Non-Lathering Shave Creams/Lotions

[lindyhop66]

This week I've been experimenting with three shave creams or lotions: Jason beard and skin shave therapy with jojoba beads, Giovanni shave cream, Alba Botanica very emollient cream shave. I shaved with straights, DE's, SE's and even a Fusion.

I've found I have to continually keep adding water to my face so the cream/lotion doesn't dry out. Should I be using a thinner layer?

Also, I found I got zero nicks using my straight with these lotions as opposed to my lathering soaps or creams. The only problem is my blade didn't move as smoothly as I would like and the layer of soap lingered making it hard to tell if my face was smooth yet.

Has anyone else tried these latherless creams or lotions and how have you used them and what was your experience with them? I find these different from the Nancy Boy shave creams or Dreadnought, because you can lather those and they are a thicker layer. These lotions are clear so I can see where I am shaving.

Also, I think I get razor bumps from most soaps and these lotions do not seem to cause bumps.

 

[bryan1980]

You should give Kiss My Face a try (if you haven't already). It can be lathered, but it's marketed as a non-lathering cream. I haven't tried any yet, but I'm going to pick up some the next time I'm around a Whole Foods or something. A lot of people like it around here. I also hear that it's good if you're prone to skin irritation.

 

[mpmartinez99]

The only latherless product I have used is Jack Black Beard Lube. I got decent shaves with it, but had to apply much more product than what I had hoped for. My face felt great, but I personally like the lather products and the challenge of building nice lather. I also added a few drops of glycerine to the Beard Lube after my first pass, and that seemed to help with the slickness. After a few uses I ended up trading it to a friend for a different cream, but it wasn't the worst thing I have tried, but not fantastic either. But if it works for you, go for it. The glycerine trick may help with your blade slickness issues.

 

[rbaloha]

This week I've been experimenting with three shave creams or lotions: Jason beard and skin shave therapy with jojoba beads, Giovanni shave cream, Alba Botanica very emollient cream shave. I shaved with straights, DE's, SE's and even a Fusion.

I've found I have to continually keep adding water to my face so the cream/lotion doesn't dry out. Should I be using a thinner layer?

Also, I found I got zero nicks using my straight with these lotions as opposed to my lathering soaps or creams. The only problem is my blade didn't move as smoothly as I would like and the layer of soap lingered making it hard to tell if my face was smooth yet.

Has anyone else tried these latherless creams or lotions and how have you used them and what was your experience with them? I find these different from the Nancy Boy shave creams or Dreadnought, because you can lather those and they are a thicker layer. These lotions are clear so I can see where I am shaving.

Also, I think I get razor bumps from most soaps and these lotions do not seem to cause bumps.

IMO Jason is a preshave and not a very good product.

Lotions can be used with a brush but are better as preshave or aftershave.

 

[GarrettReid]

I tried the Lab Series shaving cream and I tried my hardest and never got it to latter.

 

[mistercitizen]

I've used I Coloniali Delicate shave cream and as far as I can tell it is "latherless". I used it early on when I was working on my technique. It made it easier to see what I was doing. It's not clear.... but it's like a white, milky lotion that goes on in a very thin layer. Obviously not much cushion, but still rather protective. I left my face with a "heavy" feeling.... so I'm wondering if it has oils in it that sort of stay with you during and after the shave. I keep a tube around to use in a pinch.... it's still alot better than canned goo and other "brushless" options..... but I prefer my lathering soaps and creams more in the end.

Ben

 

[theJJ]

Welcome to the club.

Definitely use less product if you've been applying a thick layer mimicking a lathering cream.

 

[Daveshave]

I have sensitive skin(rash,ingrown hairs, break outs, oily and dry skin) I use a shave balm called ScruF. Its all natural, doesn't lather, and its by far the best thing I have ever used. It has peppermint in it which makes your face feel cool and refreshing afterwards. I don't think I can go back to anything else. And for the cold dry winter days up here in Canada, I use their pre shave oil! Fricken amazing!!!! Lol that's my two cents.

 

[theJJ]

I should add that you'll have to experiment. After spending weeks or months perfecting the art of lathering with a brush, people tend to blow off non-lathering creams after a couple uses figuring they should be fool-proof. Non-lathering formulations vary just as much as traditional creams, so you'll still have to experiment with water/product ratio and application.

I have sensitive skin(rash,ingrown hairs, break outs, oily and dry skin) I use a shave balm called ScruF. Its all natural, doesn't lather, and its by far the best thing I have ever used. It has peppermint in it which makes your face feel cool and refreshing afterwards. I don't think I can go back to anything else. And for the cold dry winter days up here in Canada, I use their pre shave oil! Fricken amazing!!!! Lol that's my two cents.

Can you post the ingredients list for the balm?

 

[lindyhop66]

Yes, I keep messing around with the water to cream ratio. First pass with straight with the Alba Botanica, more water and keep adding water as I go along and the razor moved more smoothly. It still doesn't compare...yet....to whipping up some lather.

Next pass, I used the Alba as a pre-shave underneath some Omega lather and the blade moves much better.

With just the Alba, I just don't seem to be getting as close with fewer passes as with regular lathering soaps or creams. My face feels more comfortable having applied it though.

The Alba seems to "blunt" the sharpness of my straight, somehow. It reminds me of the time I tried coating my face with alum and then adding lather. The blade doesn't flow as well for me.