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Long before electric razors and disposable razors were a thing, there was the art of wet shaving. A traditional way of shaving, wet shaving is done with the use of a safety razor, a shaving soap, and a brush.
Generally speaking, a nice, slick, and close shave is achieved when you have all of the things you need on point, aka, a good safety razor, a shaving soap that provides a thick, generous lather, and a fine brush to get the job done. However, some may need more than that.
Men with sensitive skin cannot just use the usual shaving soap as they are prone to nicks, bumps, and irritation. Luckily, there are shaving soaps that are specially formulated for broons with sensitive skin.
And if you happen to be one of those guys, then look no further as we have gathered up ten of the best shaving soaps for sensitive skin.
Here is the List of 10 Best Shaving Soaps for Sensitive Skin:
- The Art of Shaving Soap
- Mitchell’s Wool Shave Soap
- Men’s Soap Company Shave Soap
- Proraso Shaving Soap
- Taylor of Old Bond Street
- Himalaya Shaving Soap
- Shaving Soap by Sir Hare
- Van Der Hagen Glycerin Shave Soap
- Bull and Bell Amber Shaving Soap
- Colonel Conk Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Here Are 10 of the Best Shaving Soaps for Sensitive Skin!
01. The Art of Shaving Soap
Founded in 1996, the brand is known to have been passionately crafting quality shaving products that are formulated using essential oils and botanical ingredients.
This particular product is a shaving cream that hails from the manufacturer’s sandalwood collection. This shaving cream features an expert formula that creates a smooth, thick, and rich lather that generally acts as a cushion and protection between the skin and the blade when shaving. That said, The Art of Shaving, Shaving Cream – Sandalwood works well in preventing shaving nicks and razor burns, all while leaving the skin soft, smooth, and moisturized.
What we liked best about it:
- A little goes a long way! A tub of this shaving cream will last you longer than the cheaper ones.
- It has all-natural ingredients that leave the skin soft, moisturized, and healthy.
- Very pleasant and relaxing sandalwood scent.
- Lathers up very well, even without the use of a brush.
- Free from synthetic dyes and alcohol.
- Has high glycerin and coconut acid concentration which protects that skin during shaving.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It’s quite pricey compared to other shaving soaps and creams which can do the job just as well.
- The formula may have changed and has gotten a little watery over the years.
02. Mitchell’s Wool Shave Soap
The very first Mitchell’s wool fat soap was produced in the 1930s by chemist Bradford Mitchell, hence its brand name. This brand specifically takes pride in using the natural lanolin content of wool fat, which keeps the skin soft, moisturized. It’s also very delicate on sensitive skin.
Among Mitchell’s famous soaps is the Wool Fat Shave Soap. The lanolin content of this soap makes it one of the best shaving soaps in the market today. This rich formulation keeps the skin protected during shaving. This shaving soap is very easy to use and lathers up very well. Post-shaving, Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Soap leaves the skin fresh, smooth, and moisturized.
What we liked best about it:
- It has natural lanolin content, which is a game-changer in shaving soaps as it provides moisture in an entirely different level versus other ingredients.
- Builds up lather very well.
- Very mild and pleasant scent, nothing too overpowering and it’s very relaxing.
- Great value for money.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It can be very pricey, especially when bought a ceramic soap dish.
- Lather may dissipate very quickly and reapplication may be necessary.
03. Men’s Soap Company Shave Soap
Premium Pick
Men’s Soap Company is another brand that manufactures shaving essentials for men of all ages. Among its most popular product is their very own Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Shave Soap for Men.
Formulated with all-natural ingredients, Men’s Company Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Shave Soap is vegan-friendly, free from toxins, parabens, artificial dyes, and other chemicals that can be harsh to your skin. These all-natural ingredients keep the skin feeling buttery smooth and moisturized. Moreover, this shave soap for men has a very subtle Himalaya scent that is mild, relaxing, and not too overpowering.
What we liked best about it:
- It has all-natural ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.
- Subtle Himalaya scent that is earthy, mild, and relaxing.
- Builds up lather very well.
- Thick and rich lather encourages a very slick shaving experience.
- Shea butter and glycerine base that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth post-shaving.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Lather buildup may not be rich enough for those with thick beards.
- The soap itself doesn’t last very long.
- A little bit pricey.
04. Proraso Shaving Soap
Best value and Best Choice
If you aren’t new to the art of wet shaving, then perhaps you have heard about Proraso! It’s a leading brand in manufacturing shaving essentials for men. This shaving giant was first founded in 1908 and has been providing shaving needs for men of all ages since then.
Proraso Shaving Soap in a bowl is a refreshing and toning lathering shaving soap for men. It contains eucalyptus oil that tones and purifies both the facial hair and skin, while menthol provides that refreshing and revitalizing feeling. Additionally, this shave soap is made following the traditional “hot soap” making process, resulting in a concentrated, rich soap that builds up an amazing lather.
What we liked best about it:
- Has a very nice and refreshing cooling sensation from the menthol.
- Builds up lather very well.
- Very cushiony and soft lather.
- Offers a decent and slick shave.
- Great skin protection from the lather.
- Good value for money.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Lather leaves a thin and flimsy white residue on the safety razor.
- Takes a while to build up a lather.
05. Taylor of Old Bond Street
Taylor of Old Bond Street is a well-recognized manufacturer of shaving essentials which was first established in 1854. Hailing from the United Kingdom, this brand of shaving essentials provides some of the best value shaving soaps in the market today.
One of their most popular products is the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream. Its thick, soft, and creamy consistency prepares and moisturizes the skin prior to shaving. With hints of a light fragrance of sandalwood, it offers a pleasurable shaving experience too! Luxurious and masculine, this shaving cream creates a unique, smooth, and creamy lather for that gentle yet close shave.
What we liked best about it:
- A little goes a long way- a tub of this shaving cream will last longer than the competition.
- Builds up a thick and creamy lather that whips up very quickly.
- Creates a thick, soft, and moist lather.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It has a very strong smell that can be overpowering for some shavers.
- The moisture from the lather doesn’t last long. A thick and sticky residue can get stuck in the blades.
- A little bit on the pricey side
06. Himalaya Shaving Soap
This brand is yet another leading manufacturer of shaving products which are all made and produced in the United States.
This shave soap is enriched with extracts that provide comfort during shaving and keeps skin moisturized. A semi-hard shaving soap for men, it creates a rich and creamy lather that conditions your beard for a smooth and close shave experience. Additionally, the shea butter extract from the soap moisturizes and revitalizes dull and dry skin.
What we liked best about it:
- Long lasting! A single soap can last anywhere between three to six months.
- Rich and creamy lather that’s very thick and builds up very well.
- The combination of shea butter and coconut oil, which are both very moisturizing to the skin.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- A little pricey for a single soap.
- Lather build up does not last very long, and a few reapplications may be required.
- Has very little to no scent.
07. Shaving Soap by Sir Hare
Sir Hare is a family-owned business that was first established in 2015. What started as a single shaving product has now expanded into a plethora of shaving and grooming essentials for men of all ages!
Among their most popular products in the Premium Shaving Soap by Sir Hare. A tallow-based soap, this product by Sir Hare creates a thick and protective lather that lubricates the razor for an overall smooth and irritation-free shaving experience. This four-ounce shaving soap is very convenient to use that you don’t even need a shaving dish! Moreover, the Premium Shaving Soap by Sir Hare is hand- poured in the United States and is suitable for all skin types.
What we liked best about it:
- It’s long lasting! A single soap can last for more than 100 shaves.
- Comes in an eight-ounce container that can double as a shaving bowl.
- Light, fresh, crisp, and clean barber scent.
- Has all-natural ingredients.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Not very slick.
- Lather takes time to build up.
- A little bit on the pricey side.
08. Van Der Hagen Glycerin Shave Soap
This known brand manufactures a wide range of shaving products. The brand is all about bringing innovative ways to the art of wet shaving. It’s indeed “designed for those who shave for success” (tagline of the brand).
One of their top products is the Van Der Hagen Glycerin Shave Soap. It’s enriched with Vitamin E, and oat extract, that can protect the skin from razor burn. Moreover, this shave soap makes an excellent companion for wet shaving enthusiasts. This soap builds up a nice, thick and creamy lather that leaves the skin feeling soft, healthy, and smooth after shaving.
What we liked best about it:
- It has hypoallergenic, moisturizing ingredients that overall moisturizes and leaves the skin feeling soft and healthy.
- Creates a nice, thick, and creamy lather.
- Very mild and gentle to the skin, fits perfectly for those with sensitive skin.
- It has a pleasant and light fragrance, making it one of the best smelling shave soaps for men in the market today!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- This specific shave soap doesn’t last that long compared to the competition.
- It contains propylene glycol which can be harmful to your system in the long run.
- A little bit on the pricey side.
09. Bull and Bell Amber Shaving Soap
Bull and Bell Premium Supply Co. was established back in 2015, in New Hampshire. A small company that manufactures handcrafted shaving essentials, Bull and Bell is focused on releasing shaving soaps and related products that can give every man an amazing close shaving experience.
The Bull and Bell Amber Sandalwood Shaving Soap is among their most sought-after products. This shaving soap is formulated with a blend of sandalwood and touches of oriental flowers, neroli, and musk. Handmade by soap artisans, this shave soap contains mango butter which moisturizes the skin and is perfect for those who are prone to skin irritations. Each soap weighs at a full four ounces and is guaranteed to give you only the slickest and smoothest shaving experience.
What we liked best about it:
- Builds up lather very well.
- Creates a rich, thick and soothing lather that encourages a close shave.
- Has moisturizing ingredients that are very gentle to the skin.
- Has a light fragrant blend of scents that aren’t overpowering.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Lather may not be rich enough for those with thicker beards.
- Has the consistency of a paste instead of a semi-hard soap.
- Lather build up doesn’t last very long.
- A little bit on the pricey side.
10. Colonel Conk Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Colonel Conk shaving products have been around in the last 150 years, providing excellent shaving experiences to men of all ages. Moreover, this brand is among the biggest manufacturers of glycerin-based shaving soaps that aren’t just unique. It can also make your shaving experience a more pleasurable one!
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Colonel Conk Bay Rum Shaving soap is a semi-hard shaving soap for men that are generally sold in a pack of three’s (it’s way cheaper than the single pack!) Glycerin-based, this shaving soap offers a different feel on shaving. It gathers up into a very thick and rich lather upon building up using a shaving brush.
What we liked best about it:
- Sold in packs of three’s, with each shaving soap lasting for four months.
- Good value for money.
- Lathers up very well.
- Vitamin E and avocado oil extracts make it extra moisturizing and protective to the skin.
- Great bay rum scent– nothing too overpowering.
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- The lather tends to be weak, and a few reapplications may be needed.
- Ingredients on the soap are not fully disclosed.
Dos, Don’ts and Everything Else You Need to Know to Make the Most Out of Your Shaving Soap
Perhaps you’re new to the wet shaving game. Or maybe there’s just something about traditional shaving that makes you want to give it a go. Whatever your reasons are, we’re here to make your shaving experience a more luxurious one!
And how you can make the most out of your recently purchased shaving soap?
Read on to find out!
Shaving Soaps: What You Need to Know
While the type of safety razor used is a huge factor in determining the quality of the shave, your shaving soap is also an important chess piece. Generally speaking, the smoothness and slickness of the shave are quite dependent on the type of soap that you’re using.
Shaving Soaps Come in Three Different Types:
Hard shaving soap
- This type of shaving soap generally comes in tins and tubs, is hard to the touch, and requires blooming for a few minutes before building up a lather.
Soft shaving soap
- This type of shaving soap is noticeably softer compared to the traditional hard shaving soap, and it’s quite easy to lather.
Shaving cream
- This type of shaving soap is readily frothy. It lathers up very quickly, and lasts longer, allowing for multiple passes without the need for reapplication.
Purchasing a Shaving Soap: The Quality Is Very Important
In a world full of three-dollar shaving soaps and creams, you’re probably wondering why it’s of utmost importance to find a shaving soap that’s high in quality. Generally speaking, high-quality shaving soaps are comparably pricier but they also get the job far better than the cheaper ones sold in the market.
The quality of the shaving soap you use is crucial to your shave, remember that. A lousy shaving soap will most likely produce a lousy shave, as well.
Additionally, a good shaving soap will do wonders to your face and your overall shaving experience, just as much as the right safety razor would. It’s a tandem that can never be beaten when it comes to the art of wet shaving.
Shave Soap Vs Cream: What’s The Difference?
Whether you should opt for shaving soap or shaving cream, it’s totally dependent on your needs and personal preferences. If you’re new to the wet shaving game, it can be quite difficult to make the pick just yet.
So, in this section, we will further give you a better understanding of both shaving soaps and creams.
Typically, traditional wet shaving calls for shaving soap. Just like traditional shaving, shaving soaps have been around for hundreds of years getting the job done. Simple.
Shaving cream, on the other hand, is the modern version of the usual traditional shaving soap. It is aimed to speed up the process of shaving a little bit, particularly adding up to the convenience.
A closer look at shaving soaps
Long before the development of shaving creams, shaving soaps has been helping every man out there get that clean-shaven look. Shaving soaps are glycerin and/or animal fat-based which provides a great layer of protection and lube to the skin during shaving.
And while it may take more effort to build lather off of shaving soap, then lather it produces is more stable and fluffier. Also, shaving soaps have very light, fragrant smell that doesn’t adhere to the skin long.
Need more reasons to opt for shaving soaps? It allows you to have total control of the lather you build! Unlike shaving creams, you can create a lather in any way you want!
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Shaving soaps are also more cost-effective as they don’t require frequent replacement. A single purchase may last you many, many shaves.
Lastly, a good shaving soap will give you the real experience on the traditional method of shaving. There’s just something about that process that gives shaving an entirely different feel.
Two types to choose from:
Glycerin
- This type of shaving soap contains a high concentration of glycerin, which is a component of the oil. Generally, glycerin-based shaving soaps are not milled, so a part of these soaps contain water and are relatively cheaper. They also tend to have stronger scents.
Triple-milled
- This type of shaving soap is made by going through the mill thrice, a process wherein all the ingredients are milled together while extracting any moisture. As a result, triple-milled soaps are very hard and can last longer than the semi-hard glycerin-based soaps.
A closer look at shaving creams
It wasn’t until the mid of 20th century that shaving creams were brought into the game of wet shaving. Basically, they are soaps that have been emulsified with water and whipped into a lather, giving them that thick and creamy consistency.
Shaving creams make the process of wet shaving faster, and more convenient for some, as there’s no need to exert too much effort on building up a good lather. However, the lather a shaving cream produces isn’t as thick and long-lasting compared to that of shaving soap.
Another setback when using creams in wet shaving is that they tend to offer less reliable protection for the skin due to its aerated and comparably lighter lather build-up.
Three types of creams to choose from:
Traditional
- The traditional shaving cream comes in a tub and is usually pre-lathered with a high concentration of potassium hydroxide. This type of shaving cream is also more water-soluble.
Pressurized
- Pressurized shaving creams are the one we often see in your favourite stores. This type of shaving cream is stored in a pressurized aerosol can. And while a pressurized shaving cream may seem like the most convenient option, it doesn’t last very long and may require very frequent replacement.
Gel
- Shaving creams also come in gel form. This type generally doesn’t require the use of a brush. However, this may not be the best option if you’re looking to do a wet shave.
FAQs:
Do shaving creams/soaps expire?
Shaving creams contain certain ingredients that can only last for a maximum of two years. Soaps, on the other hand, may dry out over time and are best kept only for three years.
Can shaving creams/soap cause skin irritation?
Most shaving soaps and creams shouldn’t have any negative effect on your skin after shaving. However, if you have very sensitive skin that is prone to irritations, it’s best to opt for a milder formula specially made for sensitive skin. Also, always check the ingredient list to see if there’s anything there that you might be allergic to!
Is shaving soap better than shaving cream?
The answer here is completely based on your personal preference. There’s really no conclusive way on telling which one is better than the other.
Is a Brush Necessary to Build Lather?
Building up a good, thick and creamy lather from a shaving soap can be very difficult without the aid of a brush. The scratching motion from the brush itself converts properties of the soap into a very usable lather that can’t be achieved by using only your fingers and water. Attempting to do so may only result to thin, watery, and nearly useless lather.
Should I use a bowl in lathering?
Whether or not you want to use a bowl in building up that lather is completely up to you. A bowl is often needed if you’re using shaving soap, however, some soaps come in deep tubs. This container can also double as a bowl for lathering shaving soap and blooming!
As for shaving creams, a bowl is necessary to build up a good lather. But either way, grabbing a bowl and brush to build that thick and creamy lather is all part of the decedent experience wet shaving has to offer.
Where to buy shaving soap?
Shaving soaps can be bought online, in department stores, and in your local drugstores. Amazon, Sephora, and several websites of shaving soap brands are among the most popular go-to places if you’re looking to purchase your shaving soap online.
What shaving soap offers the best value?
Wet shaving is an experience that varies from one person to another. There’s really no single answer as to what shaving soap has the best value. This is largely going to be dependent on preference. The key here is to know what your needs of wet shaving are and find that one product that is a perfect fit and stick to it.
How to store shaving soap?
Most shaving soaps are packed in a tub that comes with a resealable cap. If that’s the case, you may easily remove any excess lather build-up from the container and tap it to get rid of any water inside the tub. Close it and cover it with the cap and reuse as needed.
As for shaving soaps that don’t come in a tub, simply let it dry after using and store in a covered container.
The Final Takeaway
If you’re new to wet shaving or have been in it for quite a while but still couldn’t achieve that perfect close shave, finding the right products to suit your needs can be a bit of a challenge.
From choosing the right safety razor, down to the type of shaving soap, brush, and bowl you use to build up that rich lather-all of these are important pieces of the puzzle! Everything is crucial to get that luxurious and close shaving experience that you’re looking for!
Special mention to the shaving soap that earned the best value and best choice tag in our recommendation! Experience a slicker, close, and more luxurious shaving routine with Proraso Shaving Soap! It creates a protective layer of cushion for your skin while being nice to your wallet as well!
Have you found the perfect match for your shaving routine yet? We hope that our recommendations helped you decide! You can also check various shaving soap reviews online to find out what particular soap addresses your needs.
Moreover, it’s worth remembering that a good shaving soap will always be worth the money. So never hesitate on spending moolah on a product that you think will fit your shaving needs best.
Lastly and most importantly, the art of wet shaving is an experience that should feel creative, luxurious, satisfying, and overall relaxing!
Let us know which shaving soap you prefer the most for your sensitive skin. And If you want to know which is the best razor for you then read this article.