The best shaving soap. Shaving soap
I continue the topic of shaving. Let's talk about the means by which we wash (foam, apply gel, whatever) the face. Let's arrange a comparison of foam from the store and soap from the Internet :-) And here my knowledge was no longer enough. For the analysis of chem. composition and action of the components, I invited an expert - my wife!
How good is a moisturizing shaving foam? And the gel? Interesting - then I ask under cat.
As usual, in order to better understand the issues, let's take a short digression into the history of the subject, namely soap making.
Since ancient times, people have been brewing soap for washing - a completely natural product. What Wikipedia tells us about this:
“Soap is a liquid or solid product containing surfactants, in combination with water, used either as a cosmetic product - for cleansing and caring for the skin (toilet soap), or as a household chemical product - as a detergent (laundry soap) .
Not to be confused with soap products which are made from synthetic surfactants, mainly petroleum based products (sodium lauryl sulfate), etc.”
By the way, a very interesting note about soap products! How to make natural soap - yes, very simple :-):
“For the preparation of solid soap, take 2 kg of caustic soda, dissolve in 8 liters of water, bring the solution to 25 ° C and pour it into melted and cooled to 50 ° C lard (lard must be unsalted and it is taken 12 kg 800 g for the specified amount water and soda). The resulting liquid mixture is thoroughly stirred until the whole mass becomes completely homogeneous, after which it is poured into wooden boxes, well wrapped in felt, and placed in a warm, dry place. After 4-5 days, the mass hardens and the soap is ready. If you want to have a more foamy soap, then add another 400 g of purified potash to the indicated amount of water or take 2 kg less fat and add the same amount of coconut oil.
Here is another excerpt from the toilet soap recipe, pay attention to the components and requirements for them:
“As a basis for toilet soaps, you can take tallow soap prepared with soda lye, or prepare it separately, using pork fat in combination with coconut oil. The coconut oil must be of the highest quality, and the lard must be exceptionally fresh and well refined...”
For shaving, soap used to be used exclusively, either in pure form or with natural oils, flavors and moisturizers. Time passed and the chemical industry developed rapidly. And at some point in time it turned out that the cost of soap products is lower than the cost of natural soap. Then marketing turned on, and began to convince everyone of the benefits and ease of use for shaving foam or gel in cans, talking about the wonderful properties of moisturizing, flavoring and tonic additives. At the same time, of course, the price tag has steadily increased, the margin has grown, and as a result, today the average consumer of spray cans pays a price for a completely artificially synthesized product, higher than for natural soap. Moreover, the cost of the contents of cans is lower than the cost of natural soap.
Let's try to understand the composition of typical products on the market. Maybe they really have something that makes them miraculous and beneficial for the skin of the face?
Here I will involve my wife, who kindly agreed to help with a detailed analysis of the composition of the foam and shaving gel of the two most common well-known brands.
Well, let's start!
The first participant in the analysis from the shelf of a Moscow store: Gillette soothing shaving foam Mach 3.
I will put a detailed analysis and conclusion with the preservation of the author's spelling under the spoiler, and as a lure I will leave a clipping from the resume:
and it's called "SOOTHING foam"!! Well, some kind of horror, I would never buy a beloved man ... and not a beloved one either ...
shaving foam Gillette soothing Mach 3:
Water, triethanolamine(Surfactant, emulsifier, potential allergen, with frequent use and high concentration (as here) can be a carcinogen), palmitic acid(emulsifier, humectant, emollient, safe but can dry skin (when in foam form)), stearic acid(softener, filler, non-toxic, if there is no individual intolerance), isobutane(high pressure gas has low toxicity when inhaled), laureth-23(Surfactant, emulsifier, dangerous because it is well absorbed by the skin and if poorly cleaned may contain carcinogens), dimethicone(silicone polymer, not absorbed by the skin, film former (i.e. does not allow the skin to breathe, prevents sweating and removal of excess sebum, and this is fraught with acne and irritation, but at the same time retains moisture in the skin, which is good), sodium lauryl sulfate(surfactant, very aggressive, considered toxic and even mutagenic, still disputes), propane(a gas that creates high pressure has low toxicity), fragrance, sodium benzoate(preservative, non-toxic, cannot be used in conjunction with vitamin C - it becomes a carcinogen), stearyl alcohol(thickener, emulsifier, softener, non-toxic, causes irritation on sensitive skin), menthol(aromatisator, antiseptic, relieves irritation), hydroxyethyl cellulose lauryl alcohol(fragrance, thickener, emollient, emulsifier, causes irritation when left on the skin for a long time), dimethiconol(softener, film former with all the consequences - see dimethicone above), dimethicone PEG/PPG-20/23 benzoate(a synthetic polymer based on dimethicone, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, I did not find exact data about this particular one (with this number of molecules), but the properties are similar to those of dimethicone, but there may be carcinogenic impurities with poor cleaning, on the other hand - may given the number of molecules in the chain and does not allow it to be absorbed into the skin), chondrus curly powder(red algae, used to exfoliate dead cells of the superficial stratum corneum of the skin, makes rough skin soft and tender), glycerol(see above), DMDM-hydantoin(the most powerful preservative, destroys all living things, including skin cells, penetrates the skin well, has carcinogenic properties, it is better to use in conjunction with other preservatives to reduce its harm, in general, it is rarely used where, it is considered even more terrible than BHT), myristyl alcohol(emulsion stabilizer, surfactant, foaming agent, thickener, humectant), PPG-1-PEG-9 lauryl glycol ether(I did not find anything about this compound, but glycol ethers are widely used as solvents), cocet-7(there is no such word at all, most likely not the correct translation), butylated hydroxytoluene(the same BHT, preservative, see above), PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil(surfactant, emulsifier, film former, non-toxic, but can cause irritation and skin problems like all other film formers), cetyl alcohol(softens the skin, although alcohol is not toxic, but can not be used on skin prone to dermatitis), bisabolol(fragrance, anti-inflammatory regenerating agent, non-toxic, but can enhance the penetration of other substances into the skin, in this case it would be better not to have it), sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate(surfactant, increases foaming, designed to increase skin tolerance to the harmful effects of other surfactants and additives included in active detergents, prevents and reduces the absorption of harmful components and other surfactants into the skin (sodium lauryl sulfate, for example), stimulates the removal of sodium lauryl sulfate from the skin and other destructive substances) iodopropynyl butylcarbamate(preservative, at acceptable concentrations it is safe, but can cause dermatitis), aloe leaf juice, ginger root extract, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone(both of these "methyls" are strong preservatives, the second is slightly less toxic than the first, there is much debate about the carcinogenicity of the first, very often cause allergies and contact dermatitis on the hands and wrists), benzyl salicylate(flavoring, potential allergen), limonene(flavoring, see above).
My opinion: and it's called "foam SOOTHING"!!! well, some kind of horror, I would never buy it for my beloved man ... and not for my beloved either ... the base is far from the most harmless surfactant, the number of terrible preservatives goes off scale and some of them are far from the last places in the composition! conservation for 50 years? .. why so much?! everything good that is after “DMDM” can not even be taken into account, everything is covered with preservatives ... ah! and film formers, so that all this horror remains under this film on the skin for a longer time (there is no particularly terrible thing in the film formers themselves, they retain moisture in the skin, do not allow dirt to penetrate if applied to clean skin, they can provoke acne, though, but here it also depends on the type of skin , and from the composition of the product, but with this composition! ..), and I love it straight when they write “flavor” ... which one? a lot of them! essential oils or their derivatives are one thing, and another thing is when they are completely chymous, many people know what they are allergic to, and here the common name is a little reassuring only that this product is washed off the skin ... yes ... foam like “calm down already forever!”
Second participant. Shaving gel Nivea for men sensitive.
and in general there are too many components that may have toxic impurities
Nivea for men sensitive shaving gel:
Aqua, TEA-Palmitat(surfactant, emulsifier, considered safe, but can dry the skin and cause allergies), Oleth-20(emulsifier, solvent, thickener, considered safe, but may cause irritation and if not properly cleaned, it will contain carcinogens in impurities), Isopentane(there is no information on how it is used in cosmetics, I did not find it, basically it is widely used as a component of high-octane gasolines, even as a solvent in the polymerization of isoprene), Glycerin(see above), Isopropyl Palmitate(moisturizer and skin softener, as well as antistatic and thickener; if made from natural raw materials, then the chance of causing allergies is very small, but the chemical version is used more often (cheaper) and here it can clog pores, prevent the skin from breathing, it is important so that the skin is clean before using products with this comp.), Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract(chamomile extract, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, the main thing is that there is no allergy to it), Maltodextrin Tocopheryl acetate(vitamin E acetate, antioxidant), Hydroxyethylcellulose(thickener, gelling agent, safe), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose(inert polymer, thickener, emulsifier, film former, gel former, non-toxic), Laureth-2(Surfactant, emulsifier, can cause irritation, allergies, contain carcinogens in impurities if poorly cleaned), PEG-14M(emulsifier, thickener, safe), PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate(surfactant, may contain toxic impurities without proper cleaning, should not be used on damaged skin), Polyisobutene(thermoplastic polymer, softening and moisturizing agent, restores skin elasticity, prevents moisture loss, contraindications: individual intolerance), Piroctone Olamine (antiseptic, protects the skin from the accumulation of toxic substances), BHT(a very strong preservative, it is considered a powerful carcinogen, but there are still disputes on this topic (since the 80s), linalool(flavouring, see above), perfume.
My opinion: well, it seems to be a good surfactant in the base, but it can have impurities and, in general, there are a bit too many components that can have toxic impurities, there are also many emulsifiers / thickeners / solvents, there are few moisturizing and protecting substances with such a number of emulsifiers / thickeners / solvents and a very bad preservative.
Let's move on to the hero of our review. I bought this soap after reading a lot of positive reviews on specialized forums. In the photo, he is next to the Astra blades.
When I bought it, I didn’t know anything about its composition, except for the manufacturer’s statement about its naturalness. But let's leave the floor to the expert:
Very good composition
ARKO shaving soap:
Potassium Tallowate(one of the main components of solid soap, fat / oil, mixed with some kind of alkali (here potassium) gradually hardens due to the fact that fatty acids react with alkali, after complete hardening, almost no alkali remains, this is how classic soap is obtained, in in this case, the fat of cattle or sheep is used), Potassium Stearate(emulsifier, lubricant, stabilizer, non-carcinogenic, non-toxic if not allergic), Sodium Palm Kernelate(palm oil salt, emulsifier, very mild surfactant alternative, good for sensitive skin, non-toxic if there is no individual intolerance), Aqua, Glycerine(alcohol, solvent, moisturizer - retains moisture in the skin, stabilizer, non-toxic in moderate doses, causes irritation in damaged areas, dries the skin in large quantities), Potassium Cocoate(produced from fatty acids of coconut oil, valued for its natural origin, surfactant, emulsifier, non-toxic, safe on the skin at any concentration), Parfum, Paraffinum Liquidom(lubricant - vaseline oil, a synthetic component (from petroleum), forms a protective layer on the skin that does not allow moisture to evaporate, is non-toxic, but is poorly washed off with water and can clog pores, which contributes to acne), Tetrasodium EDTA(a preservative that relieves irritation softens the water and thus allows the surfactant to work correctly, at a low concentration it is non-toxic, at a high concentration it can cause irritation), Cl 77891(dye), Etidronic Acid(emulsion stabilizer, viscosity regulator, active antioxidant), Sodium Cloride(preservative, common salt), Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate(Surfactant, skin and hair conditioner, thickener, causes skin and eye irritation at medium and high concentrations, mild irritation at low concentrations, may be a potential allergen), Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol(the last 4 are components of essential oils, used as fragrances, non-toxic, but can cause skin and respiratory irritation and be potential allergens).
My opinion: a very good composition, a real natural soap base, sparing preservatives, only vaseline confuses, but its concentration is not high (the compositions are written in descending order).
It's a funny comparison, don't you think? I would even accuse myself of bias towards the modern chemical industry, and foul play :-) But firstly, I really have a bias towards marketing that makes people smear rubbish on their faces, and the data from the analysis of the components are presented above :-) Thanks to my wife, she spent the day at my request.
Now about the sensations from using Arko soap. It's a soap crayon. It is applied to a moisturized face, just a few strokes. Then a strong thick foam is whipped with a shaving brush for 30-40 seconds.
The soap has a pronounced "oriental" scent. He seems a bit pushy at first, but then you get used to it. The aroma itself is pleasant, a bit like the aroma of either a spice market or an oriental bazaar. Disappears very quickly and doesn't stick around all day. After shaving, the skin does not dry out, although out of habit I use either lotions or creams.
Soap consumption is very moderate, one “pencil” is enough for me for about 1 year. Yes, yes, for one year for $2.39.
Here's a comparison review.
Summary. I really liked the Arko soap. The smell, soapiness, sensations and composition are the most pleasant. I recommend to all lovers of shaving with a shaving brush.
Read the ingredients, find your favorite products, take care of yourself, buy natural products! Happiness, health and joy!
I plan to buy +98 Add to favourites Liked the review +66 +158Outdated? Not at all. Buying such a tool is a great way to turn an ordinary procedure into a beautiful ritual, and at the same time try out something new on the skin - by the way, providing a very smooth razor glide. Today more and more men decide to buy shaving soap instead of cream or gel. Yes, it will take a little more effort and time to use it - to whip a strong foam in a bowl with a shaving brush, but it's worth it. Natural ingredients well protect the skin from damage and prevent irritation, aromas are soft and pleasant. A special exclusive - handmade products.
Benefits of choosing shaving soap
Firstly, it is quite economical - at least more profitable than a cream or gel. One bar of solid shaving soap will last longer than a pack of any other product of comparable weight. Secondly, the product has a number of advantages:
- in the composition - mainly natural ingredients, including oils;
- the foam is more voluminous - reduces the risk of cuts;
- very well softens the hairs, and why it works more effectively.
BrandForMan offers to buy shaving soap in Moscow with delivery throughout Russia. The catalog contains only original products of top-class brands specializing in men's cosmetics.
Shaving soap is that unique product that can provide a smooth and seamless shave by allowing the razor blade to gently and at the same time cleanly remove all unnecessary facial hair. To get a perfectly thick shaving foam, you need to beat the soap in a special cup using a shaving brush. The whole thing, as a rule, takes no more than 2-3 minutes. However, it will more than pay off in the same moment! Warm thick foam applied to the epidermis easily expands the pores and lifts the stubble, providing a more efficient shave.
A quality shaving bar sets the tone for the entire men's shaving process. Whether it’s a classic bar or a composition that has retained its rounded shape thanks to a bowl, the Uncle Beard online store offers a wide range of first-class products from leading world brands, and if you decide to buy shaving soap in Moscow for a present or a surprise, be sure to contact us !
Shaving soap Proraso
The creators of this soap, perhaps, are all hands for versatility: in addition to the main component - soap, which includes natural ingredients - Proraso supplemented it with a convenient dish. In a plastic bowl, it will be convenient to beat the soap and apply it directly to the face from there. And thanks to its compact size, Proraso shaving soap can be taken with you on a trip.Solid Shaving Soap in D. R. Harris Beech Bowl
The soap of this brand has gone through quite a thorough processing: it has undergone grinding three times to provide a more voluminous and dense foam when whipping. The round bowl is handmade from natural beech. In addition, it has an optimal size and is strong enough - it can be used even after the soap is over. It is also worth noting the rich palette of aromas of D. R. Harris solid soap presented on our website - you will almost certainly be able to find something to your liking.However, that's not all: the catalog of the online store "Uncle Beard" presents just a huge amount of shaving soap from well-known brands at a very attractive price.
A beard is both beautiful and fashionable! But not everyone thinks so...
Some men show off their beauty attribute, while others prefer to get rid of it. After all, it doesn't suit everyone. Although one can argue here ... But, despite which option you prefer, you cannot do without proper care! It is very important to choose the right shaving soap to avoid unnecessary problems.
And the problems can be completely different: from money wasted in vain to severe irritation on the face.
Shop soap as an important element for shaving and beard care
I know from my own experience that if the beard is not taken care of by cleaning it every day, it loses its shine and looks sloppy. It is necessary to wash it every day with shampoo or bar soap, as I did.
After all, it has many advantages, such as:
- Profitability. One piece will last over eight weeks;
- Natural composition. There are no preservatives, dyes, fragrances;
- The complexity of the action. Hairs are cleaned; skin, unnecessary elements disappear from the epithelium. The right light comes.
- Doesn't dry out. Convenient for permanent use.
It is believed that this hygiene product improves the growth of beard hair. Men, most often, use tar soap for beard growth. It contains birch tar, which was used in the old days to stop hair loss. It has many advantages, but at the same time it also has some disadvantages.
Soap for a beard of the Odessa producer
Advantages:
- Availability;
- Natural composition that does not irritate the body;
- Positive effect on hair follicles, encouraging them to grow;
- Clears fat and pores;
- Due to the drying of oily hairs, they are not so dirty and look fresh.
Disadvantages:
- Not comfortable to use with dry and sensitive skin;
- A specific bitter aroma that lasts a long time;
- The composition contains some carcinogenic substances;
- If used together with hard water, a plaque on the body will be noticeable.
There are different types on the market. They are representatives of: English, Italian, Russian, Dutch brands.
Using tar soap for beard growth
Tar soap for beard growth can be of two types: salt and coal.
The composition of coal contains grains of activated carbon, which helps to make cleansing gentle, helps with wound healing.
Salt soap for beard growth contains purified sea salt. Ideal for oily and inflamed skin. All pieces are handmade. It is packed in special paper and stamped.
Before washing, we comb and remove dust. Wet your chin with warm water. We lather our hands, making foam and gently rub everything. First, we wash the hair roots. Then we stretch the pen all over the chin. Rinse with running water and dry with a soft towel.
Using shaving soap
But, not all men grow a ford. Many people shave it. To do this, use gels, foams, soap.
Shaving bar soap is a special type of soap that is applied to the body to provide convenience and ease in the process of removing excess hair. Supplying the necessary substances, moisturizing, creating a protective ball for the safe sliding of the blade for comfort and safety.
Benefit . I know for myself that to remove excess hair, it is more useful to use a solid shaving soap than a gel. Because it does not contain alcohols and chemical elements. Does not provoke itching and burns. Economical and cost effective.
Proraso Special Soap
There are different types of bar soap for shaving. The most common soap with plant oils or animal fats. The former is usually made with essential oils. In the second, they are present in small quantities. There is also a synthetic-based soap. It is harmful, cheap and little bought.
Before using the razor, make soapy water. With the help of a smear, shake it up until foam appears. Add 2-3 drops of glycerin. With a brush we spread the foam on the face. Then we shave the stubble. After completion, wash your face and wipe.
I do not always trust store-bought hygiene products, because the best is homemade. Therefore, I often make shaving soap with my own hands.
We save money and health by making our own shaving product
There are many variations on how to make shaving soap. Here are a few of them.
See also:
Shaving soap with a soothing effect.
You will need:
- white soap base - 1oo gr;
- unrefined olive oil - 1 tsp;
- chamomile essential oil - 6 drops;
- aloe juice - 3 drops;
You can store 2 weeks.
Do-it-yourself shaving soap with an invigorating effect. We use:
- white soap base - 100 gr.;
- sea buckthorn oil - 1 tsp;
- tea tree essential oil - 6 drops;
You can make a beautiful design (for example, using a mold).
Shaving soap made from laundry soap.
- 100 gr. - laundry soap;
- 50 gr. - water;
- 1 tsp - sugar;
- 5 gr. - dimethicone;
- 8 gr. - laurel oil;
- 1 gr. - any essential oil.
Step by step instructions on how to make your own soap.
After 48 hours, you're done! We take it out and dry it in cooking paper for two weeks. I poured it into such a pretty tank shape. You can simply pour it into a baking sheet and then cut it like a pie.
My beard soap in the shape of a tank
Soap is an essential tool for both beard care and shaving. It happens different. But the best and most reliable is homemade, handmade.
There are many wet shaving products available today, available in a variety of flavors, shapes, and properties. These products include: shaving soap, shaving cream, shaving foam and shaving gel.
Today we will talk about the oldest of shaving products for men, namely, we will consider shaving soap, its history, properties and how they should shave after all.
History of shaving soap
The oldest soap recipe that scientists have been able to recognize is a mixture of oil and ash, which was used by the Sumerians. For over 5,000 years, the basic principle of soap making has remained essentially the same. A mixture of oils and fats is mixed with lye to create a soap base that lathers well.
Shaving soap first appeared in the 14th century and was extremely popular until the outbreak of the First World War. At that time, shaving cream became extremely popular. However, up until today, the use of shaving soap is considered traditional for wet shaving. Any self-respecting barbershop will use shaving soap when you go to shave with them.
Quality shaving soap
Okay, we're leaving the fact that shaving soap is the best traditional shaving product, but what makes it great?
Quality shaving soap contains high levels of fat (vegetable or animal) and glycerin. The latter, derived from vegetable oil, is important because glycerin serves as a humectant that adheres to the skin of the face and hydrates it. Glycerin also has an effective emollient effect, because it softens the skin of the face and makes it smooth and ready for shaving. In turn, the fat content is also important. It provides the necessary lubrication and protection of the skin during shaving so that the blade glides over the surface of the skin without irritating it.
All things considered, when choosing a shaving soap, look for a soap that has a high fat content (between 30% and 50% of the total weight). Pay attention to the ingredients, not the packaging. Very often, manufacturers produce regular shower soap in the same packaging and form as traditional shaving soap. Shower soap will not provide protection while shaving and may leave your skin irritated.
A good shaving soap is often triple ground, this increases the lather and produces a quality, dense lather, leaving the skin extremely smooth. For example, shaving soap from the English company D.R. Harris, just a triple grind. It foams exceptionally well and can rightfully be considered a reference classic.
Shaving soap by DR Harris Marlborough
The oldest German shaving soap manufacturer Klar has gone even further. The soap of this family business is ground 5 times! As a result, the soap is even more dense and concentrated, which makes it possible to prepare an excellent lather.
How to use shaving soap
In order to prepare foam from shaving soap you will need: shaving soap, a shaving brush and a bowl. It is enough to put the soap in a bowl and with a moistened shaving brush beat the foam to be applied to the face. However, to prepare a good shaving foam, follow these steps:
The difference between shaving soap and cream
If you're wondering what the difference is between shaving soap and cream, there are a couple of big differences. Using shaving cream, you will spend a little less time creating lather. At the same time, shaving cream will be used up faster than soap, which means you will buy it more often. It turns out that using shaving soap is cheaper, all other things being equal.
What shaving soap to buy
Today on the market (in the global sense) there are a huge number of offers from both domestic and foreign manufacturers of shaving soap. By their properties, soap is made for different skin types and with different additional properties. For example, ideal for sensitive skin. Enriched with oils of orange, lemon, mint and eucalyptus to fully nourish and care for the skin of the face.
Determine your skin type and choose a shaving soap that won't irritate or sting your skin after shaving. The remaining components only indirectly affect shaving and can be neglected.
Finally
This is the first article in a series of information about men's shaving and classic wet shaving culture. Next, we will look at other shaving products, comparing the quality of shaving with a T-shaped razor and modern razors with 3 or even 5 blades. We will find out how shaving brushes differ and why some of them can cost more than one hundred dollars. See you soon! As always, we welcome your comments.