{"id":44228,"date":"2023-12-21T11:30:49","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T16:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/142.93.176.215\/?p=44228"},"modified":"2023-12-21T11:30:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T16:30:49","slug":"c-o-bigelow","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/review\/c-o-bigelow\/","title":{"rendered":"C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Claimed as the &#8220;oldest apothecary in America&#8221;, C.O. Bigelow has been around since 1838 and is based out of New York City (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigelowchemists.com\/our-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">source<\/a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this review, we will be taking a close look at their popular shaving cream.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commonly known as the Proraso-clone given that it&#8217;s made in Italy<em> by <\/em>Proraso, the C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream offers a nice shaving experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s see why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"C.O. Bigelow Shave Cream Review: Worth The Money? | Tools of Men\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S4Q0ImzdLQY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"review-disclosure\">Review Disclosure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few quick notes before we jump into the review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>This isn&#8217;t a sponsored post<\/strong>.&nbsp; I am not being paid by C.O. Bigelow to cover this shaving cream.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>C.O. Bigelow has <strong>no knowledge of this post prior to publication<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>I paid for this shaving cream out of my own pocket.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This article contains affiliate links to help cover operational expenses (i.e. buy additional products to review, hosting costs, salary, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools of Men is independently owned and operated.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"packaging-of-the-c-o-bigelow-premium-shave-cream\">Packaging of the C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Packed in a cardboard box, C.O. Bigelow does a good job at protecting the product prior to arrival:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/front-of-co-bigelow-packaging.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/front-of-co-bigelow-packaging.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/front-of-co-bigelow-packaging-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once removed from the container, we can see that the shave cream comes in a nice bright green tube:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/co-bigelow-shaving-cream-tub-sitting-on-a-bathtub-ledge.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/co-bigelow-shaving-cream-tub-sitting-on-a-bathtub-ledge.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/co-bigelow-shaving-cream-tub-sitting-on-a-bathtub-ledge-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As far as a few notable specs of this shave cream, you will find the following: it is 5.2oz \/ 147g in size, making it not travel-friendly nor TSA compliant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shaving cream relies on the following ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/list-of-ingredients-in-co-bigelow-shave-cream.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/list-of-ingredients-in-co-bigelow-shave-cream.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/list-of-ingredients-in-co-bigelow-shave-cream-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few notable ones worth mentioning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Coconut oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eucalyptol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eucalyptus Oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glycerin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Camphor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The coconut oil, which sits rather high on the comedogenic scale (rated 4 out of 5), may not be the best ingredient for those men prone to acne or have oily skin.&nbsp; However, there is some debate on whether or not the comedogenic scale is even trustworthy or credible to begin with &#8211; so take it for what it&#8217;s worth and test accordingly prior to extended use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The two ingredients in this shave cream you will instantly notice will be the Eucalyptol and Eucalyptus Oil &#8211; both of which do an incredible job at providing an invigorating and bright scent (more on this in a minute).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glycerin and camphor are included to increase lubrication while reducing irritation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, this shave cream <strong>can be used as either a hand or shave brush lather<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-type-of-lather-can-you-expect-with-this-shaving-cream\">What type of lather can you expect with this shaving cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to lathering up with this shaving cream, here&#8217;s what you will find with both a hand and brush lather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hand-lather\">Hand Lather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By applying just an almond-sized amount to the palm of my hand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/squirting-co-bigelow-shaving-cream-into-palm-of-hand.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/squirting-co-bigelow-shaving-cream-into-palm-of-hand.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/squirting-co-bigelow-shaving-cream-into-palm-of-hand-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And then adding just a little bit of warm water and rubbing my hands together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/how-co-bigelow-looks-when-adding-water-while-lathering.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/how-co-bigelow-looks-when-adding-water-while-lathering.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/how-co-bigelow-looks-when-adding-water-while-lathering-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You will see that the C.O. Bigelow shave cream develops nicely into a slick and rich lather.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found during this process that the shaving cream <strong>was silky smooth and had no clumps<\/strong> or inconsistencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"brush-lather\">Brush Lather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When starting up a brush lather, I loaded about an almond-sized amount into the center of a pre-soaked and wrung synthetic shaving brush:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/loading-shaving-brush-with-shaving-cream.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/loading-shaving-brush-with-shaving-cream.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/loading-shaving-brush-with-shaving-cream-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Then by simply going in a circular motion on the palm for about 20 to 30 seconds, the lather developed nicely like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-holding-loaded-shaving-brush-close-to-camera.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-holding-loaded-shaving-brush-close-to-camera.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-holding-loaded-shaving-brush-close-to-camera-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, a few things to note about the lather when whipped from the shaving brush:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The C.O. Bigelow lather had an <strong>incredibly nice cushion<\/strong> to it.&nbsp; When closing my hand like a fist, I could really feel the cushion that it provides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Like the hand lather earlier, the shaving brush lather made a decent and slick lubricated base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The smell for this lather was a bit stronger <\/strong>when compared to the hand lather.&nbsp; Through aeration of the shaving cream, it provided an invigorating eucalyptus scent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-should-you-expect-when-shaving-with-c-o-bigelow-premium-shave-cream\">What should you expect when shaving with C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have a good idea of the lather expectations for the C.O. Bigelow shaving cream, let&#8217;s switch gears and give this a go with a safety razor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this demonstration, I\u2019m going to use the shave cream with my current razor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/review\/merkur-38c\/\">the Merkur 38C &#8216;Barber Pole&#8217; safety razor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To start, I went ahead and wet my face with warm water and then began to work the shaving cream into my face with a shave brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: The shaving brush was reloaded with new shaving cream for this test.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I noticed on the first application that the shave cream <strong>was a bit dry<\/strong>.&nbsp; Therefore, after adding just a few drops of water, <strong>it was able to activate quite nicely<\/strong> and get whipped up into the following lather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-applying-shaving-cream-to-face-with-a-brush.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-applying-shaving-cream-to-face-with-a-brush.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-applying-shaving-cream-to-face-with-a-brush-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now when making the first pass, the razor blade was able to glide rather effortlessly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-with-a-safety-razor.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-with-a-safety-razor.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-with-a-safety-razor-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When working the troublesome neck area &#8211; the shaving cream provided a nice base that allowed for the razor to get to work and remove the tricky neck hairs with ease:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-neck-with-safety-razor.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-neck-with-safety-razor.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/man-shaving-neck-with-safety-razor-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a final inspection on the first pass &#8211; the shaving cream performed quite well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/close-up-of-mans-neck-after-using-bigelow-shaving-cream.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/close-up-of-mans-neck-after-using-bigelow-shaving-cream.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/close-up-of-mans-neck-after-using-bigelow-shaving-cream-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now there are a few things to note here about the shaving cream:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>There was <strong>absolutely no irritation<\/strong> to speak of.&nbsp; Thanks to the inclusion of menthol and other ingredients outlined earlier, <strong>the skin felt really cool and tingly<\/strong> (in a good sort of way).&nbsp; If you use this first thing in the morning, it&#8217;s a great feeling to begin your day with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>scent of the shaving cream was invigorating<\/strong> <strong>and not too overpowering<\/strong>.&nbsp; Personally, I think this unique scent <strong>can complement most colognes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After loading the shaving brush once (almond-sized amount), I was <strong>able to easily get two passes out of this shaving cream<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When paired with a safety razor,<strong> it performed quite well<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: I did a second pass with the razor; however, I accidentally cut myself near the Adam\u2019s apple that I am excluding from the pics above.&nbsp; I am confident that this isn&#8217;t indicative of poor shaving cream, but rather my poor technique.&nbsp; You can view this in <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=S4Q0ImzdLQY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>full detail of the video review.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Overall Assessment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Proraso, the C.O. Bigelow shaving cream is both invigorating and makes for a cool and comfortable shave.&nbsp; If you like a bright start to your day and want a classic Italian-made shaving cream, then this one is worth picking up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-c-o-bigelow-smell-like\">What does C.O. Bigelow smell like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>C.O. Bigelow emits a bright, eucalyptus scent that is very clean and fresh.&nbsp; While not smelling like traditional hand soap, the freshness aspect here is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ever used Proraso before, then this shaving cream will smell identical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-shaving-tool-can-you-use-with-this-shaving-cream\">What shaving tool can you use with this shaving cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that this is a traditional shaving cream, it can work with the following tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Disposable razor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cartridge razor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety razor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Straight razor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-can-you-buy-c-o-bigelow-shaving-cream\">Where can you Buy C.O. Bigelow Shaving Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that C.O. Bigelow is a premium type of shaving cream, chances are that you will not find it in stock at your local drugstore or grocery store.&nbsp; However, if you live in a larger city, you may find it at a specialty grooming store or apothecary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, if you want to pick up this shaving cream online, you can find it available at the following online retailers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bigelow Chemists (Direct)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>West Coast Shaving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nordstrom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mr. Porter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts-on-c-o-bigelow\">Final thoughts on C.O. Bigelow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The C.O. Bigelow shaving cream makes for an enjoyable shaving experience.&nbsp; The nice, bright notes are a welcome way to start the day &#8211; especially in contrast to heavier fragranced shaving creams like Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Made by Proraso in Italy, this shaving cream provides a comfortable and cushioned lather that will work well with your favorite shaving tool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":61973,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[991],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/44228"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/review"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44228"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}