In the world of Shaving, there has always been a battle between Shaving Soap and Shaving Foam for men. These two classics have been going head-to-head for decades in a fight to be the best shaving product. Since many men use their razor and its accompanying ally daily, it's time to investigate this titanic struggle. The result? A clear winner. But first, let's briefly examine both products. And then? Round one.
What is Shaving Soap?
A nostalgic product that has been around for a long time and was probably used by your great-grandfather. Known from the old school TV commercials in Black-White. Shaving Soap was not only used in the past. It has always been 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 start whipping up your soap, a rich layer of foam will form. It takes some practice to get the right amount of foam for your Face.
What is Shaving Foam?
In the 1960s, Shaving Foam for men hit the market. Unlike Shaving Soap, which must be whipped up, Shaving Foam is ready to use. It is a light substance, often packaged in spray cans. There are four types of Shaving Foam: traditional Shaving Foam (Shaving Soap with potassium hydroxide), spray cans, transparent Shaving Gel and Shaving Gel.
Why do you need Shaving Soap or Shaving Foam?
Shaving is a ritual you want to make the most of. You want a smooth and well-cared-for skin without cuts or irritations. Shaving Soap and Shaving Foam both help with this. They create a protective layer on your skin, reducing the chance of your razor damaging your skin. Only positive points, so we don't understand why people still Shaving without these products nowadays! But, enough talking. It's time to ring the bell, let the battle begin.
Which is better for your skin?
Ingredients are quite important in a shaving product. The ingredients must ensure that your skin does not get irritated, is nourished, and is cared for. Now, of course, there are different ingredients in all Shaving Soaps and shaving foams. But there is a general trend.
In Shaving Soap, you find little to no chemical junk. Shaving Soap contains many different nourishing and natural oils that your skin will be happy with. The ingredients that often appear are:
- Peppermint oil: antibacterial
- Castor oil: nourishes and softens
- Almond oil: great for dry and sensitive skin
And there are often many more other ingredients in Shaving Soap, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, etc. All naturally with a very pleasant effect.
Shaving Foam is a different story. For instance, Shaving Foam contains significantly fewer natural oils and fats. Additionally, Shaving Foam often contains more chemical ingredients and is packaged in a metal or plastic can. This can then lead to microplastics in the product.
A Shaving Foam is also known for giving off much more scent. Alcohol is disinfecting but also very irritating. Your skin becomes less happy from it. Let the first point be easy to forgive. Shaving Soap wins this round.
Current score = 1-0 for Shaving Soap
Which is the most comfortable?
In terms of comfort, both products make your shave comfortable. But Shaving Soap is focused on comfort and skincare, while Shaving Foam is focused on convenience. So, Shaving Soap wins here.
Current score = 2-0 for Shaving Soap
Convenience
In terms of convenience, Shaving Foam for men is easy to use. It comes ready for use from the can and is easy to apply to your Face. Shaving Soap requires a bit more skill to lather and apply. So, Shaving Foam wins here.
-
We just said it: Shaving Foam is easy. It comes ready for use from the can and is easy to apply to your Face. Shaving Soap, on the other hand, you have to get the hang of. It requires a bit more skill to lather and apply. Shaving Foam is much easier to use and therefore wins its first point here.
Current score = 2-1 for Shaving Soap
Sustainability
Regarding sustainability and Price, Shaving Soap is overall more natural, sustainable, and lasts longer than Shaving Foam. Both products are available in different price ranges.
--
Again, not every product is the same. But we can agree that spray cans are not good for the environment. Also, a Shaving Foam contains more chemical substances than a Shaving Soap, which is, of course, not good for your green footprint either. Overall, Shaving Soap is much more natural and sustainable.
Current score = 3-1 for Shaving Soap
Price
You can make it as expensive as you want, of course. For example, you have Shaving Soaps from 2 euros and Shaving Soaps from 50 euros. A reasonable Shaving Foam you can get from 7 euros to 35 euros at The Alpha Men. That's the fun of the diversity in both products. Beginners don't have to spend a fortune, and connoisseurs can go for the unique products. Therefore, both products score a point here.
Current score = 4-2 for Shaving Soap
Which lasts longer?
We won't beat around the bush. Shaving Soap lasts much longer than a Shaving Foam. Shaving Soap is much more concentrated, and therefore you need less than a Shaving Foam. Ultimately, you also get more value for your money, even if Shaving Soap seems more expensive at purchase.
Current score = 5-2 for Shaving Soap
Advantages at a glance
Before we announce the winner, we have listed the pros and cons for you. This way, you can also declare your own winner, and it doesn't have to be the same as ours.
Advantages of Shaving Soap:
- Most natural ingredients
- Good for your skin
- Sustainable
- Contains little to no chemicals
- Lasts a very long time
- Comfortable to use
- Extensive price range
Advantages Shaving Foam:
- Easy to use
- No need to learn a technique
- Extensive price range
- Easy to apply on your Face
And the winner is…
Our clear winner, which has delivered the most blows, 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, sustainable, lasts a long time, wide choice, and the most comfortable shave? Those should be enough reasons, we think!
Of course, we have quite a bit of Shaving Soaps in our Collection. And as we said, it can be as cheap or expensive as you want! Take a look around yourself, and if you still have questions following this battle, we would love to hear from you. You know where to find us!
Shave away!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.