The Best Shaving Soaps for Men
There are so many variations of traditional shaving soaps on the market that it can be difficult to navigate through all of the recommendations to find one that works for you.
Even within one brand there may be 3 or more different soaps with different properties. What you should be looking for is a soap that is worth the price you pay for it: provides a great lather, slickness and protection and is long-lasting.
We have come up with a selection of 6 excellent soaps, at least one of which should become part of your rotation.
Best budget soap - Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap
You can read a more detailed review of this soap here, but in a few words this is the most efficient and one of the most affordable soaps on the market.
Retailing at less than $5 for a 2.5 oz puck, the Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap lathers up as well as a more luxurious soap, and contains shea butter and aloe vera to leave the skin feeling moisturized.
The soap doesn’t really smell of anything apart from a slight lanolin scent, and provides great slickness and glide for a close shave. It’s a great soap for beginners and seasoned traditional wet shavers and is perfect for those who want cheap and quality together.
Best high-end soap - D.R. Harris Marlborough Shaving Soap
The D.R. Harris Marlborough Shaving Soap comes in a sleek hand-turned mahogany bowl making it into a stylish addition to any bathroom.
Apart from the great, classic look of this soap, it is triple-milled and provides a fantastic thick lather that really stands apart from other soaps.
You do however get what you pay for, as at around $35 the price is on the higher end of the scale, but it is definitely worth the price.
The soap has a distinct woodsy, masculine scent, and really softens even the coarsest of hairs for a great, smooth shave.
You really can’t go wrong with a D.R. Harris Marlborough soap.(D.R. Harris shaving soaps also come in other scents such as Almond, Arlington, Lavender and Windsor for those interested in trying out different fragrances).
Most Popular Soap - Proraso Shaving Soap, Eucalyptus & Menthol
No shaving soap list would be complete without the mention of a Proraso soap.
The classic Eucalyptus and Menthol soap is probably one of the most recommended on the market, and for several reasons.
This all-natural soap comes at a great value at around $9 a puck and its performance is highly rated.
Proraso soaps provide a thick, sturdy lather that protects and softens the skin for a great, smooth shave.
In addition, the eucalyptus and menthol oils provide a lovely soothing effect on the skin that lasts well into the day. Proraso’s shaving soap seems to tick all of the boxes when it comes to providing a great shave, which is most probably why it is one of the most popular on the market today.
Best gift - Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Soap
The Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap is a great gift for the traditional shaving enthusiast.
The classic sandalwood version comes in beautiful packaging and with a lovely wooden bowl to lather the soap in.
The soap looks and feels luxurious, which is why it is easily one of the best shaving gifts you can give a man for any occasion.
The scent is often described as very “masculine” and “woodsy”, but isn’t overpowering and lightly scents the skin for a few hours after use.
On the higher-end price-wise, retailing at about $26, the soap usually lasts 8-10 months even with daily use.
The only complaint that some seem to have with this soap is that it isn’t as moisturizing as other soaps can be and that it may dry out the skin a little. Other than that this soap really is a beautiful gift to give and receive!
Colonel Ichabod Conk Almond Shave Soap
Another firm favorite amongst traditional wet shavers, Colonel Ichabod Conk’s Almond Shave Soap costs less than $7 and lasts for months on end.
The light almond scent and super lather create a great shaving experience, and the glycerin formula helps provide a great barrier for the skin.
It’s a wonderful choice for an easy shave and helps prevent irritations and cuts.
This soap is also a favorite with those who use cartridge razor, but who prefer to use a proper, traditional shaving soap.
RazoRock La Famiglia Shaving Soap
The musky Green Tobacco scent of this classic artisan shaving soap really helps add to the classy feeling a proper traditional wet shave provides.
In addition to the lovely scent, RazoRock’s La Famiglia’s line of soaps feel luxurious while remaining highly affordable at less than $10 a puck.
The soap lathers up well and provides great glide and moisturizes the skin for the entire day.
The soap itself is semi-soft and is great for those who are just starting out in the world of the traditional wet shave.
