An Old Favorite Returns! – Wm. Neumann’s “Old Fashioned Soda” Shaving Cream

A favorite shave cream of mine, discontinued for several years, is now available again! Wm. Neumann Old Fashioned Soda returns!

History

Back in 2013 Wm. Neumann introduced their Old Fashioned Soda shave cream. And it immediately became one of my favorite shave creams. Performance was excellent and I really enjoyed the scent. But, alas, things come and go, and Wm. Neumann discontinued this shave cream in 2019. I mourned its passing.

Then, late in 2023, I was doing some research for another article and happened across a random mention of Wm. Neumann. I hadn’t thought of them for a while so I checked out their website and–gasp!–there was Old Fashioned Soda again! My wallet instantly opened and my credit card flew out, seemingly all on its own. Would it be the same as I remembered?

It is!

My Experience With Wm. Neumann Shave Cream

[Note: I purchased a bottle of Wm. Neumann Old Fashioned Soda shave cream. My opinions expressed here are my own and have not been reviewed or approved by Wm. Neumann. Wm. Neumann links are not affiliate.]

The presentation of Wm. Neumann Old Fashioned Soda shave cream is the same as the original: a generous 8 ounces in an amber-colored pump bottle. The consistency is more lotion-like than traditional shave cream, hence the pump…just like before.

The output of a single press of the pump is more than enough to build lather with any brush I’ve thrown at it. The lather is somewhat thicker than some other traditional shave creams: generous and luxurious.

The moderately scent reminds me of a combination of cola and root beer, with maybe some cream soda thrown in.  My wife gets more of a citrus cream soda scent.  In any case it’s highly evocative to me and I can almost feel the carbonation tickling my nose.  And the scent sticks with me throughout the shave. Wm. Neumann says the scent is “…a secret combination of Orange, Lemon, Nutmeg, Coriander, Neroli, Cinnamon, Wintergreen, Clove, Birch, Star Anise, and Vanilla.“

Just like the original.

What about performance? Outstanding lubrication/glide, cushion/protection, and post-shave moisturization for me.

Wm Neumann Background

During the early years of the 20th century our great-grandfather, William Neumann, opened his first drugstore in Detroit, Michigan.  As a pharmacist during the turn-of-the-century, he took detailed notes and filled several journals with his formulas and aspirations for his business.  He had a truly remarkable vision, but unfortunately he was never able to fully complete it, as he passed away unexpectedly when his son, Wilford, was just a young boy.  Wilford understood the importance of keeping his father’s legacy alive, and maintained his father’s notes and records to be passed on to future generations.

William Neumann’s famous Old-Fashioned Soda formula is taken straight from his formulary notes dated 1908.  It’s a secret combination of Orange, Lemon, Nutmeg, Coriander, Neroli, Cinnamon, Wintergreen, Clove, Birch, Star Anise, and Vanilla.

Key Ingredients

• Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Shea Butter, and Premium Oils–Create a creamy, dense, slippery cushion of lather 
• Oat Straw, Marshmallow Root, and Chickweed–Soothes and calms irritated skin
• Kosher Vegetable Glycerin–Naturally hydrates and softens the skin
• Allantoin–Natural Conditioner
• Slippery Elm Bark–Creates a Natural Slip
• Green Tea and Blue-Green Algae, Vitamin A, Vitamin C–Powerful natural antioxidants, encourage the healing process
• Nettle, and Milk Thistle–Well known for their healing qualities

Summing Up

What can I say? One of my absolute favorite shave creams has returned, and it’s as good as I remember. Wm. Neumann Old Fashioned Soda shave cream, along with their other creams and personal care products, is available on their website.

(Yes, expect this to show up in Sharpologist’s Best Shave Cream list soon!)