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.