Thread: Pre-Shave oil

I don't find that it makes a ton of difference, but I like to use a preshave oil. Lately I have just been using a small amount of coconut oil. It is cheap, has no crazy ingredients, and smells good. The major downside is sneaking into the kitchen to get it.

Originally Posted by NarcanHammer

I know how this might sound, but I've had great success with Johnson's and Johnson's baby oil. I've got the kids and the stuff was sitting on the tub sill..Curious, I tried it pre shave. It was amazing. It lubricated the skin just enough to provide a gentle shave without that greasy feeling after. I'll typically shower and massage a pea sized amount onto my face while I hygiene the rest of my body. The oil is a very gentle agent and does not clog or irritate the pores. Good luck!

Baby oil is just mineral oil with some fragrance added. Most folks would agree that it is harmless and actually good for the skin - although there are some people EWG that would argue that a petroleum based product is not good for the skin. I use it on my straight razors everyday but I've never used it as a pre-shave oil. Interesting idea.

Adam

I stopped by the local Art of Shaving location yesterday and happened to purchase some of their pre-shave oil along with a new Merkur Solingen DE and a new badger brush. Later last night I read this post. I'm wondering if I should try the pre-shave oil with my old brush and razor and see if it holds true for me as well.

After reading this thread and being a dedicated pre-shave oil user, I decided to try leaving it out of my routine to see what happened. So my past two shaves were without oil, and I can say that leaving the oil out made no difference, so that's one less product I need to worry about. Unfortunately, that didn't save much time, as it only takes a few seconds to rub in, and I let it work while I stropped.

I suspect it is most useful when first starting, when you need all the glide and prep possible to minimize irritation from less than perfect technique and beard prep, but once you figure out what you are doing, especially with regard to pressure, the benefits seem to be substantially reduced. From that, I'd guess using it with a less slick soap or cream would have some benefit.

I don't see how an oil can survive the scrubbing from a soap/cream. Soap breaks down oil and grease. I tried some oils but couldn't tell any difference in the shave. I actually think the shave was more irritating because of the whole oil and water thing. I personally have sensitive skin and a thick whisker. I find that a face wash with a nice soap and a good cream/soap is all I need. I don't even feel the need to use an aftershave. Just a short cold water rinse and dry off.

There are pre-shave oils and then there is stuff that calls itself that...tried a bunch of them, and aside from gunking up my brush or imposing on the lather, they didn't really do anything.

edited to add: I don't think the pre-shave is supposed to survive the lathering, rather it's to hydrate, clean and prepare your beard for shaving, then allow the soap to do the heavy lifting.

Until that is, I tried Castle Forbes Unscented Pre-Shave Oil as Obie mentions towards the beginning of the thread. This product properly hydrates your beard, is luxurious on the face, doesn't clog the brush, nor interfere with the scent, soap and lathering - and when I use it, I always get a nicer shave, and seem to get a much easier, closer shave in my difficult areas under my chiseled chin and strongly masculine jaw line....

I use Taconic pre-shave oil. Does it make a real noticeable difference? More than likely not and once done with it I may not order any more.

When I started DE shaving I was into pre shave oils. The best I found was Clarins pre shave oil. You only need a few drops.

Years later and straight razors, I have no need for pre shave oil.

Just another Fad in my case

Originally Posted by jsuiters

I don't see how an oil can survive the scrubbing from a soap/cream. Soap breaks down oil and grease. .

That's what I have been I thinking too.

Another possible scenario:
Let's say that I apply a pre-shave oil, and then gently apply a lather built up in a bowl. Won't the pre-shave oil interfere with a close as possible shave?

I bought a bottle of it at the art of shave. Nasty price I must say. I have used it and I guess it makes a difference. The problem is that it makes a mess and oil is every where even if you use a little. I like it most for my DE shaving. I also like it on my hard to shave places with my SR, I am finding I need it less and less.

Like I said it makes a mess it gets all over the razor, besides I don't think it is the best thing for your brushes. I don't use my best brushes (I have only one good one). When I do use it I only use my cheap vulvix boar hair brush.