If you knew the oil types used in most of these pre-shave formulas you would make your own. Most are a combination of very light, highly refined vegetable oils. My son sprang for the AOS pre-shave oil, which I tried while visiting him over the holidays last year. The water in Florida makes a poor lather. He uses distilled water. He also really likes the AOS pre-shave oil. I have not use for it. Nothing surpasses a palm full of pure glycerin (I buy it by the gallon) applied directly to the face before applying lather. It is slick and water soluble. The oil loaded my brush up, requiring me to use mild shampoo to remove it.
Say no to oils.
Say yes to glycerin.
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