Henson Shaving recently branched out from “hardware” (their amazing razor) with some “software,” a brushless but brush-friendly shave cream. I got some to try.
My Experience With Henson Shaving Cream
[Note: I received a sample of the Henson Shave Cream without cost, but the opinions expressed here are mine and have not been reviewed or approved by Henson.]
Presentation
The Henson Shave Cream is in a small 100ml (~3.4oz) squeeze tube. The tube is small enough to pass inspection by the TSA in the US, so you can pack it in a carry-on bag for air travel.
The scent is described as “Petrichor and Clean,” but it is so mild that I cannot detect it with my (admittedly poor) sense of smell. It’s essentially fragrance-free to me.
Ingredients: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Bathionate, Glycerin, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Palmetic Acid, Hyaluronate Sodium, Sodium Hydtroxypropylposphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Glycol Disearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactyate, Hydroxyehtyl Cellulose, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Ehtylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Lather
Lather from the Henson is a bit schizophrenic to me: when I use it brushless it does not build much of a lather. However it is very concentrated and a little will go a long way. Used with a shave brush it builds a good lather quickly, even in my “hard” water.
Performance
This stuff loves water.
In my experience it has better cushion with a brush and better lubrication when used brushless. That seems a little counterintuitive to me but that’s my take.
Lather, both brushless and with a brush, is very good for me. When I use it brushless there is enough lather residue to not have to re-apply for the next pass: rubbing with very wet hands to a very wet face is enough to re-activate the lather.
When I use it with a brush it can hold (and seems to need) a ton of water! I can just keep adding and adding water for a thick lather. I mean if I keep adding water it will eventually break but it will accept more water than typical traditionally lathering shave cream.
Background From Henson
From the Henson website:
The Henson Shave Cream was born in a barber shop, with the specific intention of limiting irritation during shaving. Made with high quality ingredients, this shave cream lathers easily, and helps your razor glide effortlessly on your skin. Made in the USA.
Henson Shave Cream was originally produced by Aidan Gill of New Orleans. The proprietor of one of the finest barber shops in the US, Aidan has been shaving men for decades.
Fed up with many of the shave cream options for men, Aidan embarked on a near decade-long endeavour to make one of the finest products available.
We first met Aidan in 2023 and were impressed with his deep knowledge of shaving and affable personality. This product is delivered in partnership with Aidan.
We went out of our way to select ingredients that support and protect your skin, and get rid of ingredients that don’t. Here’s just a few of the ingredients often found in shaving products, that aren’t in the Henson Shave Cream.
Summing Up
I find that Henson Shave Cream is a high-quality shaving solution that prioritizes both performance and skin health. With enough water its rich lather allows for effortless gliding of the razor, reducing the potential for irritation. The absence of harmful ingredients, such as sulfates and dyes, speaks about its commitment to supporting your shave.
