In the world of shaving, there has always been a battle between shaving soap and shaving cream for men. These two classics have been going neck-and-neck for decades in a battle to be the best shaving product. Since many men use their razor and its ally every day, it's now time to examine this titanic battle. The result? A clear winner. But first, let's take a brief look at both products. And after that? Round one.
What is shaving soap?
A nostalgic product that has been around for a long time and was probably already used by your great-grandfather. Known from the oldschool TV ads in black and white. Shaving soap wasn't just used back in the day. It has always been and remains a popular product. Shaving soap is a hard soap that must be whipped up with a shaving brush and water, usually in a shaving bowl. When you begin whipping your soap, a rich lather will form. It takes some practice to get the right amount of lather for your face.
What is shaving cream?
In the 1960s, shaving cream for men entered the market. Unlike shaving soap, which needs to be whipped up, shaving foam is already ready to use. It is an airy substance, often packaged in spray cans. There are four types of shaving cream: traditional shaving cream (shaving soap with potassium hydroxide), spray cans, transparent shaving gel and shaving cream.
Why do you need shaving soap or shaving cream?
Shaving is a ritual you want to get the most out of. You want smooth and groomed skin without wounds or irritation. Shaving soap and shaving cream both help with this. They put a protective layer on your skin that makes your razor less likely to damage your skin. Only positive points, so we don't understand why people shave without these products these days! But, enough talk. It's time to ring the bell, the battle may begin.
Which one is better for your skin?
Ingredients are quite important in a shaving product. This is because the ingredients must ensure that your skin is not irritated, nourished and cared for. Now, of course, all shaving soaps and shaving foams contain different ingredients. But there is a big line in them.
In shaving soap, you will find almost no to little chemical junk. Shaving soap does contain many different conditioning and natural oils that will make your skin quite happy. The ingredients that are common are:
- Peppermint oil: anti-bacterial
- Castor oil: nourishes and softens
- Almond oil: nice for dry and sensitive skin
And there are often many other ingredients in shaving soap, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, etc. All natural with very fine effects.
Shaving cream is another story. For example, shaving cream contains a lot less natural oils and fats. In addition, shaving cream often contains more chemical ingredients and is packaged in a metal or plastic canister. This, in turn, can create microplastics in the product.
A shaving cream is also known to give off a lot more odor. Alcohol is antiseptic, but also highly irritating. Doesn't make your skin less happy anyway. So let the first point be easy to forgive. Shaving soap wins this round.
Current score = 1-0 for shaving soap
Which one is the most comfortable?
As for comfort, both products make your shave comfortable. But shaving soap focuses on comfort and skin care, while shaving cream focuses on convenience. So shaving soap wins here.
Current score = 2-0 for shaving soap
Convenience
As for convenience, shaving cream for men is easy to use. It comes out of the can already ready to use and is easy to apply to your face. Shaving soap requires a bit more skill to whip up and apply. So shaving cream wins here.
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We just said it: shaving cream is easy. It comes out of the can already ready to use and is easy to apply to your face. Shaving soap, on the other hand, takes some time to master. It requires a bit more skill to whip up and apply. Shaving cream is a lot easier to use and therefore wins its first point here.
Current score = 2-1 for shaving soap
Durability
In terms of durability and price, shaving soap is generally more natural, durable and lasts longer than shaving cream. Both products come in different price ranges.
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Again, not every product is the same. But we can agree that aerosols are not good for the environment. Also, a shaving cream contains more chemicals than a shaving soap, which of course is also not good for your green footstep. So overall, shaving soap is a lot more natural and sustainable.
Current score = 3-1 for shaving soap
Price
You can make it as expensive as you want of course. So you have shaving soaps of 2 euros and shaving soaps of 50 euros. A reasonable shaving cream you have from 7 euros to 35 euros at The Alpha Men. That's the nice thing about the diversity in both products. Beginners don't have to spend a fortune and connoisseurs can go for the unique products. That's why both products score a point here.
Current score = 4-2 for shaving soap.
Which one lasts longer?
We won't beat around the bush. Shaving soap lasts a lot longer than a shaving cream. Shaving soap is a lot more concentrated and therefore you need less than a shaving cream. So in the end, you also get more value for your money, even if your shaving soap seems more expensive when you buy it.
Current score = 5-2 for shaving soap
Benefits in a row
Before we declare the winner, we have listed the pros and cons for you. That way you can also just declare your own winner, and of course it doesn't have to be the same as ours.
Advantages of shaving soap:
- Most natural ingredients
- Good for your skin
- Durable
- Contains little to no chemicals
- Lasts a very long time
- Comfortable to use
- Extensive price range
Shaving Cream Advantages:
- Easy to use
- No need to learn technique
- Extensive price range
- Easy to apply to your face
And the winner is...
Our clear winner who took the most hits is the shaving soap. Of course everyone has their own preferences, but we can't ignore all the advantages. Less chemical junk, good for your skin, durable, long lasting, wide choice ánd the most comfortable shave? That should be enough reasons we think!
Of course, we have quite a few shaving soaps in our assortment. And like we said, it can be as cheap or expensive as you want! Take a look around and if you have any questions as a result of this battle, we would of course love to hear from you. You know where to find us!
Shave away!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.