Standing in the drugstore, staring at the array of shaving accessories, can be overwhelming. Which product will give you the best results? Read on to learn about the differences between various shaving products. And if you're curious about which safety razor is right for you, we’ve got you covered.
Shaving Foam
Shaving foam is a popular choice for wet shaving. It’s made of a mixture of potassium and triethanolamine soaps, emollients, and stearic acid. The use is simple: shake the can, moisten the area to be shaved, and apply the foam directly.
Pros:
- Easy to dose and ready to use, making for a quick and convenient application.
- Generally delivers good results.
- Can also be used to remove makeup stains from shirts or blouses.
Cons:
- Aluminium packaging and some ingredients can cause allergies.
- Leaves behind a lot of waste.
- Can run off quickly, making it difficult to shave in the shower.
Shaving Gel
Shaving gel is another option for wet shaving. To use, moisten your skin with water and then apply the gel. The only difference between shaving gel and foam is that you need to foam up the gel yourself.
Pros:
- Transparent, which helps when you need to pay attention to the contours of your beard or small areas.
- Stays on the skin longer than foam and has a cooling effect afterwards.
Cons:
- Takes longer to use as the gel needs to be foamed up and massaged in.
- Can be expensive.
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream has a similar composition to shaving foam, including potassium and triethanolamine soaps, stearic acid, emollients, and fragrances.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- The foam is not as thick and creamy as that of shaving soap or foam.
- Contains many additives that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Shaving Soap
A classic in the shaving world, modern shaving soap usually consists of sodium and potassium soap, humectants, water, and fragrances. Use a shaving brush to turn the soap into foam. Make sure to wash any leftover soap from the tin and especially from the brush.
Pros:
- Economical: one tin can last several months.
- Produces a thick foam that stays on the skin longer.
- Generally gives excellent shaving results.
- Eco-friendly packaging.
Cons:
- Takes time to foam up.
- Can be tricky for beginners to use.
- Can be expensive.
Shower Gel
Typically used for body cleansing during a shower, it’s not actually meant for shaving.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and commonly found in households.
Cons:
- Can damage the razor and blunt the blades quickly.
- Not ideal for your skin as you need to go over the same area multiple times.
Water
No shaving foam at home? Water might seem like the only solution, but it can lead to burning and red spots on your skin.
Pros:
- It’s free!
Cons:
- Can cause irritations, pimples, pain, and red spots.
Shaving Oil
Provides a gentle shave and consists of a mixture of natural oils which moisturize the skin and act as a lubricant, preventing inflammation.
Pros:
- Great for a gentle, plastic-free shave.
- Ideal for sensitive skin.
- You can see where you shave.
Cons:
- Can clog the razor, especially cartridge razors.
- Can be messy and leave the sink dirty.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a wide range of shaving products available. Shower gels and water are quick to use but can harm your skin and razor. Shaving foam or gel is recommended for beginners and those who prefer a quick shave. Shaving soap and cream are loved by foam enthusiasts, while shaving oil and soap are the eco-friendliest options. For the best results, we recommend using a high-quality shaving soap and/or oil.