Barbasol is an American shaving brand with roots dating to 1919, when Frank Shields developed a shaving cream intended to provide an alternative to working traditional shaving soap into lather with a brush.

Early Barbasol was packaged by hand in Indianapolis, Indiana. As aerosol packaging became popular during the 1950s, Barbasol evolved from a thick cream into the soft, ready-to-use shaving foam associated with the brand today.

More than a century after its introduction, shaving cream remains central to the Barbasol identity. The current Barbasol collection at The Razor Company focuses on Made in USA aerosol shaving creams in several formulas designed around different shaving preferences.

Why Choose Barbasol?

Barbasol takes a very different approach from traditional shaving soaps that require a brush, water and time to develop a finished lather.

Its aerosol shaving cream is dispensed ready for application.

Reasons customers may choose Barbasol include:

• American shaving heritage dating to 1919.
• Ready-to-use aerosol shaving cream.
• No shaving brush or lather bowl required.
• Thick foam designed to spread easily across the beard.
• Multiple formulas for different shaving preferences.
• Options containing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E.
• Cooling Pacific Rush formula with menthol.
• Made in the USA.
• Straightforward preparation for everyday shaving.

Barbasol can therefore appeal both to customers who have used the brand for years and wet shavers who want a quick alternative to brush-built soap or cream.

Barbasol Original Shaving Cream

Barbasol Original Thick & Rich Shaving Cream represents the classic version of the brand's aerosol shave cream.

The formula dispenses directly from the can as a thick foam that can be spread across a wet beard without first being worked into a lather with a shaving brush.

For customers accustomed to traditional shaving soap, this is the fundamental difference.

There is no puck to load, no brush to prepare and no separate lather-building stage. Wet the face, dispense the cream and apply it directly to the area being shaved.

That simplicity has been a defining part of Barbasol's identity for generations.

Barbasol Soothing Aloe Shaving Cream

Barbasol Soothing Aloe adds aloe to the familiar aerosol shaving cream format.

The formula includes aloe alongside the ingredients responsible for creating Barbasol's ready-to-use shaving foam.

This version may be particularly appealing to customers specifically looking for aloe in their shaving preparation while retaining the convenience of an aerosol cream.

Like the other Barbasol aerosol formulas, it requires no shaving brush or lather bowl. Shake the can, dispense the foam and apply it to a wet beard before shaving.

Barbasol Extra Moisturizing Shaving Cream

Barbasol Extra Moisturizing is formulated with several ingredients selected for customers looking for a more moisturizing version of the traditional Barbasol shaving cream.

The formula includes vitamin E, aloe and lanolin oil, along with additional ingredients such as chamomile extract.

It retains the same basic application method as Original Barbasol: dispense the ready-made foam and spread it over wet skin before shaving.

For customers comparing the different Barbasol varieties, Extra Moisturizing is the natural place to start when moisturizing ingredients are a priority.

Barbasol Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream

Barbasol Sensitive Skin provides another variation on the brand's familiar Thick & Rich shaving cream.

This version is formulated with aloe, thyme, papaya and willow bark and uses a lighter fragrance profile.

Individual skin reactions can vary considerably, so a product labeled for sensitive skin cannot guarantee that irritation will not occur. Customers with known sensitivities should still review the ingredient information and discontinue use if irritation develops.

The advantage of the Sensitive Skin version is that it gives Barbasol users another formula to consider without changing the basic aerosol shaving routine.

Barbasol Pacific Rush Shaving Cream

Pacific Rush is Barbasol's cooling option.

The formula combines caffeine and menthol, with the menthol providing the noticeable cooling sensation associated with the product.

That makes Pacific Rush especially relevant to customers who enjoy cooling shaving products or want a refreshing shave during warmer weather.

Cooling sensation is highly subjective. Some shavers actively seek strong mentholated products, while others prefer shaving creams without a cooling effect.

If you are new to menthol shaving products, Pacific Rush provides a distinctly different experience from Original or Extra Moisturizing Barbasol.

Choosing a Barbasol Shaving Cream

The Barbasol lineup makes it relatively straightforward to choose a formula according to your preferences.

Choose Original if you want the classic Barbasol experience without selecting a specialized variation.

Consider Soothing Aloe if aloe is an ingredient you specifically want in your shaving cream.

Look at Extra Moisturizing if you prefer a formula incorporating vitamin E, aloe and lanolin oil.

Sensitive Skin is formulated with ingredients including aloe, thyme, papaya and willow bark and uses a lighter fragrance.

Choose Pacific Rush if you enjoy the cooling sensation of menthol.

Because personal skin and fragrance preferences vary, there is no single Barbasol formula that will be the best choice for every customer.

How to Use Barbasol Shaving Cream

Using aerosol Barbasol is intentionally straightforward.

Begin by washing and thoroughly wetting your face with warm water.

Shake the Barbasol can and hold it upright. Press the top to dispense a small amount of shaving cream into your hand.

Spread the foam evenly across the areas you intend to shave.

Shave using gentle strokes and rinse the razor frequently to remove accumulated shaving cream and cut hair.

If making additional passes, reapply shaving cream rather than repeatedly shaving over unprotected skin.

When finished, rinse your face thoroughly and follow with your preferred aftershave or post-shave product.

Do You Need a Shaving Brush with Barbasol?

No. Aerosol Barbasol does not require a shaving brush.

That distinction is important because The Razor Company carries many shaving products intended specifically for brush lathering.

Traditional shaving soap generally requires water and mechanical action from a shaving brush to produce finished lather. Many traditional shaving creams can also be worked with a brush.

Barbasol aerosol cream arrives already aerated as foam.

You can therefore apply it directly with your hand, making it a practical choice when you want to eliminate the brush-loading and lather-building stages of a traditional shave.

Barbasol vs. Traditional Shaving Soap

Barbasol aerosol shaving cream and traditional shaving soap perform the same basic job—providing a lubricating layer between the razor and skin—but they approach that job differently.

Barbasol aerosol shaving cream emphasizes speed and convenience. Dispense it from the can, spread it over the wet beard and shave.

Traditional shaving soap requires more preparation. A damp shaving brush is loaded from the soap before water is gradually incorporated to create finished lather.

Some wet shavers enjoy the control and ritual of building their own lather. Others value the speed and consistency of ready-to-use foam.

There is no requirement to choose one method exclusively. Barbasol can serve as a convenient everyday or travel option even for someone who normally uses traditional shaving soap.

Barbasol 1919 Shaving Cream

Barbasol has also revisited its pre-aerosol roots with the 1919 Classic Shaving Cream.

Unlike the familiar aerosol foam, Barbasol 1919 is a non-aerosol shaving cream. The modern formula includes ingredients such as aloe, coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax and glycerin.

It is applied to wet skin in a thin layer rather than dispensed as an aerated foam.

The 1919 line demonstrates an important part of Barbasol's history: the brand existed for decades before the aerosol can became its defining format.

Availability of individual Barbasol products can change, so use the product grid above for the current selection at The Razor Company.

More Than 100 Years of Barbasol

Barbasol's long history gives it an unusual position within American shaving.

Frank Shields developed the original shaving cream in 1919, offering an alternative to the brush-and-soap shaving routines common at the time.

By the 1930s, the company had expanded significantly and was also manufacturing razor blades.

During World War II, Barbasol shaving cream became standard issue for American soldiers.

Aerosol cans arrived during the 1950s, transforming Barbasol into the soft shaving foam familiar today. The barbershop-pole-inspired appearance introduced with those aerosol cans also became a recognizable part of the brand's identity.

Barbasol celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019 and continues to manufacture shaving cream in Ohio.

Build a Shaving Routine with Barbasol

Barbasol makes it possible to keep a shaving routine relatively simple.

Begin by thoroughly wetting the beard. Warm water helps prepare facial hair before shaving.

Apply your preferred Barbasol shaving cream evenly over the beard.

Use a fresh razor blade and shave with gentle strokes, beginning with the direction of hair growth. Avoid applying unnecessary pressure.

Rinse the razor frequently during the shave.

If you perform an additional pass, apply another layer of shaving cream first.

After shaving, rinse thoroughly and finish with an aftershave splash, balm or other post-shave product according to your preference.

Who Is Barbasol Best For?

Barbasol is particularly well suited to customers who value convenient, ready-to-use shaving cream.

It may especially appeal to:

• Customers who do not want to use a shaving brush.
• Shavers looking for quick everyday preparation.
• Longtime users of classic American shaving products.
• Customers interested in a Made in USA shaving cream.
• Shavers who want several formula options.
• Customers interested in aloe or moisturizing ingredients.
• Menthol fans considering Pacific Rush.
• Traditional wet shavers who want a quick alternative to brush-built lather.
• Beginners looking for a straightforward shaving cream.

Its accessibility and simple application remain major reasons Barbasol continues to have a place in modern shaving.

Shop Barbasol at The Razor Company

The Razor Company carries Barbasol shaving cream as part of its broader shaving soap and cream selection.

The current assortment centers on Barbasol's classic aerosol shaving creams, with formulas such as Original, Soothing Aloe, Extra Moisturizing, Sensitive Skin and Pacific Rush represented as available.

Use the product grid above for the current Barbasol selection and available sizes at The Razor Company.

Barbasol FAQ

When was Barbasol founded?

Barbasol dates to 1919, when Frank Shields developed the original Barbasol shaving cream as an alternative to building shaving-soap lather with a brush.

Where is Barbasol shaving cream made?

Barbasol states that its shaving creams are made in Ashland, Ohio, and The Razor Company categorizes its current Barbasol shaving creams as Made in USA.

Do you need a shaving brush to use Barbasol?

No. Classic aerosol Barbasol is dispensed as ready-to-use shaving foam and can be applied directly to a wet beard by hand.

What is the difference between Barbasol Original and Extra Moisturizing?

Original provides the classic Barbasol shaving cream formula, while Extra Moisturizing incorporates additional ingredients including vitamin E, aloe and lanolin oil.

Does Barbasol make shaving cream for sensitive skin?

Yes. Barbasol offers a Sensitive Skin shaving cream formulated with aloe, thyme, papaya and willow bark and a light fragrance.

Which Barbasol shaving cream has menthol?

Barbasol Pacific Rush contains menthol and is designed to provide a cooling shaving experience. It also incorporates caffeine.

Is Barbasol 1919 the same as regular aerosol Barbasol?

No. Barbasol 1919 Classic is a non-aerosol shaving cream, while the classic Thick & Rich Barbasol products are aerosol foams. The 1919 formula includes ingredients such as aloe, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax.

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