What it is
This is a traditional shaving cream - selected oils mixed with lye (potassium hydroxide), a soap making process that has been used for hundreds of years.
We use as much organic content as possible, currently achieving about 77%, excluding water, allowing us to say “Made With Organic Ingredients”. Some ingredients, like the lye, are not in a category covered by the USDA National Organic Program.
What it’s made of
One of our favorite ingredients is Meadowfoam Seed oil, which is a light, moisturizing, protective oil that skin loves. Meadowfoam is a native California wildflower, so right on brand for HOC.
How ‘bout that Colophonium? Pine rosin is an old time soap ingredient that adds creaminess and structure to the lather, as well as a faint woodsy aroma.
Vegan Friendly – no animal sourced ingredients are used in the making of this product.
Hardwicke’s of California is manufactured in San Rafael, California, in a laboratory that employs Good Manufacturing Practices and follows US FDA regulations.
Shaving cream vs. shaving soap
The ingredients and process for manufacturing are similar. Shaving soap is delivered in a hard form, usually as a “puck” or cast in its own container.
Shaving Cream is soft, generally including more glycerin (a natural product of saponification) for a cushier, more luxurious feel. Cream is the result of a more difficult process and often favored by aficionados.
Something in the air
For those that want pure performance and nothing else, our “Native State” has no added fragrance ingredients. If you DO enjoy an olfactory journey, let our pure botanical blends take you there.
HOC essential oil blends are specific and evocative. They can be an adventure, a happy memory, or just the vibe you’re looking for at the moment.
Our scents don’t stick to you. Since shaving cream is a soap, the scent washes away when your shaving journey is done. That’s just one advantage of botanical essential oils over synthetic fragrance oils.