Shaving Cream free essay sample

The preparation which are used to soften the beard, lubricate the passage of razor over the face is called shaving preparation. The preparation is also used to relieve irritation a feeling of well- being. There are two types of Shaving Preparations. This are given in following flow chart. Shaving Cream Shaving cream is a substance applied to the skin to facilitate removal of hair. Shaving cream softens and moistens the skin and the hair, thus making shaving more comfortable and contributing to smoother skin. The advantages of using shaving cream, rather than soap, oil, or just water, are many. Shaving with a modern bar of soap approximates shaving with cream but doesnt provide all of the benefits: soap is only one element of many in a modern shaving preparation. SHAVING GEL Shaving gel is a lubricating product designed to be applied before shaving in order to soften the hair being shaved, along with moisturizing the skin and preventing the razor from dragging along the skin, potentially creating razor burn. It comes in tubs as well as cans, and is usually designed to foam into a thick, dense lather. Most companies which manufacture conventional shaving cream also make shaving gel, as many of the basic ingredients are the same, and some consumers prefer more options. As compared to shaving cream, shaving gel tends to be more efficient, because only a small amount is needed for each shave. This is because the consumer lathers the gel before or while he or she is applying it, rather than dispensing an already lathered product, as is the case with shaving cream. When dispensed in a can, shaving gel is kept under pressure so that it will dispense when needed. Shaving gel is also available in tubs into which the shaver can dip a hand or shaving brush. In most cases, shaving gel will foam when it is gently agitated in the hands or on the surface of the face. In other instances, shaving gel is intended to be applied in a thin lubricating layer which does not foam. Some specialized shaving gels function like this to provide more moisturizing properties, or to soften particularly thick hair. When shaving gel does not foam, it is usually lightly colored, so that the person shaving can clearly see which areas of the skin have been ubricated. Homemade shaving gel Ingredients required 1/2 cup liquid organic castile soap, 1/4 cup hot water, 1/2 tsp salt (preservative), 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerine, 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel or cucumber, 8 drops tea tree essential oil if necessary. Method: Firstly melt salt in water and mix all other ingredients together. You can store it in a pump bottle. Alcohols are used as an ingredient in some gels becau se it has antiseptic and therapeutic properties. However, this can be kept optional as it dries your skin and hence advised to use glycerin based gels. SHAVING OIL Shaving oil is usually a vegetable oil mixed with essential oils which can be used as a lubricant for shaving. Shaving oil is better for sensitive skin because there are fewer chemicals which can irritate the skin. Shaving oil can help moisturize the skin and does not clog pores like some creams and soaps can. While it is harder to know what you have and have not shaved with a shaving oil, they have the advantage of not hiding your beard and mustache so that you can safely shave around them. SHAVING SOAP The shaving cream that the barber uses with his shaving brush and straight razor is sometimes called shaving soap. Shaving soap most often comes in a large mouth can or in a hard bar. A badger shaving brush is used to swirl the soap into a lather creating a very smooth shaving cream. Because the shaving soaps contain glycerin they provide a closer shave with fewer nicks and cuts. Shaving soap provides such a close shave, it may require relearning how to shave so that you do not use much pressure on the razor. Background: According to Burma Shave chronicler Frank Rowsome, Jr. , modern shaving cream began with Burma Shave, which achieved high sales volume almost immediately after it was introduced. Prior to that time, lather was produced from a bar, and was basically another form of soap. Manufacturing soap itself is an ancient crafthe word comes from the Old English word sape. By the seventh century, Italian soapmakers were organized in a guild, and, in the next century, the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne recognized soapmakers as craftsman. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries soap was made at Savona, Italy. The modern French, Spanish and German words for soap (savon, jabon, and seife, respectively) are cognates of the name of that town. The early American settlers manufactured soap at home, using a method which called for mixing and heating animal fat with lye in a pot set over a fire, usually outdoors. This open kettle method of soap making was popular for years. Later adapted for large scale production, its use continued through the first half of the twentieth century. By the eighteenth century, soap makers realized that they could enhance their product by improving the quality of the fat and the purity of the lye they used. Castile soap, made in Spain and still available today, soon achieved eminence as a face soap because of its smoothness and quality. Castile soap originally used olive oil rather than animal fat, and the modern version uses other fats and oils in addition to olive oil. Although Americans continued to make their own soap at home for many years, they also began to manufacture soap commercially during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Because they utilized similar materials and methods, soap makers were frequently in partnership with candle and tallow makers. The first soap maker to render (purify by melting) fats at his own operation was William Colgate, who had learned his trade in the early 1800s in New York City. The company that today bears his name is a Major producer of soap and other cosmetic preparations. In the nineteenth century storekeepers purchased soap from manufacturers in large blocks, from which their customers in turn cut smaller chunks. Jesse Oakley of Newburgh, New York, became the first manufacturer to sell wrapped soap in a cake form that was a good size for home use. Soap was used for shaving through the early 1800s. In 1840, a concentrated soap that foamed was sold in tablets by Vroom and Fowler, whose Walnut Oil Military Shaving Soap was probably the first soap made especially for shaving. A century later, as the United States entered World War II, animal fats of relatively uncontrolled type and quality were still being used to make soap. To help supply American troops with soap, Most of us are familiar with shaving cream which comes in a can, but there are various other types of shaving creams which may be better for your skin and provide a closer shave. There are shaving creams for sensitive skin and creams which contain menthol and aloe to help soothe the skin after shaving. Characteristics of a Good Shaving Cream: ?It should be stable from 0 to 50 degree Celsius, so that it can be used across all seasons. It should be non-corrosive to skin. ?It should posses good wetting properties to allow easy movement of razor. ?It should be easily removable on rinsing. ?It should be smooth soft and entirely free from lump or grittiness. ?It must adhere readily to face and shaving brush. The ideal preparation for a shave must take in 3 things 1) First it must clean the skin remo ving any dirt, dead skin cells, oil or other debris that could be blocking the pores and may obstruct razor, any good face wash or cleanser will do this, also cleaning the face will lift and separate stubble. ) The second essential element is to warm the skin opening the pores relaxing the facial muscles, and slightly swelling the hairs. 3) This brings a person on to the last and most essential element to a shave prep, to soften the whiskers so razor can slice easily through the stubble. There are number of products that do this by penetrating the hair follicle and moisturizing it, another method is simply soaking the face with hot water. However the most highly recommended advice we can give is a hot shower, this can combines all the essential elements of good shave prep. CORE INREDIENTS OF SHAVING PREPARATION The core ingredients that define the shaving creams: Aqua: water Stearic acid: saturated fatty acid Myristic acid: saturated fatty acid Potassium hydroxide: inorganic base Sodium hydroxide: inorganic base Coconut acid: triglyceride Glycerin: polyol or sugar alcohol Triethanolamine: organic base Aqua: Water is a solvent that is used to dissolve certain ingredients in the shaving cream and serves as the matrix in which air is trapped when lather (foam) is formed. Water is also used as a spreading agent that distributes other ingredients evenly and gives shaving creams a soft texture. In the lather, water contributes to keep the hair moist during the shave and is responsible for the glide or slip of the lather. When water concentration in lather is not optimal, the performance of the lather is subpar. Stearic acid: Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid and a surfactant (literally, an amphiphilic,â€Å"surface acting†, chemical that lowers surface tension at the interface between molecules or groups of molecules that do not mix well) that has excellent emulsifying and lather stabilizing properties. It is also used as an emollient and thickening agent. Stearic acid is often used as inorganic or organic salt or as an ester. Myristic acid: Another saturated member of the fatty acid family and is also used in shaving creams for its surfactant and emulsifying properties. Myristic acid forms intermediate bubble sizes that result in faster foaming and reduced mechanical stability. Coconut acid: Coconut acid is a triglyceride extracted from the plant Cocos nucifera or coconut palm. It is commonly known as coconut oil. When saponified, coconut acid is used in shaving cream as a source of surfactants and cleansing agents.. Saponification of coconut oil produces a mixture rich in saturated fatty acids that include (listed in order of abundance): lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids and a small proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids can be completely removed from formulation and recently have been linked to comedogenesis (a type of acne caused by cosmetics). In high concentration, unsaturated fatty acids can oxidize over time and decrease shelf life. Glycerin is a by-product of the saponification reaction. Coconut acid also is used to adjust pH, and its derivatives are used as emollients. Sodium and Potassium hydroxides: These are strong inorganic bases that are used to saponify triglycerides. Inorganic bases are also used to make fatty acids more soluble in water. Typically, fatty acids are found in shaving creams as sodium and potassium salts. The ratio in which these bases are used determines the consistency of the shaving cream for a given water and fatty acid composition. These are highly alkaline and are used to adjust pH. Sodium hydroxide is also called caustic soda or lye. The common name for potassium hydroxide is potash. Glycerin: Glycerin, or more correctly, glycerol, belongs to the sugar alcohol family. Gycerol does not have surface activity and cannot form lather. Glycerol can retain water, thus increasing lather density and stability. For this reason, glycerol is also used as a humectant. Glycerol also increases the viscosity of water-glycerol solutions, affecting the glide of the lather. Although its effect on deeper layers of the skin remains under investigation, there is very little doubt that hydrated glycerin has a beneficial effect when applied to the outer-most layer of the skin (the stratum corneum). Triethanolamine: Triethanolamine or TEA is an organic base used primarily as emulsifier and surfactant. It is also used in shaving creams to neutralize the pH of fatty acids and to solubilize oils and other ingredients that have poor solubility in water. Triethanolamine use has been reduced in recent times because of growing safety and health concerns due to its suspected role as irritant and carcinogen and its ability to react with other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Some studies have linked TEA to contact dermatitis and allergies. TEA is currently under review in USA, UK and European countries. Triethanolamine can be completely removed from shaving cream formulations without any loss of performance STANDARD FORMULATION OF SHAVING CREAM On your shaving cream if you look at the list of ingredients which by law all manufacturers must print on their packaging you will see a lot of similarities between most of the brands with the same ingredients appearing again and again. It is possible to substitute some of the key shaving cream ingredients for other ingredients with similar properties, and varying manufacturing processes will produce a different qualitys in shaving cream and with different properties. However the primary ingredients are usually the same and the basic recipe and method of manufacture can be found in many industrial chemistry text books. A standard recipe will contain; 77% water you will find water listed as aqua as the 1st ingredient in most beauty and grooming products, shaving creams being no exception. % Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid that occurs in many animal, vegetable fats and oils, most commonly taken from palm oil or coconut oil. 6% Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monostearate, used as an emulsifiers to mix immiscible or unblendable substances. One of the easiest ingredients to substitute as there are many emulsifiers available to chemists. 5% lanolin, a kind of wax extracted from sheep’s wool, in shaving cream it acts as a lubricant and emulsifier holding water to your skin. In other industries it can used to prevent rust and when Gillette removed from their shaving creams they were ccused of doing it so their razors would rust faster and therefore need to be replaced more regularly. 3% Triethanalamine, often abbreviated as TEA, it is a surfactant or wetting agent lowering the surface tension of a liquid, one part of its molecule will be attracted to water while the other will be attracted to oils and grease. It is also used to balance the Ph value as a shaving cream must be neither overly acidic nor overly alkaline. 2% Glycerine, this will make the skin softer and more supple as it acts as a moisturiser, lubricator and humectant. Another common ingredient you might see is laureth 23 and lauryl sulphate, in shaving creams these can be used as a substitute for lanolin, glycerine and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, they act as a surfactant lower the surface tension of liquids and will also provide lather. They are also used regularly in shower gels and face washes for the same reason. Any variation in the ingredients proportions will affect the type and quality of the finished shaving product, also the perfume will which doesnt have to be listed on the ingredients, but is needed as without it a shaving cream will smell quite earthy and not in pleasant way. Also the emulsifiers used will affect the finished product. The method of manufacture will probably cause the greatest degree of variation, storage of the product when finished. Longer or shorter heating times, how quickly the product transferred to the tubes or tubs that it will be sold to the end user in will all have an effect. Shaving cream preparation formula 1: INGREDIENTSQUANTITY Stearic acid29. 5 Grams Lauric acid6 Grams Myrietic acid2 Grams Oleic acid0. 5 Gram 50% Potassium Hydorxide(KOH)1. 5 Gram Glycerol1. 5 Gram 70% Sorbitol2 Grams Lanolin1 Gram Triethenol amine2 Grams Methyl paraben0. 18 Gram Propyl paraben0. 02 Gram PerfumeIn Sufficient Quantity WaterQuantity Sufficient to Make 100 Grams Shaving Cream Formula 2: INGREDIENTSQUANTITY Stearic acid36. 5 Grams Coconut oil8. 5 Grams Potassium hydroxide8 Grams Sodium hydroxide1 Grams 70% Sorbitol3 Grams Mineral oil2 Grams Menthol0. 1 Gram Sodium suphite0. 1 Grams Methyl paraben0. 18 Grams Propyl paraben0. 02 Grams PerfumeIn sufficient quantity WaterSufficient to make 100 gms Natural Shaving Cream Preparation THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF InDustrial SHAVING CREAM The modern manufacture of shaving cream is a carefully controlled process. Although carried out on a large scale, its manufacture resembles a laboratory procedure involving only small quantities of ingredients. There are two main phases to the manufacturing process. In the first phase, the fatty or oily portions of the formula—stearic acid, lanolin, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate—are heated in a jacketed kettle to a temperature of approximately 179 to 188 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 85 degrees Celsius). The jacketed kettle, which can hold as little as 300 gallons or as much as 10,000 gallons, resembles a double boiler: one container, placed inside another, is heated when steam is circulated through the outer container. Inside the interior kettle are blades that revolve to mix the oils as they are heated. After the first group of ingredients has turned smooth over a period of roughly 40 minutes, the steam is released from the outer container of the kettle, and the mixture is allowed to cool. The second phase of manufacture begins when the mixture has cooled to about 152 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius). Most of the remaining ingredients—water, glycerin, and triethanolamine—are added now, and mixing continues for approximately 40 minutes. When the mixture reaches a temperature of 125 to 134 degrees Fahrenheit (50 to 55 degrees Celsius), perfumes or other scents can be added. Because perfumes consist primarily of highly volatile oils, they would evaporate if added when the blend was still warm. The formulas for perfumes, which can contain more than 200 different ingredients, come closer to being trade secrets than information about shaving cream itself (though textbook and handbook formulas for perfume are not hard to come by). In recognition of this, manufacturers do not have to disclose information about fragrances. The mixture, still being stirred, is allowed to cool further, until it reaches a temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Now a thickening white mass of highly viscous liquid, it is forced through a silk or stainless steel screen to eliminate any lumps that may have formed in the mixing process, and to catch the rare impurity or foreign object such as a small wood splinter. If this particular mixture is designated for tube packaging, it is now placed in a tube and fitted with a cap. After the bottom of the tube has been crimped, the product is ready for shipment and stocking on a store shelf. When the desired product is an aerosol spray, the shaving cream is poured into an open can. Next a valve and a cover are fitted onto the can and forced downward to form a seal. Propellant is then forced into the can through the valve. Most shaving preparations contain between four and five percent propellant; a larger amount would dry the shaving cream as it came out of the can, rendering it unusable. A small amount of material is intentionally released (purged) to relieve excess pressure, and the can is tested in water to make sure that the valve is holding tightly. The can is now ready to be shipped. QUALITY CONTROL Required qualities : †¢Well lubricant properties, skin protection against razor †¢Hydrating properties, softner †¢Well-tolerated, non-irritant †¢Pleasant odor †¢Easy application, easy to spread †¢Creaminess Todays soaps, shaving creams, and lotions are all manufactured under strict quality control, and regulated by various federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some states have their own regulatory agencies, though state agencies are more likely to focus on environmental concerns than product safety. Batches of shaving cream are examined and analyzed both at the manufacturing site and in the laboratory. Individual containers of shaving preparations are coded so that a manufacturer knows exactly which batch any given can or tube came from, and can identify its distribution history. A manufacturer of shaving cream needs to be certain that each batch meets quality standards. Among the things tested for are pH value (the acidity or alkalinity of the product), the height of the foam when sprayed, and its absorption rate (spray the foam on a piece of paper—how long does it take till the bottom of the paper shows moisture? ). Water quality must also be checked carefully. Most manufacturers make sure the water they use is pure by exposing the water to ultraviolet light or using distilled water. Having a microbiologist on site to test the water and the final product is common in the industry. In a typical aerosol can, the shaving cream ingredients occupy only a small portion of the can. The propellant or gas occupies 4 to 5 percent of the can; a larger amount would dry the shaving cream as it came out of the can, rendering it unusable. Label: The label should contain the following information: 1. Name of the product 2. Contents: Name and percentage of any active ingredient if added to preparation. 3. Net Weight: As present in the final container. 4. Manufacturing License Number as obtained by regulatory authority of your country. 5. Manufacturing Batch Number: As applicable 6. Manufacturing Date – Month and year of manufacturing. 7. Expiry Date – Month and year of expected expiry. . Maximum Retail Price- As applicable. 9. Place of Manufacturing- The plant where it is manufactured. Advantages of Shaving Cream: The main advantage of cream is that it retains and releases water well in comparison to soap. For a shaving cream you are looking for something smooth, fairly light and lipid based, that retains water well and has decent skin nutrition. Creams in my opinion, are the best. The ideal shaving cream will have a rich lather, be foamy rather than thick and creamy, and it will retain warmth and water throughout the shave. Homemade Shaving Soap Recipes Bar soaps, especially handcrafted ones, do work great, but I’ve discovered a few improvements along the way and wanted to pass them on to anyone who wants to go beyond plain soap. Foaming Shave Soap Recipe This is the shave soap use most often in the shower because it is easy, inexpensive and works great. Some men may find it harsh on the face due to the high liquid castille content. Ingredients: †¢1/4 cup Natural Aloe Vera Gel (not juice! ) †¢1/4 cup Liquid Castille Soap †¢1 TBSP Olive or Almond Oil †¢1/4 cup warm Distilled Water (or lavender infused) †¢Vitamin E or Grapefruit Seed Extract (to preserve) Essential Oils for Fragrance (optional) – I use lavender †¢8 ounce or larger Foaming Soap Bottle How To Make It: 1. Mix ingredients in foamer bottle and shake gently until mixed. 2. Shake well before each use. This recipe will last a couple of months , don’t recommend citrus oils if you are going to be in the sun, since they increase sun sensitivity. Shave Cream Recipe Don’t use this recipe as often, and more in the winter for extra moisturizing, but it makes a rich, creamy lather and works really well. This one is also better for men’s faces, as it is more gentle than the above recipe. Ingredients: †¢1/4 cup olive, almond or coconut oil 2-3 TBSP Shea or Cocoa Butter †¢1/4 cup Aloe Gel or Honey †¢1 TBSP Kaolin clay or white cosmetic clay (optional) †¢2 tsp baking soda †¢1/4 cup Liquid Castille Soap †¢Vitamin E or GSE (to preserve) To Make: 1. Melt the oil and shea/cocoa butter in a double boiler until just melted. 2. Remove from heat and add other ingredients 3. Whisk or blend well for several minutes 4. Transfer to jar or container to store 5. Check while it is cooling to make sure it doesn’t start to separate. If it does, shake or mix well to re-incorporate. 6. Lasts up to two months (not sure about longer) Natural Bar Shave Soap Recipe If you don’t happen to have all these extra ingredients on hand, this is any easy way to modify a regular bar soap to make it more shave-friendly. It is a little time consuming, but these bar soaps last a long time and are great for making shave mugs if the men in your life happen to use shave mugs and brushes. Ingredients: †¢1 bar of natural, handcrafted soap (store bought regular soaps don’t work! ) †¢1 TBSP olive or almond oil or aloe vera gel †¢1-2 TBSP white clay, french clay, kaolin, or cosmetic clay How to Make It: 1. Grate soap and on low heat, melt soap down with oil or aloe vera. It will take a while, so be patient and stir often 2. Once melted, stir in the cosmetic clay (this makes a richer lather and is great for the skin) 3. Pour into molds (I use cardboard) or old mugs and let set for several days until it re-hardens. Will last months and will cure more over time, making it longer lasting. Harmful Ingredients in Shaving Cream As far as mass market shaving creams go, theres a pretty standard recipe that youll find across the board. These shaving creams consist of about 80 percent water, and the rest of the ingredients do the jobs of lathering up on the face, binding the lathering ingredients to the water and propelling it out of the can. Unfortunately, many of these shaving creams feature more harmful ingredients than beneficial ones. Heres what to keep an eye out for. Propolene glycol is a humectant like glycerin, but unlike glycerin, its more frequently found in antifreeze and brake fluid. Triethanolamine, better known as TEA, is an emulsifying agent, meaning it helps keep the oil and water from separating. Its also a very controversial ingredient in the cosmetic industry because not only is it a skin irritant, but many formulas containing TEA are found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are two more controversial skincare ingredients. These make a great lather, but they also have a number of health implications. Lauryl mimics estrogen, which is especially problematic for women, and laureth often hosts a known carcinogen called dioxane. On the moisture front, an oil that will frequently pop up in shaving creams is mineral oil. This is something you definitely dont want to put on your face. Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum. Yes, thats right gasoline. It sits on top of the skin, which locks in moisture, but it can also block your pores. Youre better off sticking with oils that are derived from nature, so look for plant-based oils. The world’s top 10 shaving creams In today’s market of endless possibilities, one can’t help but feel dizzy when having to choose a shaving cream. After all, when it comes to shaving, making a poor choice is more than a waste of one’s money, it also means a poor shaving experience, which as most shavers know could set the tone for the entire day. In order to ease the process of finding the most suitable shaving cream for your needs, I’ve created a list of what I consider to be the top 10 shaving creams available on the market today. Please let me know if you agree or disagree with my selection by posting a comment below. 1. Proraso Shaving Cream Tube The Proraso brand, which comes from the beautiful city of Florence in Italy, is a piece of Italian history which dates back over 100 years. It is considered to be the oldest industrial cosmetic product in Italy, and its unique recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. The Proraso Shaving Cream Tube contains key ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol and glycerine; Which in turn gives a refreshing, tingly sensation on the skin that lasts long after the shave is over. One of the most amazing things about the Proraso Shaving Cream Tube is that a small drop of shaving cream, about the size of a dime could be used up to lather one’s entire face. It comes in the form of a tube as a container, which is quite unique, and helps one squeeze out even the last drop. Both these facts enable one tube of Proraso Shaving Cream to last for approximately 4-5 months. The pricing of the Proraso Shaving Cream Tube, is quite surprising, as it is one of the most affordable Shaving Creams available today, with a price of only ? . 09 (150ml). This, combined with the fact that the Proraso Shaving Cream is considered one of the best shaving creams in the world (if not the best), almost gives me a sense of guilt whenever I purchase it. 2. Musgo Real Shaving Cream The Musgo Brand comes to us from an uncommon country in the field of shaving, the country of Portugal. Far from being a new player in the market, Musgo has been around since 1887. Musgo are considered unequ alled in terms of combining lanolin in their shaving products. Their successful combo of lanolin and glycerin creates a fantastic moisturizing effect which makes it possible to begin the shaving process quicker than almost any other shaving cream in the market without having to settle for the quality of the shave. Its wonderful fragrance is due to the fact that it contains Patchouli, a herb of the mint family which has been used for centuries in alternative medicine and in perfumes. It is also responsible for the enjoyable cooling down sensation during and after the shave. This, as well as the fact that it contains alcohol could be a downside for those with extremely sensitive skin. However, most individuals with sensitive skin who have tried the Musgo Shaving Cream reported no such issues. 3. Trufitt Hill 1805 Shaving Cream Bowl Like the Art of Shaving, the Trufitt Hill Shaving Cream is glycerin based (which locks and maintains the water and their moisturizing effect). But while the Art of Shaving is relatively a new player (having been founded in 1995), Trufitt Hill have long stood the test of time having been in operation since 1805, a time when they provided service to all the reigning monarchs of the Victorian Era. They have also recently received a Guiness book world record for being the oldest barber shop still in operation today. The scent of the 1805 Shaving Cream is considered by many to have the best fragrance of all the shaving creams offered today. This is due to the fact that it is infused with their famous 1805 cologne, which has a fantastic oceanic fragrance. The Trufitt Hill Shaving Cream is also known among shavers to give an unusually close shave, which is ultimately the goal of most shavers (knowing the products you’re using were also used by King George III is also nice). 4. Castle Forbes Lime Essential Oil Shaving Cream The Castle Forbes brand hails from the beautiful country of Scotland, and is named after the famous Forbes Castle built in 1815 by the 17th Lord Forbes, which is still being run and used today by his great-great-great grandson Malcolm Forbes. After deciding to help his wife’s passion for perfumery, Malcolm decided to turn the old dairy near the castle into a perfumery. With the help of their friend and perfumer Andy French, they soon thereafter began offering quality perfumes under the Castle Forbes Brand, as well as Shaving Creams, Aftershaves and Soaps . The box containing the Lime Essential Oil Shaving Cream has by far one of the most beautiful presentations of a shaving cream I’ve ever come across. The jar is pretty small in height, yet very wide which makes it extremely helpful when you load your brush with cream. Inside the jar you’ll find a very thick cream which has a terrific sweet scent of lime that is claimed by many to have the best fragrance out of all the lime scented shaving creams in the market. The Castle Forbes Lime Essential Oil Shaving Cream contains many ingredients including glycerin, lime essential oil and coconut acid. It also contains aloe vera to help sooth the skin, and ease the shaving process. 5. Geo. F. Trumper Extract of Limes Soft Shaving Cream It’s almost impossible to make a complete list of high quality shaving creams without mentioning the Geo. F. Trumper brand. Geo. F. Trumper has been in the industry for more than 135 years, and is considered by many to offer the best shaving creams in the world. The jar of the Trumper Extract of Limes Soft Shaving Cream comes inside a pink cardboard box which may sound a bit peculiar at first, as most lime scented shaving creams usually come in green colored packages. The pink color was actually chosen as a replacement for the original color during World War I due to a shortage of green color, and became its trademark ever since. Inside the jar there’s a nice, foamy light green shaving cream which has a fabulous mild fragrance that resembles citrus. The cream lathers very quickly and builds up to a rich and thick lather which provides great cushioning during the shave and also keeps the skin moisturized longer than most shaving creams. In addition to this magnificent lime scent Geo. F. Tumper offers six more scents: Almond, Coconut Oil, GFT, Rose, Sandalwood and Violet. . All Natural Speick Shaving Cream The Speick brand is named after the unique ingredient that is present in all their products, known as the Alpine Speick, or Alpine Valerian. An ingredient that can only be found in the high alps of South Austria. After the Speick is harvested, it is then transported to their factory located in Stuttgart Germany. The speick plant is the sour ce of the fantastic spicy, yet light fragrance present in all their products. It is also known to have a wonderful effect of calming the nervous system and rejuvenating the mind as well as the body. The All Natural Speick Shaving Cream is a perfect fit for those who suffer from sensitive skin, as it also contains bees wax which has an amazing natural moisturizing effect that gives one the freedom of not having to constantly relather as it stays on the skin even after several passes with the razor. The All Natural Speick Shaving Cream is an amazingly affordable product, with a price of ? 2. 48 for a tube containing 75ml, perfect for traveling and carrying during flights. The only noticeable downside of this product, and I’m nit picking here, is its poor packaging, as it arrives in a generic red box which does not market very well. It has also received the highest rating from the German consumer â€Å"Oko-Test Magazine† which focuses on authentic tests of natural based products. 7. Omega Shaving Cream The Omega Shaving Cream belongs to the Pennellificio Omega S. p. a. and is being manufactured for them by Proraso. Most shavers argue about the differences between the Proraso Shaving Cream and the Omega as they are strikingly similar. 1. The Omega Shaving Cream is considered more subtle than the Proraso, containing less Eucalyptus. It also contains Lanolin, which the Proraso does not. Lanolin is a unique ingredient which is made from the wax taken from sheep’s wool, and is done so without harming the sheep during the process. It is used medically in order to treat rashes and burns and has an incredible moisturizing effect as it binds the water from escaping the body as well as rejuvenates the skin cells. 2. The pricing of the Omega shaving jar is ? 4. 09 as opposed to the Proraso shaving jar which is 5. 69. Both are of course amazingly cheap considering they’re quite possibly the best shaving creams in the world. 8. The Gentlemens Refinery â€Å"The Standard† Shaving Cream The Gentlemens Refinery brand was founded by Perry Gastis, who has a rich history of working for both The Art of Shaving as a master barber, and an executive barber for Truefitt Hill in North America. Needless to say he has the credentials. Dissatisfied with the use of synthetic additives present in most men’s grooming products, Perry Gastis decided to develop his own line of products, with a focus on using the rarest and finest natural ingredients. The Gentlemens Refinery â€Å"The Standard† Shaving Cream arrives in an elegant black box with silver lettering, which gives it a lavish look. When opening the jar there’s a light â€Å"soapy† smell of coconut. The cream contains glycerin and coconut oil, French lavender oil, sandalwood oil, as well as the unique Ylang Ylang Oil. The Ylang Ylang Oil is a natural moisturizer commonly used in anti-aging treatments. â€Å"The Standard† Shaving Cream is also alcohol and paraben free, which allows it to be more forgiving on the skin. Overall, â€Å"The Standard† Shaving Cream performs quite well and creates an excellent lather lubricating your skin throughout and after the shave. However, I see no added value that could justify its price tag of ? 7. 5, which is nearly triple what the Proraso Shaving Cream Tube costs. 9. The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream – Unscented The Art of Shaving is currently one of the hottest names in the men’s grooming niche. They specialize in providing Aromatherapy based, alcohol free products. While they offer a variety of shaving creams with unique scents, the unscented shaving cream is definitely their best product. It is hypoallergenic which is perfect for men who have sensitive skin and suffer from razor burns, ingrown hairs or simply hate the smell of scented shaving creams in general. The thick formula contains key ingredients like glycerin (which locks the water and sustains their moisturizing effect), coconut oil and essential oils. It is perfect for handling a thick beard due to the thickness of the foam. A major downside for the Unscented Shaving Cream, as well as most of the products offered by The Art of Shaving is the high prices. The Unscented Shaving Cream costs around ? 18, and offers a poor value for the money as it does not surpass its more affordable competitors mentioned above. 10. Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Located at the well known Jermyn Street in London, the Taylor of Old Bond Street is a veteran in the field of luxury grooming products for men, with an experience of well over 150 years. It is considered an alternative to the somewhat expensive Geo. F. Trumper brand, especially when it comes to their Sandalwood Shaving Creams. Some of the ingredients of The Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream include : Sandalwood, Cedar, Rosemary, Jasmine, Rose and Lavender. The latherability of the TOBS Sandalwood Shaving Cream is definitely up to par with the Geo. F. Trumper, some would even say it is slightly better, as it gives one of the most durable lathers of almost all the shaving creams offered today. There are two main reasons for the TOBS Sandalwood Shaving Cream to be ranked lower than the other shaving creams mentioned in this list. 1. The scent of the TOBS Sandalwood Shaving Cream is way too powerful and intrusive, and even if one enjoys the smell of sandalwood, this specific shaving cream tends to bring a somewhat artificial sandalwood scent. 2. The moisturizing effect of the TOBS after the shaving process does not have as much of a lasting experience as some of the other shaving creams in the list, and tends to leave the skin dry at times. For the price of ? 7. 95, the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream is a great bargain, especially compared to the Sandalwood Shaving Cream offered by Geo. F. Trumper for ? 14. World Class Market Prepared Shaving Oil 1. Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil (60mL) 2 Units in Stock Manufactured by: Anthony Logistics Price: $38. 99 Details: Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil is for those who want that extra bit of protection when shaving. A combination of olive oil, castor oil, essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary, all mixed together with vitamin E and healing calendula. Pre-shave oils are great for preventing ingrown hairs and razor burn, and the slickness of Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil lets your razor glide right over your face. Apply this product to your face before applying your usual shaving cream, soap or gel. 2. eShave Pre Shave Oil: Orange Sandalwood (60g) 1 Units in Stock Manufactured by: eShave Price: $37. 99 Details: eShave Pre Shaving Oil is your first step to efficiently prepare your face for shaving. This Pre Shave Oil will: Protect your skin Coat and soften your hair Relieve shaving irritation Eliminate dryness Shaving Oil Benefits: Reduces irritation caused by razor burn. Prevents your razor from clogging and allows the razor to glide across your face. 3. Musgo Real Pre-Shave Oil (100mL) 3 Units in Stock Manufactured by: Musgo Real Price: $39. 99 Details: This preshave oil protects, soothes, and refreshes, eliminating unsightly rashes and irritations (razor burn). Use alone or under Musgo shave cream for the perfect shave. Ideal for sensitive skin. Spread a thin layer evenly on just washed skin before shaving. Fragrance free. World Class After Shave Lotion 1. Gillette Fusion Proseries Intense Cooling Lotion, 100-ml (Pack of 2) Price:$14. 06 Product Features †¢Gillette Fusion ProSeries Intense Cooling Lotion Incredible Shaving Comfort, Day After Day †¢Instantly Cools Just Shaved Skin †¢Gillette Fusion ProSeries- The Science of a Comfortable Shave 2. Nivea for Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm, Active Comfort System, 3. 3-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 4) Price:$20. 27 Product Features †¢Case of four 3. 3-ounce bottles of after shave balm for men (total of 13. 2 ounces) †¢Contains calming chamomile extract and vitamins to help soothe skin after shaving †¢Relieves razor burn and noticeably improves the condition of your skin †¢Alcohol free; specially formulated for sensitive skin †¢Made in Germany Best Shaving Cream for Black Men Black skin presents unique challenges when it comes to shaving. The nature of the hair makes it very easy for some problems to appear, among them the appearance of the dreaded razor bumps and ingrown hair. If you have coarse, thick and curly hair, you need a good shaving cream that helps you avoid these problems but at the same time helps you achieve a close, comfortable shape. Barc Cutting Up Shaving Cream Barc has formulated a great shaving cream that addresses the common problems black men have to deal with when shaving. The ingredients in their formula help softening even the thickest hair, helping you get a super close shave. The presence of Boswella Serrate Gum is also of great help, providing anti-inflammatory properties to the shaving cream. Best Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin If you have sensitive skin, then you must give it proper care when shaving because it gets easily irritated by the repeated passing of the razor. To do this, you must choose a good shaving cream for sensitive skin that will minimize damage and provide extra protection to your face and neck. Neutrogenas Sensitive Shave Cream Neutrogena has developed a great quality product line for men and this includes this shaving cream for men with sensitive skin. It has been formulated with their own 2pro-soothe2 formula which minimizes irritation and damage during shaving. It also helps you prevent ingrown hair and razor bump. This shave cream provides a rich lather that is easily spread across your face. Let it act for a minute while massaging your skin and you will enjoy a super-close shave without skin problems. This cream is also non-comedogenic so it will not clog your pores when using it. Best Shaving Cream for Ingrown Hair and Razor Bumps Barc is the best shaving cream if you suffer from ingrown hair or razor bumps. This cream will help you soften hair and protect your skin, so you can have nice shave without nicks and cuts. At the same time it helps keeping the hair from growing into the skin. Barc Cutting Up Shave Cream 6 oz. Best Shaving Gel Do you prefer using a gel over using a traditional shaving cream? There are some great products out there that can provide you a super close shave. The best ones when it comes to getting a great shave without damage: Nivea for Men Q10 Double Action Shaving Gel This is a great shaving gel and doesnt cost you too much so it is perfect if you dont want to spend too much money but still want to get a high quality product. The Nivea shave gel gives new life to your skin by including Coenzyme Q10 in its formula. Why use shaving cream? Shaving cream facilitates the shaving process by lubricating skin and making a close shave even more precise. Keeping legs soft and smooth can become quite a chore when warmer months arrive. With trips to the beach and lazy days lounging by the pool come to mind, women want to have silky, hair free legs to show off. Using shaving cream to keep legs protected from nicks and cuts makes the shaving routine much more manageable. Shaving with cream or gel products also helps to minimize razor burn and those annoying red bumps that show up after a close shave. Men often take advantage of shaving creams uses in order to protect their faces when shaving. As ones face is often the first thing noticed when meeting new people, a visage free from scratches and scrapes is much preferred over a dry shave. Various regions of the body require specialized care when it comes to shaving, but the use of shaving cream will make the entire process much smoother. Skin is easily irritated when contacted by sharp objects such as razors, so a soothing gel or cream keeps skin moist and free from harsh friction of the blade across the skins susceptible surface. In addition to keeping skin lubricated for easier shaving, shaving cream if left to soak in for a moment or two softens the hair prior to contact with the razorblade. In most cases, using shaving cream in this manner will extend the life of the razor by reducing the degree of wear and tear from coarse hairs. Furthermore, shaving cream will force most if not all of the hairs to lift and straighten, allowing a cleaner, closer shave. By using shaving cream regularly, fewer hairs will remain flat against the skin, resulting in mooth and hair free skin. Especially in the winter when skin is susceptible to extra dryness, shaving cream allows the razor to glide across the skin with less a chance of nicks and cuts. Using only soap and water to lubricate skin leaves the surface layers very vulnerable to the sharp razor. If shaving cream is unavailable, several other products will facilitate a shave better than regular soap and water. Shaving cream, shaving gel, lotion, body oil or hair cond itioner may be used to assist one in shaving her legs. Regardless of the type of product selected, some sort of lubricant will help prevent razor burn, cuts and nicks and unnecessary dryness. Razor burn, or those annoying little red bumps that arrive shortly after shaving, can become painful when exposed to chlorinated pool water or beach conditions. Aiding in lubrication, softening and precision, shaving cream is a great product to use when one desires a close, clean shave. Leaving legs or skin soft, smooth and hair free, shaving cream allows the razorblade to glide effortlessly across the skin without cutting or damaging the skin in the process. Following a close shave, rinse remaining shaving cream from body and apply a lotion or cream that is free from both fragrance and color to restore moisture and replenish any skin that has been irritated by contact with the razor. 4 Neat Uses Shaving Cream Use to clean hands The next time your hands get dirty on a camping trip, save that hard-lugged water for cooking and drinking. Squirt a little shaving cream in your hands and rub as you would liquid soap. Then wipe your hands off with a towel. Prevent bathroom mirror fog-up Before you shower, wipe some shaving cream onto your bathroom mirror. It will keep it from fogging up so you don’t have to wait to get to work with your toiletries or shaving after you get out of the shower. Remove stains from carpeting Your little one’s very sorry for spilling a little juice on the carpet, so make it â€Å"all better† with some shaving cream on the spot. Blot the stain, pat it with a wet sponge, squirt some shaving cream on it, and then wipe clean with a damp sponge. Use the same technique on your clothes for small stains; shaving cream can remove that spot of breakfast you discovered you’re wearing during your once-over in the bathroom. Silence a squeaky door hinge A squeaky door hinge can ruin a peaceful naptime. With its ability to seep into nooks and crannies, a little shaving cream on the hinge will let you check on the baby undetected. Difference between Shaving Gel Shaving Cream SHAVE GELS: The stand-out difference between a gel and a cream is that most gels are sold in aerosol canisters. When dispensed, it is in gel form but when agitated by hand turns into a foam-like cream. The common challenge can be dealing with a clogged razor from time to time, which can potentially compromise the end result of the shave. SHAVE CREAMS: The key difference in shave creams is that they are generally found in tubes and tubs. The large percentage of shave creams are the lather-based kind however, there has been an increase of lotion-based creams that are growing in popularity. The larger percentage (lather-based creams), require the use of water to create a lather. This can be achieved by using the hand or a badger brush. With current shaving creams on the market, and the right mixture of lather and water, either method can yield an effective lather for shaving.