I have recently been testing shaving soap rather than my regular creams so here’s a quick rundown of what a shaving soap is, how it differs from a shaving cream and which ones you should try!

Shaving soap (not to be confused with regular hand soap) is a solid soap usually housed in a reusable bowl. To use it you simply grab your damp shaving brush – a badger hair brush is the best – and swirl it on the surface of the soap to pick up product. You then proceed to brush this onto your face, working the product into a nice thick lather.

The benefits of using a shaving soap?

• Good for your skin – Shaving soaps contain lots of fat and lubricant for a super close shave while protecting the skin.
• Lots of foam – The combination of soap and a brush surpass anything you can whip up with a shaving cream and your hands.
• Exfoliation – Since you have to use a brush, you get an exfoliation treatment every time you lather up your face. This also softens the hair and lifts it up for a much closer and more comfortable shave.
• No residue – I find that I get much less residue in my blade from soap than I would a cream.
• Economical – For the amount you get, even the luxury soaps work out cheaper than creams.

So, if you’ve been sold on the idea of a shaving soap, which one should you try? It’s important to remember that there is as much variety among shaving soaps as there is for shaving creams. Some are good, some are bad and some are fantastic. Here are the best that I’ve come across.

Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap

The name says it all, this luxury shaving soap comes housed in a stylishly sturdy wooden bowl. It foams up to a nice creamy lather that provides an excellent shave, easy to wash off and leaves the mildest lavender scent behind. If you’re looking to add a little opulence to your shaving regime, go for this one.

TABAC Shaving Soap

This one’s a cult favourite among shaving buffs, provides a nice slick cushion for your blade to glide over. The scent is slightly more potent than regular shaving soaps so give this one a sniff before buying – it’s a love it or hate it sort of smell. Oh and the lather is insane, a good one for beginners and those who live in hard-water areas.

L’occitante CADE Soap

CADE from L’occitane is one of my new favourites and a really high quality shaving soap. It forms a dense buttery lather in a nice woody/spicy smell; the result is a close shave, no irritation and smooth skin that smells great!

Proraso Shaving Soap

Proraso shaving soap is a staple in Italian barbershops and an excellent product. This has an invigorating mixture of eucalyptus and menthol to really wake you up in the morning. Cooling and fresh, this foams to a nice thick lather and rinses off with no residue.

So, along with a double-edge safety razor, shaving soaps are worth a look if you want to enhance and improve your shaving experience. Already use one you love? Let us know what it is by leaving a comment!