Best Shaving Soaps

A well-made shaving soap can provide a pleasant shaving experience. Shaving soaps can vary widely from one brand to another.

In this article, we’ll be reviewing many different types of shaving soaps from the leading brands including artisanal makers. We’ll also provide guidance on what to look for when choosing a shaving soap as well as answer some common questions related to this grooming product.

We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide at the end of the article to assist you in making an informed decision when purchasing a shaving soap.

Shaving Soaps Compared

RankingShaving SoapBaseScentSize (ounces)PricePrice per OunceCountry of OriginIncludes Bowl?Award
1Tabac OriginalTallowLavender and Citrus4.40$13$2.95GermanyYesTallow Base
2CellaTallowFresh5.10$13$2.55ItalyYesAffordable Tallow Base
3ProrasoGlycerinEucalyptus5.20$10$1.92ItalyYesBeginners
4Chiseled FaceTallowGhost Town Barber4.00$16$4.00USAYesMade in the USA
5Art of ShavingGlycerinSandalwood3.30$55$16.67USAYesBarbershop Scent
6Stirling Soap CompanyTallowTraditional Barbershop5.80$15$2.59USAYesWet Shaving Enthusiasts
7Pré de ProvenceGlycerinCedarwood5.25$17$3.24FranceYesQuad Milled
8Henri et VictoriaTallowCognac and Cuban Cigar4.00$28$7.00CanadaYesTriple Milled

Best Shaving Soaps of 2024

Here’s our list of the top shaving soaps currently available:

1. Tallow-Based: Tabac Original

tabac original shave soap

German-made Tabac Original is the quintessential shaving soap.  Relying on a tallow base, Tabac can generate a slick and well-cushioned lather.

We found that a liberal amount of water is required to get shave-ready results when using this soap with a badger shaving brush.  Given the thicker body of this shaving soap, straight and safety razors will perform well.

Fragrance, while subjective, was found to be quite pleasant. You can expect warm notes with hints of sandalwood as the lather develops.

While the performance of this shaving soap is worth considering alone, the glass bowl container is an upgrade to any bathroom countertop.  However, this shaving soap is intended for home use only.  Not only is it a bit larger at 4.4oz, but also, the top of the shaving soap isn’t secure in any way; it just simply rests on the top of the jar.

Pros

  • Strong performance for a tallow-based shaving soap.
  • The glass bowl is a premium upgrade.
  • The scent is warm and inviting.

Cons

  • The lid isn’t secure at all.

2. Affordable: Cella Crema Da Barba Shaving Soap

cella shave soap

Cella, pronounced “Chella,” is an Italian-made shaving soap that depends on a few ingredients.

While this is tallow-based shaving soap, also listed on the side of the box are coconut oil and sweet almond oil.  Therefore, you can expect a decent level of moisture and nourishment to the skin to help make it supple and ready for shaving.

When generating a lather with Cella, expect to add plenty of water.  Additionally, this shaving soap tends to favor stiff bristle shaving brushes, such as boar’s hair.

The fragrance for Cella is polarizing.  The almond scent isn’t refreshing, nor is it inviting.  Ultimately, it’s suitable for daily shaving cream.

At $14, Cella is priced below the market average.  To help keep the cost low, Cella relies on a screw-top plastic container.  The total size for the shaving soap is a generous 5.2oz.

Pros

  • Relies on a select set of quality ingredients
  • Affordable
  • Performs well with basic shaving brushes

Cons

  • Polarizing scent
  • Requires effort for a good lather

3. Beginner-Friendly: Proraso Shaving Soap

proraso shave soap

Proraso shaving soap is a beginner-friendly option for those who want a satisfying shaving experience.  

Glycerin-based, Proaso’s shaving soap is easy to lather no matter what type of shaving brush you currently use.  Once your lather has been generated, you can expect this shaving soap to deliver a slick yet cushioned base for your preferred razor.

Unlike many other shaving companies that only make one type of shaving soap and just change the scents across their lineup, Proraso makes a few different soaps depending on your skin and facial hair type.  

Here’s a summary of their current lineup of shaving soaps:

  • Green Label: Intended for general use and has a nice refreshing scent of eucalyptus and menthol.
  • White Label: Made for men with sensitive skin.  The shaving soap has a fresh, bright scent.
  • Red Label: This shave soap was designed for thick, coarse beards.  The shaving soap has a sandalwood scent.

Regardless of your skin or facial hair type, all shaving soaps by Proraso only cost $10 and are 5.2oz in size.

The Proraso Shave Soap is set in a plastic bowl, so no additional shave accessories are required.  

Pair this shave soap with the Proraso pre-shave cream for stellar results.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly formula
  • Delivers consistently good results regardless of shaving brush type
  • Affordably priced while still coming with a plastic bowl

Cons

  • Contains some chemical ingredients

4. Made in USA: Chiseled Face Ghost Town Barber

chiseled face shave soap

You don’t have to go to some other country to get a well-made shaving soap.  One quality offering that is getting noticed by many in the wet shaving community is Chiseled Face Groomatorium. 

Made in Greenville, OH, Ghost Town Barber is a uniquely scented tallow shaving soap.  With notes of bergamot, cedar, leather, and gunpowder, the shave soap has a warm scent that makes for a pleasant start to the day.

The tallow formula, with effort, can generate into a slick lather.  One drawback is that the lather does dissipate quickly, so expect a few tries before you master this shave soap.

Housed in a plastic bowl paired with a screw top, it can easily preserve the soap between use.  

Pros

  • Once lathered, the shave soap is slick and comfortable
  • Uniquely warm and pleasant scent

Cons

  • Tough lather to master – expect some effort here
  • Dissipates quickly upon application

5. Barbershop Scent: Art of Shaving Shaving Soap

art of shaving shaving soap

If you want to recreate the barbershop experience in your bathroom, consider the Art of Shaving Soap.  With a glycerin base, it is an easy-to-use lather that feels great once applied.

The formula for this shaving soap has changed over the years. Initially, it used to contain a tallow base; however, that has since changed to glycerin.  Depending on where you purchase the shaving soap, you could (although not likely) receive the tallow variety.

With a heavy and warm sandalwood scent, this shaving soap will transform the shaving experience and bring you back to your favorite barbershop with each use.

As for price, this shaving soap is expensive – exceedingly so given the ingredients within.  The shaving soap with a wooden bowl will cost approximately $50.  Individual refills are slightly more affordable at $30.  

Unfortunately, Art of Shaving has closed most of its stores in the USA.  Therefore, your best bet is to buy this shaving soap online.

Pros

  • Best-in-class barbershop sandalwood scent
  • The wooden bowl only adds to the traditional shaving experience
  • Easy to lather for all skill levels

Cons

  • Bowl and soap are overpriced, given the glycerin base

6. For Pros: Stirling Soap Company Shave Soap

stirling shave soap

With a simple yet effective formula, the Stirling Soap Company has a well-made shaving soap often recommended by professionals and wet shaving enthusiasts.  This tallow shaving soap has been paired with many natural ingredients, including castor oil, almond oil, coconut butter, and many more.  

When lathered and applied, you can expect your skin to get nice and supple.  The slick and cushioned base allows single-edge razors to glide and remove facial hair in a single pass.

Made in the USA and housed in a rather hefty 5.8oz container, this shaving soap delivers value.

Unfortunately, given the boutique nature of this shaving soap, it’s not widely available.  Your best bet is to order it from a specialty shaving retailer such as West Coast Shaving or Maggard Razors.

Pros

  • A simple formula that delivers
  • Made in the USA
  • Works well with all single-edge razors

Cons

  • Not widely available

7. Quad Milled: Pré de Provence No. 63 Shaving Soap

pre de provence shave soap

French brand Pré de Provence is known for its high-end men’s grooming products, and the No. 63 quad-milled shaving soap is no exception.  

Housed in a metal travel-friendly tin, the shaving soap relies on several natural ingredients, including shea butter, aloe vera, coffee seed extract, and others.  

These ingredients help prevent irritation or tightness when shaving.

Given that this shaving soap was milled four times, you expect a rigid body to the soap that generates a smooth and slick lather.  At 5.25oz, the shaving soap should also last you a few months of heavy use before needing replacement.

Lastly, the scent for Pré de Provence shaving soap is warm and slightly spicy and one that can pair well with many colognes.

Pros

  • Provides a high-performance lather
  • Comes in a metal container
  • A heavy concentration of natural ingredients

Cons

  • It may not provide as thick of a cushion when compared to tallow soaps

8. Triple Milled: Henri et Victoria

henri et victoria shaving soap

Canada-based Henri et Victoria delivers an uber-masculine, yet well-performing, triple-milled tallow-based shaving soap.

Labeled Cognac and Cuban Cigars, the shaving soap has a rich and sweet aroma that, while polarizing, might just be an excellent way to start your day.  Of course, if Cognac and Cuban Cigars aren’t the first things you are looking for when shaving in the morning, consider their fresh

The formula for this shaving soap delivers an excellent cushioned base.  Just be sure that the shaving brush you are using has a stiffer backbone to generate the optimal lather.

Be aware that Henri et Victoria does sell two versions of Cognac and Cuban Cigars; one version is tallow base, and the other is glycerin-based (vegan).  Only the tallow-base shaving soap is triple-milled.

Pros

  • ‘Clean’ ingredient label
  • Available in a few different scents
  • Provides a slick and cushioned base

Cons

  • Premium price

8 Tips to Buying Shave Soap

  1. Base: Shaving soaps will have either a glycerin or tallow base.  Tallow is rendered fat, typically from cattle, and provides a rich and creamy lather.  Glycerin, typically sourced from vegetables, is vegan-friendly and provides a slick base.  When using tallow-based shaving soaps, considerable skill is required to generate a good lather.  If it’s your first shaving soap, consider glycerin.  
  2. Size: From 2 to 6oz, the size of shaving soap varies.  Larger quantities often provide better value, especially if you decide on a premium shaving soap brand.
  3. Container: Most shaving soaps are sold in a bowl.  However, some brands may sell the shaving soap as just a disc packaged in cardboard.  This will require you to supply a mug or bowl. 
  4. Shaving Brush Required: Unlike other shaving creams, a shave soap requires a shaving brush for effective use. So make sure that you have a shaving brush on hand before making a purchase.
  5. Scent: Most shaving soaps are scented.  The scent is, of course, subjective.  If uncertain, sandalwood is a great starting point as it’s the classic barbershop scent.  Invigorating scents such as eucalyptus or menthol are a nice, bright way to start your day.
  6. Razor Type: Most shaving soaps are used by men who use straight razors, safety razors, or shavettes.  If you typically use a cartridge razor, don’t worry; you can still use shaving soap.  Our only recommendation is that if you use a cartridge razor, go with a glycerin-based soap as it’s less likely to clog the blades.  All other razor types mentioned previously can work well with tallow or glycerin shaving soaps.
  7. Milling: Some shaving soaps may be advertised as being milled.  This means that the soap has gone through the milling process, where chunks and impurities are smoothed out and excess water is removed.  The higher the milling number typically will equate to a higher price point, a harder soap brick, and ultimately, a longer-lasting shaving soap.
  8. Price: Shaving soaps vary wildly in price depending on the ingredients, brand prestige, size, and more.  Expect to pay approximately $20 for a well-made shaving soap from a reputable brand.

How to Use Shaving Soap

Unlike traditional shaving creams, shaving soaps require the use of a shaving brush.

  1. The first step is to wet your shaving brush and then shake off any excess water.
  2. Next, rub the bristles of the brush against the surface of the soap in a circular motion until a rich lather forms. Once you have achieved a thick lather, apply it to your face using the brush in a circular motion.
  3. Be sure to cover all areas that you plan on shaving. Allow the lather to sit on your skin for about 30 seconds as this will help to soften the hair and prep your skin for a close shave.
  4. After you have shaved, rinse off any remaining soap from your skin and brush.
  5. Pat your skin dry with a towel and apply a post-shave balm or lotion to help soothe your skin.

The trickiest part of using shaving soap is lather generation. To help you out, we put together a visual guide on how to lather shaving soap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a shaving soap that is milled more mean it is better?

The short answer is maybe. A higher milling number typically will equate to a higher price point, a harder soap brick, and ultimately, a longer-lasting shaving soap. If you are new to using shaving soap, we recommend starting with a soap that is not milled, as it will be easier to work with.

How does water impact shaving soap performance?

It will require more effort to generate a rich lather if you have hard water. Conversely, it will be easier to produce a thick lather if you have soft water.

Do I need a special shaving brush to use shaving soap?

Not necessarily. A cheap $10 shaving brush can make a sufficient lather. However, if you want to treat yourself, badger hair brushes are the gold standard and will result in a richer lather. The biggest difference between a cheap and expensive shaving brush is the latter relies on real animal fibers and will retain heat and moisture better, resulting in a more pleasurable shaving experience.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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