I've been trying as many creams as I can get my hands on over the last 6 months and these two are so similar, and so good, that I felt a direct comparison was needed. For this comparison I lathered both creams on separate synthetic brushes, using approximately the same amount of water and cream and I shaved one side of my face with each cream. Note that this Lea cream is completely different from the Lea Classic cream line.
Scent:
They both have a fresh, clean, linen scent. When used alternating days I had trouble telling the difference. From this direct comparison I could tell the Lea scent was a little more simple, just plain fresh and clean, while the Proraso scent has a bit more spice to it. I really like them both but the Proraso comes out ahead.
Ingredients:
Lea's first 3 ingredients are water, palmitic acid, stearic acid and it also contains glycerin and allantoin. Proraso's first 3 ingredients are water, stearic acid, coconut oil and it also contains Glycerin, Aloe Leaf Juice, Menthol, and something that provides vitamin E although I'm not sure which ingredient that is. The allantoin is a nice touch in Lea's favor but I think the overall ingredients of Proraso are a bit better. I should point out that although the Proraso does have menthol it must be a very small amount because I don't notice it at all while using it.
Value & availability (for US based consumers):
Proraso sells at most places for in a 150ml tube for about $10, including all the big shaving supply stores & websites as well as on Amazon with prime shipping. Looks like I can get it delivered to CONUS in less than a week. Lea is harder to find. It can be purchased in a 250ml "professional" size or a 150ml size that I've seen branded as "sensitive" at some places and "original" at others. Amazon sells neither of the Lea variations. A couple US shaving stores sell the pro 250ml size for around $10.50 however Connaught sells it for about $4 (assuming you buy enough stuff to qualify for their free shipping). Overall Proraso is easier to find and quicker to get delivered but Lea provides a lot more for your money, particularly if you buy from Connaught. I'm not usually in a rush so Lea wins this category.
Lather quality:
I have very hard water so that may have affected the results. Using roughly a similar amount of water and cream the lather I got from Lea was a little thinner than Proraso. They were both very good and provided similar levels of slickness but the Proraso lather felt a bit more protective. Proraso wins this category.
Post Shave Feel:
Both sides of my face feel pretty good but I think the Proraso side definitely feels a bit more moisturized. I guess that aloe and vitamin E does do something.
Conclusion:
Lea provides a better value for your money but I think Proraso comes out ahead as the overall better cream. That being said, Lea isn't bad at all and I liked the Lea better than lots of other creams and soaps I've tried. I will keep the Proraso in my rotating and sell the Lea. It's a good cream but they are so similar I can't justify keeping both.
Scent:
They both have a fresh, clean, linen scent. When used alternating days I had trouble telling the difference. From this direct comparison I could tell the Lea scent was a little more simple, just plain fresh and clean, while the Proraso scent has a bit more spice to it. I really like them both but the Proraso comes out ahead.
Ingredients:
Lea's first 3 ingredients are water, palmitic acid, stearic acid and it also contains glycerin and allantoin. Proraso's first 3 ingredients are water, stearic acid, coconut oil and it also contains Glycerin, Aloe Leaf Juice, Menthol, and something that provides vitamin E although I'm not sure which ingredient that is. The allantoin is a nice touch in Lea's favor but I think the overall ingredients of Proraso are a bit better. I should point out that although the Proraso does have menthol it must be a very small amount because I don't notice it at all while using it.
Value & availability (for US based consumers):
Proraso sells at most places for in a 150ml tube for about $10, including all the big shaving supply stores & websites as well as on Amazon with prime shipping. Looks like I can get it delivered to CONUS in less than a week. Lea is harder to find. It can be purchased in a 250ml "professional" size or a 150ml size that I've seen branded as "sensitive" at some places and "original" at others. Amazon sells neither of the Lea variations. A couple US shaving stores sell the pro 250ml size for around $10.50 however Connaught sells it for about $4 (assuming you buy enough stuff to qualify for their free shipping). Overall Proraso is easier to find and quicker to get delivered but Lea provides a lot more for your money, particularly if you buy from Connaught. I'm not usually in a rush so Lea wins this category.
Lather quality:
I have very hard water so that may have affected the results. Using roughly a similar amount of water and cream the lather I got from Lea was a little thinner than Proraso. They were both very good and provided similar levels of slickness but the Proraso lather felt a bit more protective. Proraso wins this category.
Post Shave Feel:
Both sides of my face feel pretty good but I think the Proraso side definitely feels a bit more moisturized. I guess that aloe and vitamin E does do something.
Conclusion:
Lea provides a better value for your money but I think Proraso comes out ahead as the overall better cream. That being said, Lea isn't bad at all and I liked the Lea better than lots of other creams and soaps I've tried. I will keep the Proraso in my rotating and sell the Lea. It's a good cream but they are so similar I can't justify keeping both.