There are several different products you can use as part of your wet shaving routine. In this article, we will cover the different options available, and present an overview on their effectiveness.
Bath soap or shower gel
Bath soap and shower gels make poor replacements for proper shaving products. They make your skin slippery, create a thin lather, and rinse off poorly which can dull the blade. You will struggle to make the razor glide over the face smoothly, which can result in nicks & cuts. Finally, using these options repeatedly can end up drying out the skin, leading to more issues in the future.
In an emergency, bath soap and shower gels are an option, but we suggest that it is not used as a daily habit.
Shaving Foam
The cheapest and most convenient product. Cans of shaving foam are available in shops and supermarkets.
The problem, however, is that while the foams seem to produce a pillowy lather, it is mostly made up of air. This leads to a surprisingly thin lather, which means less lubrication, resulting in heavier use of the blade. In turn, this increases the risk of nicks & cuts. They do lubricate the skin, making them a better option than bath soap or shower gels, but not by much.
Additionally, shaving foam often contains high levels of alcohol which, over time, can dry out the skin and lead to irritation. Not to mention there are often other chemicals in the foam which can cause skin irritation and result in a rash.
Just like the previous option, we do not recommend the use of shaving foam as a daily habit.
Shaving Cream
A good-quality shaving cream is more difficult to find on the high street. But is easily available online.
With added ingredients such as glycerine, good-quality shaving creams can soothe and moisturise the skin. It’s easy to use shaving cream, creating a thick lather using only your fingers. This leads to a smoother, easier shave than any other option so far.
In terms of cost, a tub of shaving cream has the highest upfront cost. But only a small amount is needed for each shave, meaning that the tubs last quite a long time, making them cost-effective.
Shaving Soap
Just like shaving cream, good quality shaving soaps are easier to find online than on the high street.
Also like shaving cream, shaving soaps can provide a thick, creamy lather that moisturises the skin, perfect for shaving. It is also easier to find shaving soaps made from 100% natural ingredients, including products suitable for vegans.
The issue with shaving soap is that it takes a lot more effort to produce a lather compared to shaving cream. It is advisable to use a shaving brush, as well as a shaving bowl, both of which add to the cost of shaving soap.
Shaving Gel
Compared to shaving cream, there is not much difference between a cream and a gel. The main difference is how they produce a lather. In a traditional wet shave, a shaving cream uses water to help produce the lather. While shaving gels are thicker and tend to work on their own. Additionally, they are often transparent, useful for when you need to see where you are shaving, such as having a goatee.
Summary
Compared to foams and non-shaving products, shaving creams, soaps and gels provide thicker lathers for smoother, easier shaves, as well as softening and moisturising the skin. They can often be more expensive up-front and harder to find in stores, but they are well worth the extra price and hassle.
In terms of the difference between the three options, the only distinction of note is that shaving soaps requires a brush and often a bowl. Aside from that, it is down to personal preference.
The Groomed Man recommendations
Shaving cream
D R Harris shaving cream. A top-quality and richly concentrated cream containing a high proportion of glycerine, giving an extra soothing and moisturising shave.
Shaving soap
Geo F Trumper shaving soap. A finely refined soap which makes it both smooth and long-lasting. It is of the highest quality and produces a good later. Available in a range of fragrances as either a refill or a wooden shaving bowl.
