Shaving Soap

A shaving soap is an essential part of the shaving session. If you're a wet shaver, the lather of a shaving soap acts just like a shaving cream or gel would. It coats the face and neck with rich lather that helps protect the skin from cuts and razor burns and also gives the blade the surface to glide and cut smoothly at an angle. There are many makers of shaving soap out there and you can choose from the different scents and brands. But for those who prefer to make their own soap to get the consistency and scent they like best, make their own shaving soaps.

Shaving soaps usually have a glycerin base and come in tubs or rounds. Some men prefer the hard soaps, some prefer the creams and some actually use a combination of the two. Glycerin and hard soaps are generally more economical. They are thought to cut closer, be more slick and rinse clean. The user takes a damp / wet brush and stirs over the soap until the bristles are drenched in soapy lather. Then it can be spread all over the areas you plan to shave and proceed with your usual shaving routine.

To make lathering go faster you can cover the soap with warm water, drain right away and let sit while you soften whiskers. Or, you can stir an overly wet brush over the soap a few times before draining off the standing water. Then wet the bristles under warm water, lightly flick and stir over the soap as usual. Moistening the surface of soap first will soften its outer layer and make lather creation fast and easy. The quicker the lather is created, the warmer it is on the skin.

To make your own shaving soap you only need some key ingredients and basic know-how in making soap. You'll need a soap base, the fragrance or essential oil blend and clay (bentonite). It's optional to put in Vitamin E, silk proteins and collagen to make the soap gentler on the skin. Then proceed with the soap making process and let the mixture dry and harden in a ceramic mug or tub. Making your own shaving soap gives you the advantage of choosing your soap's consistency and fragrance. This will ensure a better shaving experience for you.