I've long sought a shave soap that feels clean, moisturizing, and does not go on overly thick. I really am not a huge fan of the overly luscious borderline buttery lathers. I can't really feel what I'm doing with the razor. For the longest time I thought it best to stick with really simple soaps like tobs or mdc for my shaving style. But after using ethos for the last month straight I think I found my new go to soap. It's pricey but the scents are not cloying, they are fresh and natural. The soap itself has amazing post shave properties that do not feel overly oily. And the shave itself is slick, just protective enough, and lovely. If you feel like you can't find the right soap for you I'd urge you to give ethos a whirl!
Ethos...the best all around shave soap for me
- Thread starter Sethology
- Start date
I agree! @Dtownvino got me a bunch of Ethos samples, as well as MacDuff, and they are terrific. Very impressed with Ethos. Long ingredient list but whatever he’s using, it’s great soap!
You can do much worse! That's for darn-tooin' sure!
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- #4
Still struggling a little tho. I used to be able to shave everyday no problem but now my face is sorta sore no matter what. I'm obsessed with staying smooth but don't enjoy my face being sore all the time. Maybe I should go back to cold water shaving, but warm just preps the beard so much better.
Try Ethos serum after - it is really good stuff.
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- #6
I might try it! I have a condition that is fungal sensitive so I try to avoid anything that can feed malessezia i.e fungal safe skin care but I do shave everyday so maybe for post shave I don't have to be so diligent. You ever have issues with soreness? Has consistent usage of post shave products alleviated that/made the shave less of a delicate matter?
I would humbly submit water temperature is not likely a big factor in your shave. Hot, warm, or cold water is not likely to affect your shave. If cold water is more comfortable, use it. I only shave after a shower, hot or cold water shave makes no difference. If your routine doesn’t allow for showering as prep, try a Proraso Red pre shave and use cold water, if it helps to use cold water.
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- #8
Preshave is something I experiment with. But find even if I rinse it off it changes rhe characteristics of the lather somehow. Hot water makes my hairs easier to cut but overall seems like it may be sensitizing my face. Truly my best shaves are once a week but hate the lack of uniformity. My face is always sore when I shave daily. Even with immaculate prep and years of experience and some amazing razors
I have folliculitis and psoriasis. The serum works well for my inflammation.
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- #10
That sounds promising! Thanks.
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- #11
Went back to lukewarm shaves and face already feels better. I think hot water is just too much for my skin daily. Especially with the seborrheic dermatitis. I forgot why I even switched to hot cause to me the blade didn't seem to struggle anymore than usual. Might have even been better since my skin isn't red hot during lol
Yep. I think the hot water isn’t helping, looks like backing off helped. If you are not shaving right after a shower, like I do, may I suggest trying Proraso Red pre shave cream? After a shower I don’t need it, but on weekends when I want a leisurely luxury shave I sometimes do. It’s wonderful stuff.
I have skin like a lizard, nothing bothers me, but if you have sensitivities and can’t use hot water, try the pre shave it may be very helpful. I’ve not tried other pres have products but the Proraso is highly regarded here.
I have skin like a lizard, nothing bothers me, but if you have sensitivities and can’t use hot water, try the pre shave it may be very helpful. I’ve not tried other pres have products but the Proraso is highly regarded here.
It's definitely on my must try list of products. Maybe sometime in the near future when I hopefully become a more advanced wet shaver.
@Marco I've only tried the Proraso Red preshave cream because it was sent to me in a PIF. Now that I've tried the Proraso Red shave cream and LOVE it 
I suggested the red preshave. But given his skin issues, would you recommend a different Proraso preshave? You're the foremost expert on ProRaso products here, by far. If the OP is going to try a preshave cream, perhaps the white, green, or blue might be better suited to him?
I just love the red scent and the performance, I'm addicted to it now. But having skin like an alligator, I don't feel best qualified to recommend products for folks with sensitivities.
I suggested the red preshave. But given his skin issues, would you recommend a different Proraso preshave? You're the foremost expert on ProRaso products here, by far. If the OP is going to try a preshave cream, perhaps the white, green, or blue might be better suited to him?I just love the red scent and the performance, I'm addicted to it now. But having skin like an alligator, I don't feel best qualified to recommend products for folks with sensitivities.
The Blue is the most versatile one because easy to match up with virtually any cream and soap you decide to apply afterwards. The Red is ideal to be used with woodsy and earthy scented creams and soaps. The Green is reserved for fresh mentholated soaps. The White has never been my cup of tea, so no comments on this one.@Marco I've only tried the Proraso Red preshave cream because it was sent to me in a PIF. Now that I've tried the Proraso Red shave cream and LOVE it
I just love the red scent and the performance, I'm addicted to it now. But having skin like an alligator, I don't feel best qualified to recommend products for folks with sensitivities.
If you really like preshave products I suggest trying a wonderful Italian gel called Furbo Sansdolor (pic below).
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- #17
I've been using grooming dept pre shave lately. I actually do enjoy the proraso white preshave alot but I think they are messing up by not having an unscented version. Makes it hard to pair with soaps. Grooming dept pre shave helps me alpt and makes the shave noticeably smoother. However sometimes I don't like it because it sorta makes every lather feel the same lol
I too use Ethos Grooming products. I like the F Base shave soap, the pre shave which is fantastic, the skin food lotion, and the serum. Frank really knows what he is doing. I really can’t think of any better products in any of those categories. Pay the extra 3-4 cents per shave for the best.
I wrote the following already: In my opinion your blade followed by the razor is the very most important part of the shave. the blade/razor combination may be your problem. An aggressive blade and or razor is usually the problem. "My blade" for my face is Bolzano and my very favorite razor is Rockwell 6S with 3 plates and 6 settings. I do not like feather blades and I prefer my Merkur razors over Parker razors. I love my Fine A Marvel razor and my PAA Phoenix original doc razor.
I can shave with just about any razor and fairly sharp blade. For me, the prep (face wash) and soap matter more than the razor.
