We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Hello Soft Skin: Best Shave Soaps

  1. Sandalwood Shave soap - Mens Natural solid shaving cream- Shave Soap
  2. Maurer & Wirtz Tabac Original Shave Soap
  3. Arko Shave Soap
  4. Pre de Provence Shea Butter Enriched Shave Soap
  5. Buyer's Guide

The right shave soap can really make all the difference when adopting an old style approach to shaving. A soap that works into a thicker, richer lather will result in fewer cuts and nicks and produce a smoother, more comfortable shave. If you are planning on leaving canned foams and disposable razors behind in favor of a more fulfilling and rewarding shaving experience you need to know that finding the right shave soap is essential. You want something that is easy to work, that produces a rich lather, that has a smell that suits you and that isn’t too expensive. Based on overall factors like cost, ease of use and effectiveness we’ve put together this list of the best shave soaps in 2022 available today.

Comparing the Best Shave Soaps for 2022

Sandalwood Shave soap - Mens Natural solid shaving cream- Shave Soap - Best Shave Soap Overall

Mama Bear may not sound like the name of a company that produces top quality shave tools and accessories for men. Those who have this opinion have probably never tried one of their top quality products. Mama Bear’s Sandalwood and Vanilla Shape Soap has everything you could want from a top quality shave soap. It easily works into a fantastic lather that will help you get the cleanest, closest shave imaginable. Mama Bear’s shave soap also features ingredients that help keep your skin healthy and hydrated so you keep feeling comfortable long after your shave is complete.

Maurer & Wirtz Tabac Original Shave Soap - Runner Up

Tabac has earned its reputation as a top producer of quality shaving accessories. Their Tabac Original shave soap has all of the attributes you are looking for to enhance your daily shaving ritual. Tabac Original Shave Soap doesn’t contain any harsh or overbearing perfumes. The scent is clean, mild and perfect for those who want to experience the ritual of old school shaving every day. This soap works into a good lather quickly and makes getting a comfortable shave a much simpler task.

Arko Shave Soap - Honorable Mention

The Arko Shave Soap Stick can deliver that old fashioned shave feel in multiple ways. This top quality soap can be applied directly to the skin without using a brush or used in a bowl to create the perfect lather. This unique, dual function makes this top quality stick from Arko perfect for those who are pressed for time or for those who want to take their time enjoying the old style shaving experience. In addition to the versatility, this high quality soap is also very affordable. The Arko Shave Stick can help you get an ultra close, comfortable shave at a price that is very easy to afford.

Pre de Provence Shea Butter Enriched Shave Soap - Best Shave Soap

This entry on our list has some of the very same qualities as the other soaps on this list. This list was a close race featuring five top notch products that all help take your shaving experience to the next level. Like the Art of Shaving Sandalwood soap, the Pre de Provence Shave soap contains ingredients designed to keep your skin soft, smooth and healthy after your shave. This product is enriched with Shea butter to keep your skin hydrated and minimize the chances for nicks, scrapes and other irritations. This shave soap from Pre de Provence works easily into a thick, creamy lather that allows you to get the closet and most comfortable shave possible.

Buyer's Guide

Here is a detailed buying guide on what to look for when buying the best shave soap!

What Should You Keep in Mind While Buying the Best Shave Soaps in 2021?

It may seem like all the shave soaps are pretty much the same, and you can buy any of them with your eyes closed, but that is not the case. There are certain things that you must take into consideration before getting your hands on the best soaps for shaving.

Free From Allergens

Our face has the most sensitive skin compared to the rest of the body, which is why it requires extra care and attention. Using any random soap on your face will be a foolish decision as it can turn your charm upside down. Before choosing a shaving soap, make sure that it is allergen-free. It must not be composed of such ingredients that your skin does not accept. For this purpose, you can give priority to the ones that do not contain any artificial shades.

Scent Type

Another significant aspect that you must keep in your mind is the scent of your soap. If you are not a lover of artificial fragrances, you can always opt for the one free of scent. However, if you prefer the fragrant soaps for shaving, choose those with scents extracted from essential oils.

There are many scents or fragrances, including sandalwood, almond, eucalyptus, lemon, rose, and many others from which you can choose your preferred one. Furthermore, soaps with alcohol-based synthetic compositions are available in the market. If you have sensitive skin, try to avoid such scented shave soaps.

Size of the Bar

Another thing that you cannot ignore is the size of your shaving soap bar. If you are going on a long expedition or a business trip and plan to take the soap with you, you must go for a big size. However, if you are buying it for day-to-day usage, then normal-sized soap is fine. Nowadays, shave soaps come in all sizes and shapes as well. You can choose whatever suits you the best.

What are the Components of Shave Soaps?

As these soaps have the sole purpose of aiding you in getting a sleek and smooth shave, you may think that all of them contain the same components. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. There are a variety of varying ingredients that are used in the composition of these shaving bars.

Oil-Based

In Oil-based types of shaving soaps, oils of different types are the primary ingredients. These oils may include coconut, palm, olive, and argan oil. For those who don't prefer animal-based products, this is the best alternative. These shaving bars are completely vegan-friendly and perform a remarkable job.

Tallow

Tallow is the hard fatty substance that is obtained from animal fat. It is one of the primary ingredients used in soap making and plays a significant role in the composition of shaving bars. The soaps made by tallow are usually hard and cheap.

Glycerine

Over the past several years, glycerine-based soaps have gained immense popularity and are used worldwide. If you are looking for a soap that ensures perfect lubrication and moisturization, then this is the best option. As compared to the rest of its counterparts, glycerine shaving soaps give you the smoothest touch.

What are the Types of Shave Soaps?

There are 3 types of shave soaps available in the market.

Triple Mild/Hard Shave Soap
This type of shave soap is formed after going through three main steps:

1. Grating
2. Melting
3. Pressing

When the soap product is completely formed, it is followed by the process of grating. After this, the same soap is melted and later pressed into a bar. This is relatively a fast process and is used in producing hard shaving soap.

Semi-Hard Shave Soap

The semi-hard shave soap is neither too rigid nor too soft. What makes it different from the hard shaving bar is that it does not last long. This soap gets consumed faster as compared to the triple mild one.

Croap/Soft Shave Soap

If you are looking for the type of soap with a creamy texture, then croap is the answer to it. Soft shave soap contains a great deal of moisture as compared to the other soap types. The combination of cream and soap helps in giving you a soothing and hydrating touch.

How to Use a Shave Soap?

Using a shave soap is not the same as using shaving foam. It requires some tactics that ensure a better shaving experience.

1. Soak the Brush: The first thing you need to do is soften the edges of your shaving brush by soaking it in warm water for at least two minutes.
2. Wet the Soap: Now, put some warm water on the upper layer of the soap and let that sink in. This will soften the soap, which will make it easy to apply to the brush.
3. Load Your Brush: Load your brush with the shave soap and apply it to your beard.

Final Word

Shave Soap is a traditional mode of shaving that is coming into fashion again. The eco-friendly nature of most shave soaps makes them an excellent alternative to shaving foams. If you have decided to use a shaving bar, keep some points, including scent, allergens, and size of the soap, in mind before buying it.

There are three main components of shave soaps: oil-based, glycerin-based, and tallow-based soaps. They are further classified into three types, i.e., hard, semi-hard, and soft shave soap. All this information will enable you to make a wise choice without wasting much time.

Do some justice to our environment and choose one of the best shave soaps in 2021 instead of aerosol shaving foams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a shave soap last?

Typically, a shave soap lasts for 2 to 3 months if you use it thrice a week.

Q: Can I shave with regular soap?

A shave with a bar of regular soap will only give you bruises and cuts. That is why it is recommended to use shave soaps for this purpose.

Q: Can I use regular soap for shaving?

Regular soaps have a different pH level as compared to shave soaps. Plus, the lather produced from a regular bathing soap is quite thin and does not provide the proper consistency for your razor to glide. That is why, it is recommended not to use regular soap for shaving.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top