Bathroom / Blog / Shaving

Lather Up the Debate: Shaving Cream vs. Shaving Soap Showdown

Shaving Cream:

• Packaging

Shaving cream is often sold in aerosol cans or plastic tubes. These containers can be made from plastics that may not be easily recyclable, contributing to plastic waste. Some brands are transitioning to more eco-friendly packaging. Shaving cream is a ready-to-use product that typically comes in a soft, creamy, or foamy form.

• Ingredients

The environmental impact can vary based on the ingredients in shaving cream. Some products contain harmful chemicals, while others are formulated with natural and eco-friendly ingredients. Choosing products with sustainable and non-toxic ingredients is more eco-conscious. Shaving cream contains a greater water content, which helps with the lathering process. A portion of the cost is for water!

• Transportation

Shaving cream requires transportation to stores, which can result in carbon emissions. However, this factor is not unique to shaving cream and applies to many products.

• Ease of use

Shaving cream is very convenient and easy to apply directly to the face. It doesn’t require much effort to create a lather, making it a good choice for those who want a quick and hassle-free shaving experience. They’re designed to provide a rich and cushioned lather that offers excellent lubrication, allowing the razor to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing the risk of irritation or nicks.

Shaving Soap

• Packaging

Shaving soap is typically sold in minimal and eco-friendly packaging, such as cardboard or reusable tins. This reduces plastic waste and packaging materials compared to many shaving cream containers.

• Ingredients

Shaving soap often contains natural ingredients and may have a more eco-friendly formula. Many artisanal shaving soaps are made with simple, biodegradable ingredients that are less harmful to the environment. typically a solid or hard puck or disk that requires the use of a shaving brush to create a lather. It can come in various forms, including hard pucks, sticks, or soft creams.

• Ease of use

Using shaving soap requires a bit more preparation compared to shaving cream. You need to create a lather by wetting the soap and using a shaving brush to whip it into a creamy, frothy lather. Many wet shaving enthusiasts prefer shaving soap because they enjoy the ritual of creating a lather. It can be a more involved and traditional process.

• Longevity

Shaving soap pucks can last a long time as you add the required amount of water. Lasting longer than tubes or cans of shaving cream. This means less frequent repurchasing and less waste over time.

• Reusable Containers

Shaving soap can be used with a reusable shaving bowl or dish, eliminating the need for disposable containers altogether.

Conclusion:-

In general, if you are seeking a more environmentally friendly option, shaving soap tends to have advantages over shaving cream in terms of reduced plastic waste and more eco-conscious packaging. However, it’s important to research and select specific products that align with your sustainability goals, as there can be variations in environmental impact among different brands and formulations of both shaving cream and shaving soap. Shaving foam is slightly quicker to apply, although spending a couple of extra minutes in the morning will help save the environment.

Here are a couple of our favourites

There are many fancy brushes and bowls for lathering. I just purchased a cheap bowl from my local charity shop and bought a cheap brush. It seems to do the trick.

Check out our page looking at safety razors