There is often discussion about what will give the best shave. There is also a lot of confusion for beginners who want to purchase a product for shaving. Are they best buying a shaving soap or a shaving cream? Let's say in advance that neither is necessarily better. So there is no need to have that discussion. In the end, it mostly comes down to what personal needs you have when shaving. That makes your choice a lot easier right? Now you just have to choose from the hundreds of shaving soaps or creams out there.
There are some important differences between the two products and also each has its advantages and disadvantages. Those differences should be able to be a deciding factor for you in the end. That's why we'll explain the most important things to you.
What is a shaving soap?
You know the shaving soap from the old traditional way of shaving. As such, the product has been around for a very long time. It is a somewhat harder soap that needs a little more friction with the shaving brush. The soap is then whipped up on the brush with water to a rich lather. The lather you create with a shaving soap can hardly be matched by any other product.
Because the soap is hard, a shaving soap generally lasts much longer. The scent of a shaving soap is often not as strong as that of a shaving cream but there is more variation in scent because shaving soaps have more complex scent profiles.
The advantages of a shaving soap
- A shaving soap contains fewer chemical and possibly harmful ingredients than a shaving cream. This is because a shaving soap requires fewer chemical agents because it contains less moisture.
- This makes the shaving soap more environmentally friendly.
- A shaving soap lasts longer than a shaving cream
- More complex fragrance profiles
What is a shaving cream?
A shaving cream is a softer substance than a shaving soap and comes in several varieties. A shaving cream is therefore also slightly easier to lather up and extra suitable for beginners. It can even be applied directly to the face with the fingers. Most shaving creams come in jars just like shaving soap but they also come in tubes.
There is more variety in shaving creams each with a specific purpose. For example, extra suitable for people with dry skin. Additional ingredients are often added such as Aloe Vera or Shea Butter. So for those people with dry skin, a shaving cream might be more suitable. A shaving cream often has a somewhat stronger scent than shaving soap.
The advantages of a shaving cream
- Easier to lather up
- Stronger scent
- More suitable for dry skin
- More choice in the type of packaging (jar, tube etc.)
Which shaving product do you choose best?
In the end, of course, it all comes down to the needs you have. Shaving results ultimately depend on a combination of factors. The razor, shaving cream you make, preparation and, of course, your shaving technique.
Are you completely new to the world of wet shaving and still find it difficult to whip up a good shaving foam? Then maybe you should start with a shaving cream. If your skin doesn't like chemicals, go for a shaving soap. If your skin is prone to dryness, look for a shaving cream that is more hydrating. If scent is really important to you, a shaving soap is more interesting because of its complex scents.
The best shaving soaps and creams
With both products you should eventually be able to make a good shaving foam and get a good smooth face. If you can't, then you are doing it wrong or you bought a bad shaving soap or cream. There's plenty of junk out there that you're better off staying away from. To make things a little easier for you, we list some brands for you that are known for their excellent quality so you can never really choose wrong.
Best brands for shaving soap and shaving cream
Shaving soap
Martin De Candre - According to those in the know, the best shaving soap in the world. Creates very easily and quickly a rich lather that allows the blade to glide over the skin very easily.
Shaving soap and cream
Taylor of Old Bond Street - One of the most popular brands in shaving soaps and creams for many years.
Shaving soap
Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements - Loved for its great scents and high quality. An artisan soap maker.
Shaving soap
RazoRock - An up-and-coming brand that is very popular among connoisseurs. Unprecedented high quality for the price you pay. Rich variety of scents.
Shaving soap and cream
Proraso - The most popular shaving brand from Italy. Good price/quality ratio.