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Soft Shaving Soaps

Shaving soaps are an essential part of a classic shaving routine, providing the perfect foundation for a smooth, irritation-free shave. When lathered well with a shaving brush, usually for 30 seconds to a minute, the soap transforms into a rich, creamy foam that softens the skin and ensures optimal lubrication between the razor blade and your skin. This thick lather also helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin while reducing friction, preventing post-shave irritation.

Many shaving soaps are made with tallow-based formulas, which create a quick-acting foam that hydrates the skin and makes lathering easier, even in hard water. For those with sensitive skin, there are 100% vegetable-based options that are free from parabens and harsh alcohols, enriched with natural ingredients that nourish, protect, and hydrate the skin. Italian-made soaps are particularly renowned for their soft, creamy consistency, making it simple to whip up a luxurious, thick lather that enhances your shaving experience. Whether tallow-based or plant-based, shaving soaps deliver both performance and skin care, offering a refreshing and indulgent shave every time.

Soft shaving soaps use a natural method, and it is quite normal for soaps to have irregular cavity structures and for their surfaces to not be completely smooth. This does not affect the quality of the soap and should not be considered a flaw.

  • Extro - Espezial Shaving Cream - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $27.90 - Original price $27.90
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    Extro - Espezial Shaving Cream

    Extro

    This luxurious shaving cream is thoughtfully enriched with potent ingredients: Coenzyme Q10, renowned for its anti-wrinkle properties, working dili...

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    Original price $27.90 - Original price $27.90
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  • Extro - FraRinik Shaving Cream - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $27.90 - Original price $27.90
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    Extro - FraRinik Shaving Cream

    1 Review Extro

    The FraRinik Shaving Cream is also known as Fragranza Mistica, which translates as Mystical Scent, and it is one of the jewels in the Extro line. F...

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    Original price $27.90 - Original price $27.90
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  • Fine Accoutrements - American Blend Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
    Fine Accoutrements - American Blend Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
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    Fine Accoutrements - American Blend Shaving Soap

    2 Reviews Fine Accoutrements

    Fine American Blend Shaving Soap provides exactly that, along with a fragrance that captures - and celebrates - the essence of shaving itself. Ins...

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  • Fine Accoutrements - Clubhouse Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
    Fine Accoutrements - Clubhouse Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
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    Fine Accoutrements - Clubhouse Shaving Soap

    Fine Accoutrements

    Fine Clubhouse Shaving Soap provides exactly that, along with a classic aromatic note of talc cut with herbs, spices and musk.   Inspired by Canoe...

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  • Fine Accoutrements - Platinum Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
    Fine Accoutrements - Platinum Shaving Soap - New England Shaving Company
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    Fine Accoutrements - Platinum Shaving Soap

    Fine Accoutrements

    Fine Platinum Shaving Soap provides exactly that, along with a crisp and sophisticated fragrance that radiates success. Inspired by Creed Aventus ...

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    Original price $21.00 - Original price $21.00
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    Henri Et Victoria - Kraken Shaving Soap

    Henri Et Victoria

    With this beautiful scent, explore the mysterious Caribbean seas' depths! The woody and spicy aromas evoke lost ships while the lavender and jasmin...

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    Original price $21.00 - Original price $21.00
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    Stirling Soap Co. - Bergamot Lavender Shaving Soap

    Stirling Soap Co.

    If Lavender had a peel, this is what it would smell like. Spicy, sweet, floral, and most definitely unique.  Ingredients: Beef Tallow, Stearic Acid...

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    Stirling Soap Co. -Ozark Mountain Shaving Soap

    Stirling Soap Co.

    A drive through the Ozark Mountains in fall is the best way to describe this scent. It is woodsy, spicy, and absolutely the closest fragrance we ha...

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    Original price $14.95 - Original price $14.95
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  • Zingari Man - Sego Shaving Soap - Mousse Iluminee - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $24.95 - Original price $24.95
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    Zingari Man - Sego Shaving Soap - Mousse Iluminee

    1 Review Zingari Man

    Another fabulous collaboration with an artisan perfumer, Rogue Perfumery. The brilliant nose behind this incredible house is Manuel Cross.   It ...

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    Original price $24.95 - Original price $24.95
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  • Zingari Man - The Nomad Shave Soap - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $24.90 - Original price $24.90
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    Zingari Man - The Nomad Shave Soap

    Zingari Man

    Bay rum is a tried and true combination—a deep, spicy, masculine scent adored by many. However, after some time, the tried and true becomes tired....

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    Zingari Man - Dorothy Jean Shaving Soap

    Zingari Man

    This fragrance is a unisex floral and can be worn any time of the year. This is predominantly honeysuckle with a blend of white florals-Jasm...

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How Are Soft Shaving Soaps Made?

Hot-Pour Soaps: Commonly used by artisans, this method creates soft, pliable soaps with dense, luxurious lathers. Proraso Shaving Soaps in tubs and Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Creams are great hot-pour soaps & creams.

Italian Saponification: A traditional process yielding smooth and creamy soaps for a premium shaving experience. Officina Artigiana Milano stands out as an example of a shaving soap made using the Italian hot saponification method.

Triple-Milled Soaps: Softer than traditional hard soaps but denser, products like Martin de Candre or Henri et Victoria offer long-lasting, refined lathers. Martin de Candre shaving soaps are also manufactured by a hot saponification process.

What Makes Tallow-Based Shaving Soaps Stand Out?

Tallow-based soaps are celebrated for their rich, creamy lather, exceptional slickness, and superior post-shave feel. Many top brands offer tallow-based formulations, including Cella Milano, Fine Accoutrements, Le Pere Lucien, Ariana & Evans, Barrister & Mann, Henri et Victoria, and Zingari Man.

Barrister & Mann – Omnibus Base:
Omnibus is a lanolin-free tallow base enriched with botanicals, goat and coconut milks, shea butter, avocado oil, and cupuaçu butter—a remarkable ingredient that absorbs up to 250% more water than lanolin without causing irritation. This base provides exceptional hydration and performance for a comfortable, irritation-free shave.

Ariana & Evans – Ultima Base:
Ultima represents the luxury line from Ariana & Evans. It excels in moisture retention, delivering unmatched slickness and a dense, luxurious lather. Known for its superior cushioning and protection, Ultima leaves the skin feeling nourished and pampered after every shave.

Ariana & Evans – K2E (Kaizen 2E) Base:
K2E takes tallow-based shaving soaps to the next level with a formula that offers extraordinary slickness, thickness, and hydration. Infused with kokum butter, shea butter, avocado oil, and emu oil, it ensures a smooth and moisturized shave, combining premium quality with excellent value.

These innovative bases showcase the versatility and performance of tallow-based soaps, making them a favorite among wet shaving enthusiasts seeking a luxurious and effective grooming experience.

What Scents Are Available?

Artisan soft shaving soaps are celebrated for their diverse scent profiles. Options range from classic barbershop aromas to complex blends of florals, spices, and woods. Seasonal or limited-edition scents bring uniqueness and variety, appealing to enthusiasts looking for exclusive fragrances. You can use our "Scent Profile" filter to help guide you toward your desired fragrance. Be sure to check each product's description for a complete breakdown of its fragrance notes.

Shaving with Acne-Prone Skin: What Should You Know?

Shaving with acne-prone skin requires extra care to avoid irritation and breakouts. To minimize the risk, it’s important to use gentle, non-comedogenic shaving products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for shaving creams or soaps that contain soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, or salicylic acid, which can help calm the skin and prevent further breakouts. Always shave with a light touch, use a sharp razor to avoid tugging, and follow up with an alcohol-free, soothing aftershave to keep skin hydrated and protected.

Check out the Krokos Line from Abbate y La Mantia for a premium, acne-friendly shaving solution.

What are the best lathering shaving soaps from U.S. brands?

Check out the shaving soaps from Stirling Soap Co. and Zingari Man for a great lathering experience.

  1. Stirling Soap Co. – Known for its rich, dense lather, Stirling soaps offer excellent performance with skin-friendly ingredients. They create a creamy, slick lather that provides great glide and protection during shaving. Stirling also offers a wide range of scents, making it a popular choice among wet shaving enthusiasts.
  2. Zingari ManZingari Man takes a more artisanal approach to shaving soaps, with a focus on skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter, lanolin, and coconut milk. These create a thick, moisturizing lather that provides exceptional glide and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soft after shaving. The Gent scent is a sophisticated blend that is perfect for those looking for a refined, subtle fragrance.

How Do Prices Compare?

Soft shaving soaps range in price depending on the ingredients and craftsmanship. Artisan soaps, often made in small batches, may have a higher price point but deliver exceptional value through their performance, longevity, and luxurious experience.

Whether you prefer the richness of tallow, the innovation of vegan formulations, or the hydration of glycerin-based soaps, artisan soft shaving soaps provide an unmatched grooming experience. Explore these hand-crafted creations to elevate your shave.