4
Applying lather to the face with a brush in a circular motion

Apply the lather.

Massage the warm lather with the soaped brush evenly across your face in circular motions. This will also increase the density of the lather, soften your whiskers, and allow them to stand up, so that the razor sits close to the base of the hair follicle. The longer you whisk, the richer the lather, the smoother the shave, and the more your skin will be protected.

5
SRS shaving his facial hair

Re-lather if necessary.

Adding a touch more hot water will normally provide re-lathering for second or third passes, if required, without using more soap.

6
Sven Raphael Schneider prepping for a nice shave

Finish your shaving ritual.

After you are done shaving, empty excess water from the soap container and leave it open so it can air-dry.

Shaving Soap Guide FAQ

What is shaving soap?

Shaving soap is a soap specially formulated to improve the closeness and comfort of shaving. It has a high fat and glycerin content and is usually shaped into the form of a small puck, although stick varieties also exist. It serves the same function as shaving cream.

Do I actually need to use a shaving soap?

In general, we strongly recommend that you use some kind of lather, either shaving cream or shaving soap, every time that you shave. This will reduce irritation and provide a better shaving experience. Whether or not you choose shaving soap over shaving cream is a matter of personal choice, although we generally prefer shaving soap.

Is shaving soap superior to shaving cream?

While we generally prefer shaving soap, it is not intrinsically superior to shaving cream. When made to similar quality standards, shaving cream and shaving soap both offer an exceptional shaving experience. Shaving cream, however, tends to be easier and more convenient to use, while shaving soap offers a superior value in regards to cost-per-shave; it also tends to have superior moisturizing capabilities, although this varies based on formulation.

Can I shave with regular soap?

While you can shave with regular soap, we do not generally recommend it unless you have no other choice. Regular soaps do not have the higher fat and glycerin content necessary to ensure the best possible shaving experience. Also, if choosing between using a regular soap or a shaving cream for shaving, you should always use the shaving cream.

Do I need any special tools or products to use shaving soap?

In addition to your razor, you should also use a shaving scuttle or shaving mug and a shaving brush when using shaving soap. The water is mixed with the soap in the scuttle or mug, and the brush helps to build up the lather and apply it to your face. If necessary, you can also carry this process out with just your hands and water, and some shaving soaps, usually sold in stick form, are designed to be used this way.

What are the best shaving soaps?

Our three favorite shaving soaps are Edwin Jagger Lime & Pomegranate Shaving Soap, D.R. Harris Lavender Shave Soap, and Col. Ichabod Conk Rio Grande Lavender Soap. Learn why in our analysis below, where you can also find additional recommendations.

What are common shaving soap fragrances?

Shaving soaps come in a variety of scents, including almond, eucalyptus, rose, lemon, mint, lavender, bay rum, clove, nutmeg, sandalwood, cedar, pine, vanilla, musk, and patchouli.


Which shaving soap is best for men with sensitive skin?

Most shaving soaps are perfectly safe for men of all skin types. If you are prone to sensitive skin, you should generally avoid shaving soaps with added scents or fragrances, as they can often trigger dryness. If you do encounter sensitivity issues when using shaving soap, discontinue the use of the soap and seek out brands formulated for men with sensitive skin.

Can shaving soaps or creams cause acne?

Depending on your skin type, shaving soap could either stimulate excess oil production or exacerbate dry skin, both of which can lead to breakouts. If this occurs, consider seeking out a shaving soap that harmonizes better with your skin type. Also, if you do not adequately wash the shaving soap from your face, it can clog your pores, increasing the risk of acne and blemishes. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly flush your face after shaving to ensure that nothing is left behind in your pores.

While working on our shaving information magnum opus, The Shaving Guide, we had the opportunity to directly test and analyze over 150 shaving products, including many shaving soaps. The following three items are among our best-rated and highly-reviewed products, so you can enjoy them without hesitation!

Edwin Jagger Limes & Pomegranate Shave Soap

Edwin Jagger Lime & Pomegranate Shaving Soap

Rich and luxurious, this is our top pick for shave soaps. It lathers easily with a high-quality shave brush and has a fresh citrus scent. Perfect for use with a double-edged or straight razor.

Available Here!

DR Harris Lavender Shaving Soap in Wooden Shave Bowl

D.R. Harris Lavender Shave Soap

Well crafted with a lovely aroma, we enjoyed all the products we’ve tried from D.R. Harris. Truly a magnificent brand, we enjoyed the consistency of the product line but also liked the subtlety of the fragrances. For men who enjoy a softer, more elegant fragrance in a high-quality shave soap, this is a great pick for you.

Available Here!

Col. Ichabod Conk Shave Soap

Col. Ichabod Conk Rio Grande Lavender Natural Shave Soap

One thing that Col. Ichabod Conk did well is stretch the imagination. They moved away from the standard smells and adopted a unique approach to distinct scents. We really enjoyed these aromas, despite them smelling slightly synthetic upon very close inspection. They’re not too overpowering, but they will get noticed by those around you. This shave soap lathered fairly well, but we found we it was quick to dilute and needed about ten extra seconds of lathering with a brush.

Available Here!

Even More Shaving Soaps for Your Consideration

To provide you with all of the information that you need to make an informed decision when selecting a beard soap, we have provided the following table that details thirty shaving soap brands, their prices, nations of origin, and our unbiased, not-sponsored assessments of each of them.

We have endeavored to provide options at a variety of price points, and this list is arranged in ascending order based on cost.

BrandPriceWeightPrice per Ounce / 30 GramsRating 0 to 5Country of Origin
Williams$1.5050 grams / 1.75 ounces$0.863USA
Arko$2.4075 grams / 2.65 ounces$0.954Turkey
Speick$5.50481 grams / 1.7 ounces$3.235Germany
La Toja$7.5050 grams / 1.75 ounces$4.284.5Spains
Musgo Real$8.00164 grams / 5.8 ounces$1.385Portugal
Crabtree & Evelyn$9.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$2.574UK
Edwin Jagger$9.0065 grams / 2.3 ounces$3.915UK
RazoRock$10.00119 grams / 4.2 ounces$2.384Canada
Wilkinson$11.00125 grams / 4.4 ounces$2.502UK
The Men’s Soap Shop$12.95100 grams / 3.5 ounces$3.704USA
Taylor of Old Bond Street$13.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$3.714.5UK
Valobra$15.00150 grams / 5.3 ounces$2.834Italy
Tabac$15.00125 grams / 4.4 ounces$3.404.5Germany
Institut Karite$15.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces
$4.28
3France
D.R. Harris$15.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$4.305UK
Golddachs$15.0060 grams / 2.3 ounces$6.524.5Germany
Caswell-Massey$16.0094 grams / 3.3 ounces$4.853USA
Geo F. Trumper$16.0080 grams / 2.8 ounces$5.715UK
Scottish Fine Soaps$21.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$6.005UK
Kent$23.00120 grams / 4.2 ounces$5.483.5UK
Acca Kappa$24.00150 grams / 5.3 ounces$4.804Italy
eShave$25.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$7.144.5USA
Truefitt & Hill$26.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$7.435UK
Klar$28.00110 grams / 3.9 ounces$7.185Germany
Penhaligans$30.00100 grams / 3.5 ounces$8.575UK
The Art Of Shaving$30.0094 grams / 3.3 ounces$9.095USA
Cella$37.001000 grams / 35 ounces$1.064.5Italy
Czech & Speake$38.0090 grams / 3.2 ounces$11.885UK
Mühle
$38.25
65 grams / 2.3 ounces$2.394Germany
Floris London
$46.00
100 grams / 3.5 ounces$13.145UK

Conclusion

Preston shaving his cheeks with a DE razor
Which shaving soap do you think is Preston’s favorite?

Shaving is a ritual that involves products, tools, techniques, and knowledge to create a smooth, closely-shaven face. We hope that by better understanding how shave soaps function as part of your shaving ritual, you will be able to achieve the best shave possible. And if you need a little help …

Let us know in the comments: what are your favorite shaving soaps?

Reader Comments

  1. Wet-shaving is great. I have loved it ever since I discovered it a few years back. I use the Proraso Shave Soap and I love it. It’s a fantastic product. I’m trying to get all my friends to convert to this method of shaving. I don’t know why we ever left this for the cheap plastic replacement.

    Thanks for another great article! Cheers!

  2. As an almost exclusive straight-razor shaver (safety razor on a busy day), I really enjoy shaving soaps and while I do use a cream as well, I find that the soap lasts that much longer. Currently, I use Truefitt & Hill shave soap and Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving cream. I’m very happy with both products and for anyone using the bargain-basement brands, I would highly recommend upgrading, regardless of what type of razor you use. You will really notice a difference. Just remember not to buy soap unless you have a brush to apply it with.

  3. Yeah, Alex, I like the l’Occitane too. Always great.

    For now sticking to my sandalwood Taylor of Old Bond Street soap though (next to the Oscar shaving cream that I sometimes use as well). I like it!

    Happy shaving!
    Martijn

  4. Thank you for this incredibly useful article. I would like to recommend that any readers steer AWAY from trying Williams brand shaving soap. I have used Williams for a few years now, as it is the only shaving soap stocked at my local supermarket, and I have found the lather it produces to be very poor. I was in fact surprised to see it rated as highly as a “3” on your chart! Rather than let my negative experience with a single brand put me off of shaving soaps altogether, however, I will use the resources you have provided here to try different brands until I find one to my liking.

  5. Greetings Mr. Schneider,
    I enjoyed this informative article on shaving soaps ( as equally as well as I did the one on shaving creams) my preference however is shaving soaps in addition after reading your information and viewing the videos I’ve been able to learn more about the preparation of shaving soap I know this will certainly enhance my shaving experience.

    Best Regards,

    P J Weatherby

  6. There is an inexpensive and little considered alternative to traditional shaving soaps, and that is Dove brand soap. It is formulated to be very gentle and its composition includes 25% moisturizers. It lathers well and the moisturizing cream in it makes for a smooth shave that won’t dry the skin. In fact, Dove is the soap most pediatricians recommend for newborn babies, which speaks to its gentleness.

    The only drawbacks are that it has not the cachet of manliness of shaving soaps and its oval shape does not sit that well in a mug. But it does give a smooth and gentle shave.

    But be sure to get the un-fragranced version, unless you want to smell like a maiden aunt.

  7. Funny coincidence! Just one day before you published this article I was in London and at Penhaligon’s in Burlington Arcade I’ve bought their shaving soap in wooden box.
    Despite my young age I prefere to use shaving soap, well my grandfather was a barber in his young age and I’ve learned some “tricks”, after this moment in My closet there’s no more foam

    Regards

    C. Cannizzaro

  8. Great advice, as usual. My main reason for using soap bars instead of liquid shaving creams is also that I can easily carry them as hand luggage when traveling. And usually they are more natural, without all that Sodium Lauryl Sulfath that just dries your skin…

    1. Good point. SLS is also supposed to cause cancer, but then again, what doesn’t…

  9. I’ve used quite a few of the above mentioned brands. Especially the British ones. When ever I visit London I buy a few from whatever shop I happen to pass. Geo Trumper if I’m on Jermyn looking for new shoes and shirts, or Regent street, Penhaligon. However, I have a hack to shaving that while it sounds complicated, results in my razor blades lasting atleast 6 months. I actully find I can’t remember when i last changed it or bought a new batch.
    First I do my shaving in the shower at the end of the shower.
    When I apply shampoo, I put some on the beard
    When I apply conditioner, I put some on the beard.
    When I rinse, I rinse the hell out of my beard. So in essence, my beard has stayed wet and lathered for the duration of the shower, without actually adding time to my routine.
    It then foam up the mug/bowl in the shower , apply , wait a few and shave.
    I wave the water out of the brush, blow off the razor and it sits on a shelf up high to dry.
    Moisterizer is applied after drying off a bit at the sink.. I am of Greek origin and have a heavy beard, No pseudo folectilitis barbe or any other problems.

  10. I’ve been using shaving soap from “Stirling Soap Company” in Arkansas for about six months, and have found the lather is comparable to the more expensive imported brands, with the added feature of a wide variety of scents (I’m currently using bergamot-lavender (they also have unscented soap available). The list of ingredients is:

    Beef Tallow, Stearic Acid, Distilled Water, Castor Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Vegetable Glycerin, Essential Oil, Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Milk, Lanolin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate

  11. I have been using a safety razor and shave soap for many many years. I am a fan of Williams, partly because it is easy to find in my area and it makes a nice lather. I will look for some of the others to try now. But I don’t imagine I will try the most expensive ones, I just can’t justify it. One thing mentioned in the article and in the shaving guide that I just need to reinforce. For years I used a cheap shave brush-I don’t even know what the bristles were made of-and I used a lower quality razor as well. A year or so ago I treated myself to an upgrade to a badger brush and a higher quality razor with a longer handle. IT was a great experience. I wish I had done it a long time ago.

  12. My favourite is the Proraso, although, I didn’t try too many others. The cheap Wilkinson stick is good too, and I have a handmaid soap made by a Hungarian soapmaker.

  13. I make my own soap mainly because store bought soap discs don’t fit into my mugs. There is a very good website with recipes for shaving soap. There are only a few ingredients. Soap base, bentonite clay, glycerin and fragrance. You can use your favorite cologne or aftershave. All available on the worldwide web. The soap base melts in a microwave. You mix up your recipe and pour directly into your mug. Perfect fit.

  14. I’m very happy with both products and for anyone using the bargain-basement brands, I would highly recommend upgrading, regardless of what type of razor you use. You will really notice a difference. Just remember not to buy soap unless you have a brush to apply it with.

  15. I have tried many soaps, creams and gels over the last sixty years, but I switched to ARKO shaving soap recently and do not think I will be switching back to anything else. A great lather, pleasantly scented without being overpowering and excellent value for money.

Comments are closed.