Just shaved with Proraso soap, NOT a good experience

**zeo_max** · 08-01-2012, 08:01 PM

So I'm used to lathering creams, this was my first attempt at soap. I lathered it to the same consistency that I would lather my TOBS cream. The soap dried in my face before I could finish my first pass, and no, I'm not slow at shaving. I stopped what would have been a 3-pass shave at 1 pass, to not risk a cut due to dry lather.

I wanna know, is this characteristic of soaps in general ? I need to know so I don't buy anymore...

**atticus92** · 08-01-2012, 08:17 PM

I think its just the proraso. I had the same sort of feeling with it when I used it the first time. But with my other soaps I have never had this happen.

**zeo_max** · 08-01-2012, 08:40 PM

I'm actually thinking to just stop using it. Such a shame.

**johnh** · 08-01-2012, 08:58 PM

How interesting. I prefer to use soaps as I have not had comfortable shaves with creams. Although I got a free tin of Simpsons and am absolutely amazed by that stuff, though it dries my skin out a little.

As for your soap experience - maybe add more water to the mix. Never had drying issues if the mix is wet enough. You can dip your brush in water and paint the lather if it gets a bit sus.
Are you shaving in a hot / dry environment / climate, - this may be a factor too.

**jdto** · 08-01-2012, 09:09 PM

I find that different products need different treatment. Proraso delivers great lather for me, so maybe you just need to try a bit more water there.

**zeo_max** · 08-01-2012, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by johnh

How interesting. I prefer to use soaps as I have not had comfortable shaves with creams. Although I got a free tin of Simpsons and am absolutely amazed by that stuff, though it dries my skin out a little.

As for your soap experience - maybe add more water to the mix. Never had drying issues if the mix is wet enough. You can dip your brush in water and paint the lather if it gets a bit sus.
Are you shaving in a hot / dry environment / climate, - this may be a factor too.

Well, my AC is on, that dries out the air, if that's what you mean.....

**vegaskid74** · 08-01-2012, 09:33 PM

Proraso makes the thickest, most stable lather of all my soaps with very little effort, so I'm pretty sure something else is the culprit.

**Sunflake** · 08-01-2012, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by vegaskid74

Proraso makes the thickest, most stable lather of all my soaps with very little effort, so I'm pretty sure something else is the culprit.

+1 It's one of the easiest soaps to lather. My guess is a little more water. Italian soft soaps love water. Keep trying, if you like the scent it's worth getting right.

**Nando723** · 08-01-2012, 11:05 PM

Proraso is a great soap IMO. The scent and cooling sensation is what makes this soap stand out for me. I never had a problem face lathering and today I bowl lathered which made amazingly thick and slick lather. I would try it a few more times before you give up on it. Well worth the effort.

Happy Shaving!

**Axebreaker** · 08-01-2012, 11:51 PM

I live in the desert, everything dries out quick and I never had any trouble lathering Proraso white. I didn't like the parabens but I may give the tubs a shot again now that those are gone, especially if they ever come out with a red tub.

**Predict** · 08-02-2012, 02:22 AM

More product I would say. Proraso soap is a fantastic performer. What is your loading and lathering technique?

**michiganlover** · 08-02-2012, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by Predict

More product I would say. Proraso soap is a fantastic performer. What is your loading and lathering technique?

+1

Lather drying out is usually a problem of not enough product. Don't be afraid to load your brush for a good minute or more!!

**Wintchase** · 08-02-2012, 04:12 AM

Try a drop of glycerin in it.. It will realy help build the lather and keep it moist.

**shave~extacy** · 08-02-2012, 06:08 AM

did you try adding more product and more water?

**johsa** · 08-02-2012, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by zeo_max

The soap dried in my face before I could finish my first pass, and no, I'm not slow at shaving. I stopped what would have been a 3-pass shave at 1 pass, to not risk a cut due to dry lather.

I think you need to use more product and much more water. You can always debate how good the proraso soap is but if the lather dries out mid-shave you should try to improve the lathering before judging this soap. With the right technique you should be able to get a nice lather that will not dry out your face mid-shave.

**Go West Young Man** · 08-02-2012, 06:41 AM

You're going to quit after one try???

**YetiDave** · 08-02-2012, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

You're going to quit after one try???

If he tries straights I've got first dibs on the razor

**Pebcak** · 08-02-2012, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

You're going to quit after one try???

Indeed, any new products I try get at least 2 weeks of straight use as everything behaves differently. Just because I have to mop the excess lather off the floor when I use RazorRock products doesn't mean I can get the same with a new product right off the bat.

**JaggerDragger** · 08-02-2012, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by johsa

I think you need to use more product and much more water. You can always debate how good the proraso soap is but if the lather dries out mid-shave you should try to improve the lathering before judging this soap. With the right technique you should be able to get a nice lather that will not dry out your face mid-shave.

+1 Great advice!

Keep trying, Proraso soap is one of the best! I have heard it compared to pizza here on this site...