Pre-Shave Oil
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Pre-shave oil is applied before lathering with either soap or cream. It acts as a protective barrier that allows the razor to glide better. It also softens facial hair, making it easier to cut. Some natural additives, such as essential oils or castor oil, make the shave more soothing and add some antimicrobial properties.
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Apply a pea-sized portion to your face and work it in a bit. Let it sit for about a minute or two before applying shave cream. This is a good time to strop your razor.
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Our pre-shave oils contain the following oils. Only one essential oil is added to a specific blend. Read more to find out more about the benefits of each added oil.
Oils
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used in skin care for centuries. It is an excellent thin carrier oil without an overpowering aroma, and it is packed with benefits. The presence of squalane, a natural hydrocarbon compound, smooths and hydrates the skin. Olive oil also contains antioxidants that help slow down aging.
Coconut Oil
Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil has superb antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria on the skin. Its ability to nourish the skin and lock in moisture makes it the perfect moisturizing carrier oil for shaving oils or balms.
Jojoba Oil
Unlike other oils, jojoba is actually not an oil. It is technically a wax ester that has properties similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces.
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Jojoba's sebum-like properties allow it to manage your skin’s oil production. Applying it to your face lets it add more moisture to the areas in need without adding too much to those that are already well-saturated. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is used for nourishing the skin, and it can fight against free radicals while making the skin appear youthful. Vitamin E oil is also a natural preservative, which can extend your pre-shave oil’s shelf life.
Sweet Almond Oil
This is an exceptional, lightweight pre-shave oil. Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, sweet almond oil provides excellent slip and lubrication to help your razor glide smoothly, softening coarse stubble and minimizing razor burn.
Castor Oil
Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, a germ-fighting acid that can help prevent itchiness, soothe burning and irritations, and may even tame acne and ingrown hairs. This oil is very thick and slick, creating a strong protective barrier on top of the skin for shaving.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful, water-soluble humectant that makes a great addition to pre-shave oils. When added to a pre-shave oil, it draws moisture into your hair follicles, softening the beard and building a slicker, longer-lasting lather. Because it is non-greasy, it won't clog your pores.
Castille Soap
Because glycerin is water soluble and not oil soluble, a drop or two of castille soap allows the glycerin to remain in solution with the pre-shave oil. Without castille soap, you would need to vigorously shake the oil before each use.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
As the name implies, cedarwood oil is a woody extract from the bark and wood of cedar trees. Used widely in aromatherapy, it promotes relaxation, acts as a natural insect repellent, and supports scalp and skin health.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is a powerful, fresh, and citrusy oil known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and insect-repelling properties.
Lavender Essential Oil
This versatile, multipurpose oil is used for aromatherapy and sleep support as well as skin healing. Known as the "universal oil," the lavender scent soothes the senses and helps reduce stress. However, due to its gentle cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also promote wound healing and soothe minor scrapes or irritated skin.