Thread: Baby oil for pre shave

I've been using baby oil for a week now and it does seem to help a bit. Hopefully there will be a big difference next week when I hit the 2 week mark.

I either ran out or the wife set my usual bottle of oil somewhere I have yet to find, so in a pinch one day I grabbed and used her bottle of "kama Sutra" almond massage oil....

Haven't thought to go looking for my old one in the weeks since. I really like the massage oil and the fragrance is good too.

I will try to keep this short....
The beard hairs are protected by a waxy layer that is designed to protect the hair from unwanted intrusion. We do alot to remove this layer so that water will penetrate and soften the beard, but oil works differently.
Oil and water don't mix, and since there is a LOT of water in your hair and skin (from a science pov), it takes longer and repeated exposure to absorb this rather foreign material. Once the hair follicle and the skin have reached a "saturation level" that is higher than normal with these oils, you have continued softness from the follicle itself, resulting in softer hair and skin. And no, I am not a biologist, but food science and chemistry explain the same principles (try butchering a pig - you learn the value of an oil soak real quick).
That being said, I highly recommend extra-virgin olive oil. Use the cheapest one you can find, just make sure it's extra-virgin. The fats present are beneficial to skin and hair (just ask the ancient romans & greeks). And it takes very little. If you like scent, add a couple drops of a very pure essential oil (alcohol-free) of your choice and mix with your fingers.
The main problem with Baby oil is that it is a mineral oil, which isn't terrible for your skin, but EVOO is by far superior.
Hope this answered some questions.....?
And, by the way, try heating the oil to a comfortable level first and apply to a warm, clean face. Far superior absorption.

I was using Jojoba oil for a while, which does work pretty well and I would recommend it over baby oil. You can get it at GNC and it isn't too expensive.

I ultimately stopped using oils simply because it was annoying to try to wash all that oily stuff off my hands while I was trying to prep for a shave.

I just use Proraso now, but if you are looking to try an oil I would recommend the Jojoba.

Originally Posted by Drybonz

I just use Proraso now, but if you are looking to try an oil I would recommend the Jojoba.

+1 on the jojoba oil! Its what I use, and while I don't think I notice a difference in shave quality, I do notice a difference in shave comfort. And, the skin feels soft afterwards. I barely use 4-5 drops of oil, rub it onto wet beard, splash water on the face again, then lather.

Thanks closer. I was wondering if you lather up after applying the oil. You answered that question. Will have to give it a try.

Originally Posted by rc05

Thanks closer. I was wondering if you lather up after applying the oil. You answered that question. Will have to give it a try.

Yes, usually, just splash some more water on after the oil, rub it in some more, and lather. I do have to wash hands with soap to get rid of the oil on the hands, though, before I begin to lather.

I wonder if Mitchell's Wool Fat, which has lots of lanolin in it, has the same effect.

Originally Posted by markevens

I wonder if Mitchell's Wool Fat, which has lots of lanolin in it, has the same effect.

I have not seen the ingredient label, but lanolin (lamb fat) is phenomenal as a skin moisturizer/nourisher. Just make sure that it is all natural or the additives could harm your delicate skin.

Originally Posted by SkinnyChef

I have not seen the ingredient label, but lanolin (lamb fat) is phenomenal as a skin moisturizer/nourisher. Just make sure that it is all natural or the additives could harm your delicate skin.

Here is the ingredient list. The recipe is over 100 years old, so I doubt it uses any of the modern "moisturizing" chemicals.

Sodium Tallowate,
Potassium Stearate,
Sodium Cocoate,
Sodium Stearate,
Aqua,
Potassium Cocoate,
Glycerin,
Parfum
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,
Hexyl Cinnamal
Limonene
Linalool,
Hydroxycitronellal
Lanolin
Titanium Dioxide,
Sodium Choloride,
Sodium Gluconate,
SOdium Silicate,
Tetrasodium EDTA,
Magnesium Sulphate,
Tetrasodium Etidronate