Best Shaving Soap [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
Van Der Hagen Scented Shave Soap
TOP CHOICE
Proraso Shaving Soap In A Bowl
OUR PICK
Lather & Wood Shaving Soap
RUNNER UP
Are you looking for the best shaving soap so you can get a great lather to help remove your facial hair?
Shaving soaps vary greatly in quality and all of them have a ton of different ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, etc. There are also two types of shaving soap, tallow, and glycerin that have their own benefits and consistencies.
With all of this to bear in mind, it can be daunting when you’re scrolling through the long lists on Amazon and have no clue where to start with shaving soaps.
However, don’t be disheartened.
We’ve found the best shaving soaps for you and compile them into a list so you can quickly get to the products that deliver a high-quality shaving experience.
Every product you’re about to see has something unique so don’t be put off by their positioning on the list as when it comes to shaving soaps, there really is no one right answer.
So, now you know what you’re in store for, let’s begin.
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The Best Shaving Soap
Van Der Hagen Scented Shave Soap
Our top pick is the Van Der Hagen shave soap. This is easily the best shaving soap on the market right now and will give you an effortless, smooth shave.
This is your ticket to a relaxing shave, as the subtle, fresh scent floats over the peaks and valleys of your skin.
It’s enriched with soothing and natural ingredients and provides a layer of protection for your face while wet shaving.
Better yet.
Whether you’ve got dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, this cocoa butter shaving soap will give you a close, smooth, and irritation-free shave as well as skin that smells great.
As for customer feedback, this is the number one bestseller on Amazon with over 6,000 reviews. One user said that they are in “love with this stuff, I will never go back to shave cream ever again. I initially thought this listing was for one bar but I was pleasantly surprised it was for 3!”
You have to try this shaving soap so get it now!
- Excellent for sensitive skin
- Offers a close shave
- Prevents razor burn and nicks
- “Doesn’t generate thick luscious lather”
Latest deal: Van Der Hagen Scented Shave Soap
Proraso Shaving Soap In A Bowl
Next up is an incredibly popular brand and easily a contender for the best shaving soap.
This Proraso classic provides a dense, creamy lather to prepare skin for a close shave and prevent razor burn. The eucalyptus purifies and tones while menthol adds a refreshing, cooling sensation.
The Proraso shaving soap will help you create a rich, thick lather and soften your skin for a close shave without nicks and cuts. It’s refreshing and toning is developed for any type of facial hair while the menthol helps refresh and revitalize.
And that’s not all.
Proraso’s shave Soap is still made with its ‘hot soap’-making process, during which it’s left to mature for 10 days in small batches resulting in a more concentrated, richer soap that produces an amazing lather.
With an included shaving bowl, outstanding price, and good lather, this one came close to being the best shave soap. However, while it’s not number one you should still check this out as the included bowl is a nice perk that the Van Der Hagen shaving soap lacks.
- Concentrated and rich lather
- Refreshes and revitalizes skin
- Shaving soap bowl
- One report of an allergic reaction
Latest deal: Proraso Shaving Soap In A Bowl
Lather & Wood Shaving Soap
Next up is a premium tallow-based soap that works perfectly with your favorite shaving brush and safety razor.
This shaving soap has an earthy, natural sandalwood scent that’s not too strong, but sticks around long enough for you to appreciate it.
Lather and Wood’s lather does not dissipate even after an hour of sitting in your shaving bowl making it shine amongst its competitors. Its moisturizing, slip, and Protection eliminates razor bumps and shaving irritation.
It’s worth noting a difference with this one though.
This shaving soap comes in a tin but is not a traditional “puck”. It stays soft but is formed in the tin so you build the soap up on the brush and use another shaving bowl to work up the lather.
On to the customer reviews, one individual “was NOT disappointed! The lather it builds is so much fuller and creamier than what I was used to. Love the sandalwood scent as well.”
- Best tallow-based shaving soap
- Rich, creamy lather
- Intoxicating sandalwood scent
- Some found the scent too weak
Latest deal: Lather & Wood Shaving Soap
4.
Pre de Provence No. 63 Shave Soap
And at number 4 we have the Pre de Provence shaving soap.
This one was made with men’s skin in mind as it moisturizes and hydrates with no residue, leaving only a spicy fragrance behind. You can make a lather with a wet brush and apply it to damp skin for a refreshing shave.
The scent is a good balance of aromatic, warm, and spicy described as peppery, with a citrus top note, rounded by cedarwood, juicy plum, and violet leaves that finish into an ambery base of leather and tobacco. It’s a one-of-a-kind scent and we absolutely loved it as did many other customers.
And speaking fo other customers, the reviews for this shaving soap are astonishing.
One customer praised it “its incredible scent. Warm, sweet, and delicious yet manly. The puck is very hard and I would not be surprised to hear that it’s triple milled. This puck will last you a long time!!!”
While another praised it for dealing with their razor burn. “I shave often and suffer from razor burn/red bumps on my neck. I have used this product for about a week now. I was surprised to find a product that works like it was described. It goes on smooth; rubs it easily. The smell is faint but manly, and not overpowering. It moisturizes my skin very nicely. The razor burn/bumps have also calmed down.”
This one has definitely earned its place on our list for the best shaving soap so check it out, it may be the one for you.
- Amazing scent
- Leaves skin feeling fresh
- Great for the wet shaving community
- The scent fades fairly quick
Latest deal: Pre de Provence No. 63 Shave Soap
Best Shaving Soap - A Buyer's Guide
Now we’ve had a look at the best shaving soaps it’s worth finding out a little more about them in general and have a look at some burning questions others have about shaving soaps.
Types Of Shaving Soap
- Triple-Milled – This involves grating the final soap product followed by melting and then pressing it into a bar or puck. When the shaving soap has less water, it is milder and of higher quality. Additionally, this process mainly produces a hard shaving soap which tends to last way longer than a softer cream soap will.
- Croap – This is a soft, even creamy soap. The term ‘croap’ is a combination of creamy and soap. It is the softest of all shaving soaps as it contains a lot of moisture compared to other soap types. This is a good shaving soap for moisturizing sensitive skin and getting a slick lather.
- Semi-hard – This shaving soap is your mid-way point and slightly softer than triple-milled soaps but still harder than croap.
What To Look For In A Shaving Soap
Base
Shaving soaps will have either a glycerin or tallow base. Tallow is rendered fat, typically from cattle, and provides a rich and creamy lather. Glycerin, on the other hand, is sourced from vegetables as opposed to animals so is vegan-friendly. It also provides a slicker base.
When using tallow-based shaving soaps, considerable skill is required to generate a rich lather so if you’re a newbie or dislike animal-based products you may want to opt for a glycerin based soaps
Container
Most shaving soaps are sold in a bowl. You’ll want to look out for products that come with the bowl as it saves time and having to buy these two separately.
Size
The size of shaving soap varies usually from round 2-6oz. Larger quantities are often better valued, especially if you decide on a premium shaving soap brand.
Shaving Brush Required
Unlike other shaving creams, a shave soap requires a shaving brush for effective use. So make sure that you have a shaving brush on hand before making a purchase.
Scent
Most shaving soaps are scented. The scent is, of course, subjective and you’ll always see mixed reception on a shaving soap’s scent in the reviews section. Scents such as eucalyptus or menthol are a nice, bright way to start your day.
Milling
Some shaving soaps may be advertised as being milled. The higher the milling number typically will equate to a higher price point, a harder soap brick, and ultimately, a longer-lasting shaving soap.
Price
Shaving soaps vary wildly in price depending on the ingredients, brand prestige, size, and more. Expect to pay approximately $20 for a well-made shaving soap from a reputable brand.
Razor Type
Most shaving soaps are used by men who use straight razors or safety razors. If you typically use a cartridge razor, don’t worry; you can still use shaving soap. Our only recommendation is that if you use a cartridge razor, go with a glycerin-based soap as it’s less likely to clog the blades.
Shaving Soap, Shaving Cream, And Shaving Gel
Shaving Soap
Shave soap is set firm or hard which means that they generally require more water to build a lather, and a brush is always required. Getting the water ratio right can take some practice to master, making soaps better suited to those who are used to a wet shave. There are three primary types of shaving soap: tallow-based, glycerin-based, and ‘hybrid’ soaps.
- Tallow-based soaps – Unsurprisingly, these contain a high percentage of tallow. These are the most traditional form of shaving soap and provide outstanding cushion and glide for the razor.
- Glycerin-based soaps – These use the natural moisturizing properties of glycerin to hydrate the skin as well providing the necessary glide for a comfortable shave.
- Hybrid soaps – These may contain tallow or glycerin but in much smaller amounts – instead of relying on other ingredients to provide the desired properties. Some of these soaps, opt for components like plant-derived stearic acid and glycerine to produce a vegan-friendly formula.
Shaving Cream
Shaving creams produce a lather more easily than soap and are a good choice for someone new to wet shaving or looking for a fast and easy solution. Despite the ease of use, a quality shaving cream will produce a thick, creamy lather that will help the razor glide over the skin and leave behind a great post-shave feel.
Shaving Gel
Shaving gels are non-lathering and remain clear during use, which makes them perfect for tidying up beard lines where accuracy is important. be on the lookout for gels that have glycerin and Tocopheryl Acetate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of shaving soap?
When combined with a shaving brush, a traditional shaving soap creates a wonderfully luxurious lather that softens the beard hair, protects the skin, lubricates, and helps with razor glide, all of which leads to a better and more enjoyable shave.
Is shaving soap necessary?
The essential function of shave soaps during a shave is to act as lubrication between your skin and the sharp blade, in combination with water and heat to soften the hair. The higher the fat and glycerin levels, the better the lather in most cases.
Should I use shaving soaps or shaving cream to shave?
Shaving cream is not always necessary when shaving. There are alternative solutions such as using a hair conditioner, body soap, coconut oil, and just water that can get the job of shaving done just as well. The most important part of shaving is always moisturizing your skin afterward to prevent irritation and dry skin.
Is shaving soap bad for your skin?
Soap or body wash is good for leaving your skin moisturized after cleansing but bad for razors. Soaps and body washes contain ingredients that clog up razor blades, making them dull.
Is shaving soap different than regular soap?
Regular soaps tend to have a very thin, watery lather that is great for washing off dirt and grime but it isn’t going to provide much protection from a blade. Shaving soaps are therefore designed to create a thick lather to give you a more risk-free shaving experience.
Summary
And there we have it, the best shaving soaps.
Our top pick today was the Van Der Hagen scented shave soap, this one is excellent for sensitive skin and offers a close shave. It’s firmly earned its place on our list and will give you a smooth experience that prevents razor burn and nicks.
All of our products are fantastic and have their pros and cons so have a look at them all to come to an informed decision.
But whichever shave soap you decide on make sure it gives you the best shaving experience you. You’ll want a rich lather, and hard soap if you want it to last a long time.
Good luck with your search and stay groomed.
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.
