Shaving cream is a must-have in any skin or hair care routine. It is the perfect option if you are looking to have a smooth, flawless shave. Using shaving cream softens the hair, delivering the much-needed lubrication for a smooth razor glide over the skin. Shaving cream saves you from skin irritation, cuts and bruises post-shave. But what happens when you run out of shaving cream? Can you use soap as shaving cream? Here we will look into using soap as shaving cream and the pros and cons of this alternative.
Table of Contents:- Part 1: Why You Should Use Shaving Cream
- Part 2: Can You Use Soap as Shaving Cream?
- Part 3: The Pros and Cons of Using Soap as Shaving Cream
- Part 4: How to Use Soap as Shaving Cream
- Part 5: Alternatives to Shaving Cream
Why You Should Use Shaving Cream 
Shaving cream in any skin or hair care routine is non-negotiable as it can make all the difference between a smooth, clean shave and bruised, irritated skin post-shave. It is not just an add-on accessory, shaving cream serves several purposes in the shaving process.
Acts As A Softener
Its primary function is to act as a softener for hair. Without shaving cream, the hair in the shaved area would be coarse and rough, causing irritations and even bruises post-shave. With softer hair, you get less resistance against the razor during shaving, giving you a smoother, easier shave.
A Protective Layer
Shaving directly causes nicks, cuts and bruises on the skin. It causes a rough glide over the skin, increasing the risk of inflammation and irritation. Nicks and cuts during shaving also expose your skin to infection which can cause more damage to your skin. Shaving cream provides a protective layer between the razor and your skin leaving smooth, healthy skin post-shaving.
Acts as A Lubricant
Shaving cream delivers a lubricating effect, ensuring the razor glides smoothly over the skin. It reduces the risk of razor burns and irritation. The smoother the shave, the cleaner the results.
Shaving creams contain certain ingredients that give them the properties needed for a smooth clean shave. One is glycerin, an effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Stearic acid creates a rich, creamy lather that works well with glycerin to deliver a cushioning effect, reducing the friction between the razor and your skin. Some other ingredients are aloe vera, chamomile, and jojoba oil for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Can You Use Soap as Shaving Cream?
Can you use soap to shave? Well, using soap as a substitute for shaving cream is common among most individuals. Since they both form a lather that helps with the friction during the shaving process, many use it as a substitute in the absence of the other. However, it is critical to note that while they seem to perform similarly at first glance, there are key differences in their formulation and functionality that can affect your result.
- Protective Lather: Shaving cream is formulated to deliver a very thick lather that acts as a softener and cushion for your skin. Soap on the other hand cannot give that level of hydration or protection for your skin.
- PH Levels: The formulation of conventional soaps causes it to have a higher PH level than shaving cream. It can cause dry, irritated skin post-shaving. Soaps also lack emollients and moisturisers typically found in shaving cream leaving the skin tight and dry after shaving.
- Lubrication: Soap can only provide basic level lubrication, which is not sufficient to protect against inflammation, irritations and injuries, especially for those with sensitive skin.
That said, we can agree that in cases where shaving cream is out of reach or unavailable and a shave is needed, we can substitute it with soap. However, it should only be a temporary substitute. Choose soaps that are sulfate-free with gentle, moisturising properties like a glycerin-based soap. It might not deliver the same experience and result as a shaving cream. It can do its best to give a smooth shave.
The Pros and Cons of Using Soap as Shaving Cream
While we agree soap can serve as a temporary alternative, you need to know the pros and cons of such a substitution and what it means for your skin pre and post-shave. Here are some of the pros and cons of using soap as shaving cream
Pros
- Soap is readily available and easily accessible
- It is less expensive than shaving cream
- It can be used for cleaning and shaving making it a versatile option
Cons
- Soap for shaving can strip your skin of its natural oils leading to dryness and potential post-shave irritation
- It provides less lubrication than shaving cream, increasing the risk of razor burns and cuts.
- Soap lacks the active ingredients and soothing ingredients in shaving cream which can affect your skin’s comfort.
How To Use Soap As Shaving Cream
If shaving cream is currently unavailable and you need a shave, soap can work as an effective temporary option if you know how to put it together. Here is a step-by-step guide to using soap as a shaving cream substitute:
Choose Your Soap
The first and perhaps most important step is choosing the type of soap to use. Avoid sulfate-based soaps as they strip your skin of the much-needed moisture and hydration it needs. Opt for a glycerin-based or creamy formula to get a similar effect when shaving.
Prepare the Area
The next step is to prep up the area you want to shave by wetting it with water to soften the hair and relax the pores. T reduces the rough, coarse feel of the razor over the skin, especially parts with thick hair
Lather the Soap and Apply
Using your hand, washcloth or brush, form a thick lather. The brush is a top option as it forms a richer lather to deliver the much-needed lubrication for the skin. Spread the lather evenly over the area and ensure full coverage, leaving no part exposed.
Shave with a Razor
Using a clean, sterilised razor, shave in the direction of the hair growth. If you notice any friction while shaving, pause, add more lather, and continue. Rinse the razor at intervals to avoid clogging, especially when shaving a thick area.
Rinse and Moisturize
Once fully shaved, rinse your face with cool, clean water. Double down with a moisturiser to hydrate your skin
Alternatives to Shaving Cream
Apart from soap, there are some other substitutes for shaving cream that are easily accessible and ready to use. These include:
- Hair Conditioner: Provides an excellent level of lubrication plus well-formulated hydrating properties
- Aloe Vera Gel: Perfect for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ideal for sensitive skin types.
- Coconut Oil: A natural hydrating product, that delivers a smooth, clean glide over the skin
- Olive Oil: Effective natural option for better lubrication and reduces the risk of irritation.
Conclusion
While soap is not advised as a total replacement, it stands its ground as an effective temporary substitute once you know your way around how best to use it. It has its pros but also packs some cons along the way so keep the potential drawbacks in mind when making this exchange. The key to the perfect shave is choosing the right products and using the right method to prevent complications. Whether you use shaving cream, soap, or an alternative, ensuring adequate hydration and protection for your skin will lead to a smoother and more enjoyable shaving experience.
