Top 10 Best Shaving Soap & Cream For MenCharles-Philippe2020-07-08T11:57:35-04:00
Shaving foam and gels aren’t just costly and bad for the environment, they’re not that good for you either! Indeed, natural shaving soap and cream doesn’t just enhance your shaving experience but is great for your skin!
In this guide, we will present you with the top 10 best shaving soap and cream to buy online:
- Maison Lambert Vegan Organic Shaving Soap
- Soap Commander Vision Shaving Soap
- Rockwell Razors Shaving Soap
- D.R. Harris Malborough Shaving Cream
- Tabac Original Shaving Soap
- Proraso Shaving Cream
- Henry Cavendish Himalaya Shaving Soap
- Henry Cavendish Himalaya Shaving Soap
- Gentleman Jon Sandalwood Shave Soap
- Men’s Soap Company Lavender
Simply use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to see them all.
Best Shaving Soap & Cream
In This Guide
- How Is Shaving Soap Made?
- Why Is Shaving Soap Better?
- Lathering Shaving Soap
Further Reading
- What Is Lather?
- How To Lather Shaving Soap
- Best Shaving Brushes
More Buying Guides
- Best Safety Razors
- Top Straight Razors
- Best Shavettes
101 Shaving Guides
- Sharpening A Straight Razor
- How To Shave With A Straight Razor
- How To Shave With A Safety Razor
- Shavettes Vs Straight Razors
- Shaving Glossary
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1. Maison Lambert Vegan Organic Shaving Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Argan Oil
- Country Of Origin: France
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $20 (4 Oz / 113 g)
A luxurious production from France, Maison Lambert is renowned for producing organic cosmetics for both men and women. It features unrefined argan oil and shea butter, cocoa butter, organic jojoba oil, and aloe vera.
As a result, your skin is hydrated and it greatly reduces any razor burn, which ensures a comfortable, smooth shave. As for its fragrances, it’s only produced using pure essential oils, which consist of cedarwood, lavender, tea tree, rosemary, and lime. Therefore, there are no artificial additives!
"Rich, creamy, and packed with natural ingredients, Maison Lambert's shaving soap leaves you with silky soft skin and greatly reduces any irritation."
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★★
2. Soap Commander Vision Shaving Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $17 (6 Oz / 170 g)
Unlike its European neighbours, the USA has embraced a mind-blowing amount of unique soap artisans. As they often provide some of the most unique shaves, these creators are celebrated by wet shaving enthusiasts.
Overall, one of the most popular among them is Soap Commander. It was founded by Navy Veteran Darren and his wife, Carrie. Their original goal was to find dermatological solutions for their daughter’s eczema.
However, due to the enormous popularity of their products especially among men, the couple launched Soap Commander in 2014. Today, they make some of the most original and luxurious artisan shaving soaps that cater to those with certain requirements. From skin sensitive cream to vegan-friendly products, there’s something for everyone at Soap Commander.
Of course, their Vision shaving soap is no different. A vegan-based shaving soap enriched with shea butter, it protects and nourishes the skin while providing the perfect shave.
Similarly, Vision features an enticingly invigorating fragrance composed of red fruits, peppermint essential oil and citrus. At $17 for a large 6 Oz bowl on Amazon.com, Soap Commander still provide excellent value considering their high demand.
3. Rockwell Razors Shaving Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Safflower Oil
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $15 (4 Oz / 113 g)
We discovered Rockwell’s shaving cream when we reviewed its stainless steel and chrome razors. Since then, it has been reformulated to boast even more natural ingredients. The results speak for themselves and the shaving soap now produces an even richer lather with a refreshing barbershop scent.
Although the scent is subtle, it’s simultaneously invigorating and relaxing. It leaves the skin refreshed and taut thanks to the combination of coconut oil, safflower oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. If you’re looking for a contemporary option from a new and thriving brand, consider Rockwell’s soap!
4. D.R. Harris Malborough Shaving Cream
- Type: Shaving Cream
- Notable Ingredients: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Glycerin
- Country Of Origin: United Kingdom
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Uncertain
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $30 (5.3 Oz / 150 g)
D.R. Harris is one of London’s most iconic boutiques featuring a plethora of luxurious colognes and traditional cosmetics. It was founded in 1970 at No. 11 St James’s Street by surgeon Henry Harris and chemist Daniel Rotely.
In 1938, they were awarded a Royal Warrant as chemists to her Majesty The Queen. Upon the Queen’s Mother’s death in 2002, another was appointed as chemists to His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales.
Catering to both men and women, they sell one of the most renowned and exclusive ranges for your shaving routine. Therefore, the Malborough Shaving Cream is no different. Offering a luxurious experience, it gives a thick and creamy lather for the blade.
Furthermore, the tantalising cedarwood and sandalwood fragrance is boosted by additional glycerine. Although shaving creams rarely contain tallow, it was impossible to find a confirmation for this. So it’s not entirely certain that this is a vegan-friendly option. However, none of their products are tested on animals.
5. Tabac Original Shaving Soap
- Type: Tallow Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Same Scent As Cologne
- Country Of Origin: Germany
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: No
- Includes Bowl:No
- Price: $10 (4.4 Oz / 125 g)
Despite being Germany’s lesser-known answer to Old Spice, Tabac is one of the most popular shaving soaps among enthusiasts. We actually reviewed the Tabac Original cologne as a fragrance. Therefore, it was interesting to try its shaving soap cousin.
Overall, it smells remarkably similar, which makes it an apt choice for pairing with any post-shave traditional cologne or fragrance. Indeed, the lather produced is rich and creamy, providing cushion to your blade when shaving.
However, the only downside is that Tabac Original is not very clear on its ingredients. Therefore, it’s hard to know what’s actually in the bar of soap when using it on your face. Nevertheless, not only does it produce one of the richest lathers, it’s also exceedingly affordable at only $10 for 4.4 Oz on Amazon.com.
6. Proraso Shaving Cream
- Type: Vegetable-based Cream
- Notable Ingredients: Glycerin, Eucalyptus Oil
- Country Of Origin: Italy
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $10 (5.2 Oz / 150 ml)
Like Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso is one of the most established manufacturers of men’s grooming products. Founded in 1908 in Florence, it has been making its celebrated shaving cream since 1948.
Today, Proraso still boasts a rich cream that is absent of additives and features a 95% natural formula. Furthermore, no ingredients are of animal origin, which means that it’s totally vegan friendly.
Therefore, Proraso’s shaving cream is a pleasure on the skin. Its thick and creamy lather offers a slick shave with high lubrication. Finally, the presence of eucalyptus oil adds a refreshing sensation, which also protects the skin from ingrown hairs and rashes.
7. Henry Cavendish Himalaya Shaving Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $13.50 (3.8 Oz / 107 g)
Another American-made soap, Himalaya by Henry Cavendish is a 100% vegetable-based shaving soap. It delivers a smooth shave thanks to a careful combination of shea butter, glycerin, castor oil, and coconut oil.
Compared to most shaving soaps in this list with the exception of Gentleman Jon, it’s particularly heavy on glycerin. Therefore, it’s lather isn’t as thick but it produces slick lubrication. Its fragrance is particularly original and is produced from essential oils.
8. Shea Moisture Shaving Crème
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: African Black Soap, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Comfrey Root Extract, Juniper Oil, Chamomile Extract
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:Yes
- Price: $10 (6 Oz / 170 g)
Shea Moisture was founded by Richelieu Dennis and his aunt in 1991. They were inspired by Richelieu’s grandmother, Sofi Tucker, who sold her own shea butter products at markets in Sierra Leone when she was just 19 years old.
Today, Shea Moisture operates from Harlem and focuses mostly on creating products for the black community. Needless to say, however, they can be used by anyone! Nevertheless, the shea butter shaving cream is excellent for black men or anyone with thick, coarse facial hair.
It’s designed to prevent ingrown hairs and helps moisturise the skin while you shave while reducing razor burns thanks to additional oils like comfrey root extract, juniper, and chamomile Extract. If you’re looking for a thick and luscious lather, Shea Moisture’s cream is a perfect option.
9. Gentleman Jon Sandalwood Shave Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:No
- Price: $17 (2.25 Oz / 64 g)
If you’re interesting in trying a shaving soap with a strong emphasis on glycerin, Gentleman Jon offers an excellent specimen. Many shaving soaps will often use a small portion of glycerin to reduce friction. However, they may combine this with butters and other fats to create a thick lather.
Gentleman Jon is mostly glycerin, which means that it’s very fine. Some people prefer this as its clear and slippery characteristics are more suitable for them when shaving. Indeed, glycerin soap isn’t for everyone but it’s worth trying out if you’re new to shaving!
10. Men’s Soap Company Lavender Shaving Soap
- Type: Vegetable-based Soap
- Notable Ingredients: Shea Butter
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Organic: No
- Vegan Friendly: Yes
- Includes Bowl:No
- Price: $13 (4 Oz / 113 g)
We weren’t familiar with the Men’s Soap Company until we discovered their lavender shaving soap. It offers a mild and delightful note, which is a pleasure while shaving if you’re fond of aromatics.
Men’s Soap Company doesn’t seem to be organic but it does use vegan ingredients. You’ll find no parabens, sulphates, or any other artificial ingredients. As a result, you get a rich lather that produces a comfortable, hydrating, and smooth shave.
Alternatively, you can opt for their bay rum shaving soap, which instead offers a sensual and warming scent.
How Is Shaving Soap Made?
In short, there are two methods of making shaving soap. The most traditional technique is cold process saponification where oils or fat is mixed with lye (sodium hydroxide). Once emulsified, it’s left to cure over days or weeks before being ready to use.
If you’ve seen Fight Club, you’ll know that fat or tallow produces the richest soaps. However, it’s equally common to find exquisite soaps made only from vegetable oils. Famous examples include ancient vegetable-based soaps such as Marseille and Aleppo soap, which are still available today.
Finally, another common method is known as Melt & Pour where bases are heated up before adding oils and other substances. The advantage is that the artisan doesn’t come into contact with lye. However, it isn’t always as rich as cold-processed soap and sometimes requires added glycerine. Although this is often seen as a corner-cutting technique, it can also make excellent soaps.
Why Is Shaving Soap Better Than Foam?
Unlike foam or gel, soap and cream are a veritable joy to use for shaving. If you’ve already experienced either, you realise how much of an affordable luxury they are.
Whilst shaving foam and gel are heavily commercialised products packed with synthetic stabilisers, soaps remain an overly artisanal venture. Nevertheless, there are numerous heritage and independent brands that produce extremely reputable shaving soap and cream.
If you’re a veteran enthusiast, you’re likely always looking for new and exciting soaps to try. The thrill and adventure of testing new products is part of the experience when it becomes a passion. However, if you’re a newcomer, you may be overwhelmed by all the different products available.
In 1949, the first canned shaving foam was released and became enormously popular. Little did we know the damage they caused to the environment at the time. Within but a few years, 65% of shaving cream sales was canned foam.
Ditching The Can
As you are likely aware, aerosol sprays are bad for the environment. Of course, Ozone-depleting CFCs have been outlawed since the 1980s. However, they often contain other compressed gases that damage the environment. Additionally, they tend to include volatile compounds that contribute to city smog and can affect asthma.
Even if aerosol cans are becoming easier to recycle, their wide usage still contributes to waste. However, shaving soap normally comes as a hard puck. Sometimes they can be bought with a bowl but you can usually get refills to fill your own. Nevertheless, creams do have to come in a container such as a metal tube or plastic bowl.
A can of gel may be cheaper than a puck of premium soap but the long-term cost is far greater. Overall, you can get between 1 to 2 months’ shaves worth of foam in a single can. Yet a single puck of soap can last up to 6 months if you shave on a daily basis.
A Natural Solution
Overall, soaps and traditional creams are made with far fewer chemical substances. Most foams are filled with synthetic stabilisers, preservatives and chemicals that are actually bad for your skin.
Ironically, many cans include irritants such as Propylene Glycol, which induce rashes, eczema and razor burn. Foams and gels also contain mineral oils that clog the pores and dry the skin.
Alternatively, the best soaps include mostly natural ingredients and oils. Unlike mineral oils found in cans, those found in soap hydrate the skin and protect it from razor burn. For this reason, many soaps arehypoallergenic and some are even vegan-friendly.
A Better Shave
Big brands may boast that their gels give you the best shave yet. However, try going back to traditional soaps and you’ll release that this isn’t quite true.
Gels only produce a thin and foamy layer of protection with limited lubrication. Meanwhile, soaps produce thick and creamy lathers that provide a cushion against the blade.
This ensures better protection for the skin when passing your razor across it. Furthermore, the lubrication is far superior, which prevents the blade from tugging on your hairs and creating irritation.
How To Use Shaving Soap
If you want to learn how to use shaving soap, simply head to our detailed guide on lathering, which features a unique infographic. Here you will learn the best guide on how to create a rich lather with any shaving soap or cream. You’ll also read about how to store your soap after using it.
What Next?
Having now read about the best shaving soap, check out more of our resources for further reading! We suggest the following guides:
- How To Use Shaving Soap
- Best Beard Brushes
- How To Shave With A Straight Razor
- How To Shave With A Safety Razor
- Bespoke Unit Shaving Home
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