Shaving soaps vs. cream for sensitive skin?

**DaveB85** · 03-28-2011, 07:05 PM

Hey Veterans,

New wetshaver here looking to learn about the benefits of a soap vs cream.

I am curious if any of you with sensitive skin have been swayed either way on whether to use a soap or a cream to minimize irritation? Or does it not really matter?

Thanks!

**lowhawk** · 03-28-2011, 07:37 PM

Welcome to the party pal...
As far as your question goes I don't think there is any difference between soap and cream as far as sensitive skin is concerned. Now ingredients on the other hand, that is something to look at. Maybe some guys with with really sensitive skin can chime in on particular shave items work well for them.

**mretzloff** · 03-28-2011, 07:44 PM

I agree with Lowhawk. You should look at the ingredients, not whether it is a cream or a soap. I would avoid fragrance oils and anything like SLS that may irritate your skin.

**Beerman** · 03-28-2011, 08:07 PM

I have, what I consider to be, hypersensative skin. I also have thick, course facial hair. Shaving has always been problematic, until I started wetshaving (around 20 years ago).

I'm going to recommend ANY of the Italian soft soaps. I haven't tried them all yet, but the ones I have tried (Cella, RazoRock, Omega, Valobra, P.160) have allowed me to shave very close (DFS or better) with very little to any irritation.

Beerman

**lowhawk** · 03-28-2011, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by mretzloff

I agree with Lowhawk. You should look at the ingredients, not whether it is a cream or a soap. I would avoid fragrance oils and anything like SLS that may irritate your skin.

+1. Right off the bat I would say if you've got really sensitive skin steer clear of perfumed products as these can cause reactions.

**drandall** · 03-28-2011, 08:31 PM

it's really all about the ingredients, not the form....

if you're super sensitive, i would start with an unfragranced, uncolored, pure glycerin soap from mama bears or em's place. it's as gentle and basic as it gets. em's place has it both in solid rounds and also in a pump if you prefer. if you can handle that, then i would start branching out.

virtually every face-friendly ingredient is a problem for someone. lavender is generally very soothing, but it bothers some people. same with tea tree oil. same with lanolin and eucalyptus.

one thing you can do is to lather the inside of your arm with your new soap and leave it on for a few minutes. if you see redness or itching...it's a good bet it'll cause problems on your face.

i would imagine cella would be a pretty safe bet as would art of shaving unscented soap and cream. the gentlemen's refinery creams are also very mild. so is edwin jagger's aloe soap. TOBS and T&H make sensitive skin formulas which could also be possibilities too.

**Dewaine** · 03-29-2011, 09:18 AM

Having used about 30 different soaps and creams at this point, there is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- that is less irritating that Van Der Hagen Deluxe. It is spectacular in terms of performance and comfort.

YMMV.

**DaveB85** · 03-29-2011, 10:42 AM

Thanks for all the insight everyone!

Does anyone have any opinions on whether or not the Proraso products are too metholated or intense for sensitive skin?

**Sapian** · 04-03-2011, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by DaveB85

Thanks for all the insight everyone!

Does anyone have any opinions on whether or not the Proraso products are too metholated or intense for sensitive skin?

I think the green tub would be too intense due to the menthol and eucalyptus.

I have mildly sensitive skin though, and the Proraso white tub causes no irritation. It really is wonderful stuff, and it's pretty cheap so you don't feel like you are putting a giant dent in your wallet. I highly recommend it. YMMV of course.

**Uli Kunkel** · 04-03-2011, 05:05 PM

I've used Gentleman's Refinery unscented shave cream with no irritation. My favorite though is Provence Sante Green Tea soap. I know nothing about ingredients but here they are:

Key Ingredients: Potassium Palmate, Sodium Palmate, Potassium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Water, Talc, Fragrance, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Palm Kernel Acid, Tetrasodium Etidonate, Pentasodium Pentetate.

**Malaspina** · 04-03-2011, 09:48 PM

As already mentioned fragrances can be a problem as can SLS, but here's one you may not have known about. Titanium Dioxide is also known to be a skin irritant. It's main purpose is only to whiten the soap.

Reading labels and google will become your best friends.

Have fun...