Shaving with Aleppo Soap: Your Guide to Smooth Skin

Do you know that feeling after shaving? Your skin burns, turns red, and feels uncomfortably tight. Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and little bumps are constant companions for many people. Yet there's a solution that has proven itself for centuries and is experiencing an impressive comeback: shaving with Aleppo soap.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover why Aleppo soap is the perfect alternative to conventional shaving foams and gels, how to use it correctly, and which variant best suits your skin type. Whether you're shaving for the first time or finally seeking a natural solution after years of skin irritation, you'll find all the answers here.

Why Aleppo Soap is Perfect for Shaving

Traditional Aleppo soap differs fundamentally from modern shaving products. While conventional shaving foams are often full of synthetic surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances, Aleppo soap consists of just four natural ingredients: olive oil, laurel oil, water, and sodium hydroxide.

The Unique Active Ingredient Combination

Olive oil forms the base and makes up about 45 to 96 percent of the soap. It contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids that provide your skin with moisture during shaving. At the same time, the oil creates a protective film that allows the razor blade to glide gently over your skin.

Laurel oil is the game-changer for shaving. Depending on the variant, the proportion ranges between 4 and 55 percent. This powerful essential oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. This means concretely: fewer inflammations, faster healing of small cuts, and significantly reduced razor burn.

Studies confirm that the terpenes and phenols contained in laurel oil actively work against skin irritations. Dermatologists increasingly recommend Aleppo soap for people with sensitive skin or a tendency toward folliculitis – an inflammatory reaction of the hair follicles after shaving.

Which Aleppo Soap is Best for Shaving?

Choosing the right Aleppo soap for shaving depends on your skin type and shaving zone. As a rule of thumb: the more sensitive the skin or the more problematic the zone, the higher the laurel oil content should be.

For Normal to Robust Skin: 25-35% Laurel Oil

These variants are excellent for daily facial shaving for men with normal skin or for leg shaving for women. The medium laurel oil content offers a good compromise between care properties and antibacterial action.

For Sensitive Skin and Problem Areas: 40-55% Laurel Oil

This is where the powerful variants come into play. Aleppo soap with 40 percent laurel oil is ideal for:

• Beard shaving with sensitive facial skin
• Intimate shaving (bikini zone, underarms)
• People prone to ingrown hairs
• Problem skin with acne or folliculitis
• Very dry skin that tends to feel tight after shaving

The even more intensive variant with 55 percent laurel oil is especially recommended by dermatologists for people with chronic skin problems. It works like a natural antiseptic and accelerates skin regeneration.

For Very Sensitive or Allergic Skin: 4-20% Laurel Oil

If your skin reacts extremely sensitively or you're unsure, start with a milder variant. This is particularly suitable as an introduction to the world of natural shaving. The starter sets from Aleppo Tree offer the perfect opportunity to test different concentrations.

Step-by-Step: How to Shave Correctly with Aleppo Soap

The application differs from conventional shaving products. With the right technique, however, you'll achieve significantly better results.

Preparation is Everything

Step 1: Warm Up the Skin

Ideally shave after a warm shower or place a warm towel on the area to be shaved for 2-3 minutes. The warmth opens the pores and softens the hairs – this is especially important for harder beard hairs.

Step 2: Moisten the Aleppo Soap

Hold the soap briefly under warm water. For traditional Aleppo soaps, about 5-10 seconds is sufficient. The soap should become slightly slippery, but not too wet.

Creating the Lather

Unlike industrial shaving foams, with Aleppo soap you need to create the lather yourself. This sounds elaborate but only takes 30-60 seconds and quickly becomes a pleasant routine.

Method 1: Directly on the Skin

Rub the moistened soap in circular movements directly onto the skin area to be shaved. For the face, about 15-20 circular movements are sufficient. For larger areas like legs, correspondingly more. With your wet hands, you then work in the lather until a creamy, gliding layer forms.

Method 2: With Shaving Bowl and Brush (Classic)

For everyone who loves the traditional shaving experience: Rub the soap in a shaving bowl with a shaving brush. Add water drop by drop while moving the brush in circles. After about 30-60 seconds, a rich, creamy lather forms. Then apply this with the brush in stroking movements.

The advantage of the brush method: The bristles lift the hairs and distribute the lather more evenly in all directions. The result is an even more thorough shave.

The Shave Itself

Important Basic Rules:

• Always shave in the direction of hair growth (first pass)
• Place the blade without pressure – the soap already provides optimal glide protection
• Rinse the blade under warm water after each stroke
• If needed, you can do a second round across the direction of growth
• Against the direction of growth only with very robust skin and definitely with a fresh blade

The high gliding ability of Aleppo soap allows you to achieve a thorough shave even without pressure. Many men report that after switching to Aleppo soap, they need to re-shave much less frequently and still have fewer skin irritations.

After Shaving: The Right Care

After rinsing off the lather, the crucial step that many neglect follows:

Cool Rinse: Rinse the shaved area with cold water. This closes the pores and immediately soothes the skin.

Gentle Drying: Pat the skin dry carefully – never rub. The skin is especially sensitive after shaving.

Post-care: Here comes the big advantage of Aleppo soap – in most cases you don't need additional aftershave. The re-fatting properties of olive oil and the soothing effect of laurel oil are completely sufficient.

For very dry skin, however, you can apply a light moisturizer. The moisturizing face cream from Aleppo Tree harmonizes perfectly with the soap and enhances the caring effect.

Shaving Different Body Zones with Aleppo Soap

Facial Shaving for Men

Daily beard shaving has special requirements. Facial skin is sensitive, the beard often dense and stubborn. Use an Aleppo soap with at least 40 percent laurel oil here.

Special attention deserves:

Neck area: Here the hairs often grow in different directions. Feel the direction of growth beforehand.

Chin area: Stretch the skin with your free hand to create a smooth surface.

Upper lip: Shave in short strokes and from nose outward.

Men with sensitive skin or tendency toward razor burn often report dramatic improvement after switching to Aleppo soap. The reason: the natural antibacterial properties prevent inflammations before they arise.

Leg Shaving for Women

For large-area leg shaving, the lather method is particularly practical. An Aleppo soap with 25-40 percent laurel oil is ideal here.

Efficient Technique:

• Work in sections: lower leg, knee, thigh
• Shave in long, even strokes
• The knee area requires special caution – stretch the skin by bending the leg

Many women especially appreciate that skin doesn't become dry or flaky after shaving with Aleppo soap. This eliminates the need for additional body lotion products.

Intimate Shaving and Sensitive Zones

Intimate shaving requires the utmost care. This is where Aleppo soap shows its true strengths. Definitely use a variant with 40-55 percent laurel oil.

Important Rules for Intimate Shaving:

• Only shave with a fresh, sharp blade
• Use plenty of lather
• Always pull skin taut
• Work especially slowly and carefully
• Never shave against the direction of growth

The antiseptic properties of laurel oil are particularly valuable in this zone. They significantly reduce the risk of inflammations, ingrown hairs, and unpleasant pimples.

Underarm Shaving

The underarms are anatomically challenging since the hairs grow in different directions here. An Aleppo soap with 30-40 percent laurel oil is optimal.

Technique for Smooth Underarms:

• Raise your arm completely to tighten the skin
• First shave from top to bottom
• Then from bottom to top
• Finally horizontally from outside to inside

The antibacterial effect of Aleppo soap is particularly advantageous in the underarms, as naturally many bacteria settle here that can lead to inflammations after shaving.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Shaving Guide for Beginners

Mistake 1: Too Little Lather

A common beginner mistake is shaving with too little lather. Unlike industrial shaving gels, with Aleppo soap more really is more. The lather layer should be thick enough that the razor blade doesn't directly touch the skin.

Solution: Be generous when lathering. Better to rub in circles once more than to have too little lather.

Mistake 2: Too Much Pressure

Many people have gotten used to applying pressure when shaving over the years. With Aleppo soap, this is counterproductive and leads to skin irritation.

Solution: Let the blade work with its own weight. The gliding ability of Aleppo soap is so high that minimal pressure is completely sufficient.

Mistake 3: Dull Blades

Shaving with a dull blade and Aleppo soap wastes the soap's potential. You need more strokes, which unnecessarily stresses the skin.

Solution: Change your blades regularly. As a rule of thumb: after 5-7 shaves, a new blade should be used.

Mistake 4: Shaving Too Quickly

Shaving with Aleppo soap is not a sprint, but a ritual. Those who rush make mistakes.

Solution: Plan 5-10 minutes more time. This sounds like a lot but quickly becomes a pleasant morning routine.

Mistake 5: Choosing the Wrong Concentration

Too low a laurel oil concentration doesn't bring the desired antibacterial effect. Too high can lead to irritation with very sensitive skin.

Solution: Orient yourself to the recommendations in this article or test different concentrations. The FAQ page from Aleppo Tree offers additional guidance.

The Advantages of Aleppo Soap Compared to Conventional Shaving Products

Health Benefits

No skin-irritating chemicals: Conventional shaving foams often contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), parabens, fragrances, and preservatives. These can trigger allergies, damage the skin barrier, and lead to chronic skin problems in the long term. Aleppo soap completely avoids these.

Active skincare during shaving: While conventional products only protect the skin superficially, Aleppo soap actively cares. The olive oil penetrates the uppermost skin layers and supplies them with fatty acids. The laurel oil works anti-inflammatorily and promotes regeneration.

pH value of 8-9: This slightly alkaline pH value corresponds to the natural skin environment after shaving and supports the skin barrier in regeneration.

Ecological Benefits

Plastic-free: While you only need cardboard packaging for a 200g Aleppo soap, shaving foams come in plastic or aluminum cans. One Aleppo soap replaces about 3-4 cans of shaving foam.

Biodegradable: All ingredients of Aleppo soap break down completely. No microplastics, no persistent chemicals in wastewater.

Long-lasting: A 200g Aleppo soap lasts about 3-6 months with daily shaving. That's significantly longer than industrial products.

Economic Benefits

Let's do the math: A high-quality Aleppo soap costs on average 10-15 euros and lasts 4-6 months. That's monthly costs of 2-4 euros. Shaving foam or gel costs about 4-8 euros per can and only lasts 4-8 weeks.

So you save about 50-70 percent of costs while using a significantly higher quality product. For the gift sets from Aleppo Tree, this applies even more – here you get multiple products at an advantageous price.

Mastering Special Shaving Situations

Shaving with Acne or Problem Skin

People with acne or blemished skin often fear shaving – rightly so, because the wrong technique can worsen inflammation. Here, Aleppo soap with high laurel oil content (40-55%) is the solution.

Important Rules:

• Never shave over active inflammations
• Disinfect the blade before shaving with alcohol
• Only shave in the direction of growth
• Change the blade after each shave
• Let the soap work as a mask for 3-5 minutes before shaving

The antibacterial properties of laurel oil actively combat acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). Many sufferers report that their skin condition improved significantly after switching to Aleppo soap.

Shaving with Very Dry or Eczema-Prone Skin

With neurodermatitis, eczema, or extremely dry skin, shaving is a special challenge. Here too, Aleppo soap offers a solution, though with a different concentration.

Recommendation: Use a variant with moderate laurel oil content (25-35%), as too much laurel oil can sometimes lead to irritation with very sensitive skin. The olive oil takes center stage here and supplies the skin with important lipids.

Extra tip: After shaving, you can use the Three-Oil Elixir, which combines olive, laurel, and black cumin oil and works wonders especially with very dry skin.

The First Shave for Teenagers

For young people shaving for the first time, choosing the right product is especially important. Here, foundations for years of habits are often laid.

Perfect for starting out: An Aleppo soap with 15-25% laurel oil. It's mild enough for young skin but effective enough for clean results.

Important: Take time for the first shave. Explain the technique precisely or watch a tutorial together. The starter sets are ideal as a gift for the first shave.

Proper Storage of Your Aleppo Shaving Soap

For your Aleppo soap to last long and maintain its effectiveness, proper storage is crucial.

Immediately After Shaving:

• Rinse the soap under clear water
• Shake off excess water
• Place it on a soap dish with drainage (no standing water!)
• Ideal: wood or loofah soap dishes

Long-term Storage:

• Store unused soaps dry and cool
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Wrap in paper, not plastic
• Store in an airy place

A well-cared-for Aleppo soap can be stored for years and even becomes milder over time as the saponification process continues. This makes it an excellent investment.

Combine Aleppo Soap with the Right Shaving Technique

The best soap is of little use without the right technique. Here are advanced tips for optimal results:

The Perfect Shaving Angle

Hold the blade at an angle of about 30 degrees to the skin. This is flatter than most people think. Too steep an angle significantly increases the risk of cuts and irritation.

Multi-Pass Shaving

Professionals often shave in multiple passes:

• First Pass: With the direction of growth (most important stage)
• Second Pass: Across the direction of growth (optional)
• Third Pass: Slightly against the direction of growth (only with robust skin)

Between passes, you re-lather the skin. This only takes 15 seconds and makes a huge difference.

Skin Stretching

Pull the skin taut with your free hand. This raises the hairs and enables a more thorough shave with fewer strokes. Especially important in problem zones like the neck.

Aleppo Soap for Women: More Than Just Shaving

While men mainly discover Aleppo soap for facial shaving, women often use the product's full potential.

Whole Body Care

The same soap you use for shaving is also perfect as:

• Shower soap for the entire body
• Facial cleanser morning and evening
• Hair soap for natural hair care

This versatility makes Aleppo soap especially attractive for minimalist bathrooms. Instead of ten different products, you only need one – and it works better than most specialized products.

For hair care, Aleppo Tree also offers specialized Aleppo shampoos developed based on the same principles. Alternatively, the liquid Aleppo soap is perfect for pump dispensers in the shower.

Anti-Aging Through Natural Care

The high-quality fatty acids in olive oil and the antioxidants in laurel oil also have anti-aging effects. Regular application can:

• Reduce fine lines
• Improve skin elasticity
• Lighten pigmentation spots
• Even out complexion

Many female users report that their skin looks more radiant and even after several weeks of use.

From Can to Soap: How to Successfully Transition

Switching from shaving foam to Aleppo soap requires a small adjustment period. Here's your 4-week plan:

Week 1-2: The Learning Phase

• Experiment with lather amount
• Find your optimal lathering technique
• Don't expect the perfect shave yet
• Your skin adjusts to the new product

Week 3-4: The Optimization

• Refine your technique
• Shaving becomes increasingly routine
• You notice first improvements in skin irritations
• The lather now works without problems

From Week 5: The New Normal

• Shaving with Aleppo soap has become routine
• Significantly fewer skin problems
• You never want to go back to shaving foam
• Possibly testing other laurel oil concentrations

Most people report that after about 2-3 weeks they've got the hang of it and clearly feel the benefits. So give yourself some time – it's worth it!

Myths and Facts About Aleppo Soap for Shaving

Myth 1: "Aleppo soap dries out the skin"

Fact: The opposite is true. Aleppo soap is a so-called superfatted soap. This means it contains free oils that haven't been saponified and remain on the skin. These re-fatting properties make it ideal for shaving.

Myth 2: "Soap can't glide as well as shaving gel"

Fact: High-quality Aleppo soap offers excellent gliding ability. The key lies in the right lathering technique. Once mastered, the gliding ability is absolutely comparable to modern products – often even better.

Myth 3: "Shaving takes much longer"

Fact: Lather creation takes about 30-60 seconds longer than spraying shaving foam. However, the actual shave is often faster since you need less re-work due to better gliding ability. Bottom line, about the same length.

Myth 4: "Aleppo soap smells unpleasant"

Fact: Aleppo soap smells natural – of olive and laurel. Those who have been used to synthetic fragrances for years may initially find this unfamiliar. However, most people appreciate the earthy, authentic scent after a short time. And the soap leaves no scent on the skin.

Myth 5: "This is just hype, not better than normal products"

Fact: Aleppo soap has been produced and used for over 4000 years. This is not a temporary trend, but proven tradition. Dermatologists scientifically confirm the positive properties. The current hype is explained by growing demand for natural, effective alternatives.

Expert Opinions: What Do Dermatologists Say?

Dr. Timm Golüke, renowned dermatologist, especially recommends Aleppo soap for people with sensitive skin: "The high proportions of linoleic acid as well as antioxidants like vitamin A and E make Aleppo soap very recommendable from a dermatological perspective. Especially the anti-inflammatory properties of laurel oil are of great advantage during shaving."

Master barber Tom Hannemann, who has over 500,000 followers on social media, raves about Aleppo soap: "I've tested hundreds of shaving products. Aleppo soap is definitely in the top 3. The skin compatibility is unbeatable."

Beauty expert Ebru Demir, who has over 3 million followers on TikTok, is also convinced: "Aleppo soap has revolutionized my skincare routine. I use it for everything – face, body, hair, and of course for shaving too."

[WARNING_BOX: Allergy Notice] Laurel oil contains natural substances to which some people may be allergic. If you're prone to allergies, first test the soap on a small area of skin (e.g., forearm) and wait 24 hours. If redness or itching occurs, choose a variant with lower laurel oil content or avoid it. The customer reviews provide additional insights into compatibility.

Sustainability: Your Contribution to Environmental Protection

Every decision for Aleppo soap is also a decision for the environment. Let's look at the numbers:

Plastic Savings Per Year:

• Average consumption shaving foam: 6-8 cans of 200ml
• Weight plastic packaging per can: about 50g
• Total plastic per year: 300-400g
• With Aleppo soap: 0g plastic (only cardboard)

CO2 Footprint: The production of Aleppo soap follows traditional methods without energy-intensive processes. Modern shaving foams are filled under pressure, require propellants and complex chemicals. The CO2 footprint of Aleppo soap is estimated 70-80% lower.

Water Protection: All ingredients of Aleppo soap are completely biodegradable. No microplastic particles, no persistent chemicals that end up in rivers and oceans. Your daily shave minimally burdens wastewater.

If you want to learn more about sustainability and the philosophy behind Aleppo Tree, you'll find detailed information on our About Us page.

The Economic Calculation: What Does Shaving Really Cost You?

Let's establish an honest cost-benefit calculation:

Conventional Shaving Foam:

• Price per can: 5-8 euros
• Durability: 4-8 weeks
• Costs per year: 45-96 euros
• Additionally: Aftershave (15-30 euros/year)
• Total costs: 60-126 euros/year

Aleppo Soap:

• Price per 200g soap: 10-15 euros
• Durability: 4-6 months
• Costs per year: 20-45 euros
• Aftershave often unnecessary: 0 euros
• Total costs: 20-45 euros/year

Savings: 40-80 euros per year

Over 10 years that's 400-800 euros you save – while using a higher quality product and protecting the environment.

The gift sets are especially attractive, combining multiple products and offering additional value.

Traveling with Aleppo Soap: Your Perfect Companion

For frequent flyers, backpackers, and business travelers, Aleppo soap is the ideal travel companion:

Hand Luggage Compatible:

• Not a liquid – bypasses the 100ml rule
• Compact and light
• Unbreakable

Multifunctional:

A single Aleppo soap replaces when traveling:

• Shaving foam/gel
• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Facial cleanser
• Hand soap

Space-Saving: A 200g piece of Aleppo soap fits in any toiletry bag and weighs less than all the individual products it replaces.

Durability: Aleppo soap keeps for years without refrigeration or special storage. Perfect for long trips or unpredictable situations.

For getting started with traveling with Aleppo soap, the starter sets are excellent. They contain smaller sizes you can test.

For Advanced Users: Perfecting the Shaving Brush Method

Those who want to master traditional shaving with a brush will find pro tips here:

The Right Brush:

• Badger hair: Soft, absorbs lots of water, premium option
• Synthetic: Animal-free, quick-drying, more affordable
• Boar bristle: Hard, good for peeling, for robust skin

The Perfect Technique:

• Soak the brush in warm water for 2-3 minutes
• Shake out excess water
• Rub the Aleppo soap in circular movements for 30-45 seconds
• Add water drop by drop while continuing to lather
• The lather should be shiny and creamy, not dry

Brush Care:

• Rinse thoroughly after each use
• Let dry with bristles facing down
• Never store in closed containers
• Clean once monthly with mild shampoo

A good shaving brush lasts 5-10 years with proper care and makes shaving a meditative ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Aleppo soap for electric razors?

No, Aleppo soap is exclusively designed for wet shaving. Electric razors need no soap or should be used with special, very thin liquid products.

How long does a 200g Aleppo soap last with daily shaving?

With daily facial shaving, a 200g soap lasts about 4-6 months. With weekly full-body shaving, about 3-4 months. The exact duration depends on the amount of lather used.

Can I use Aleppo soap on open wounds or cuts?

The antiseptic properties of laurel oil can actually help with healing. However, with fresh cuts it may burn briefly. In this case, rinse with clear water and let the wound dry in the air.

Does Aleppo soap lather well in hard water?

Aleppo soap lathers even in hard water, though somewhat less than in soft water. You may need to use slightly more soap or lather longer. However, the cleansing effect remains fully intact.

Can I use different laurel oil concentrations for different body zones?

Absolutely! Many experienced users have multiple soaps: One with 40-55% for sensitive zones (face, intimate area), one with 25-35% for larger areas (legs, arms). The starter sets make such experiments easy.

Do I need to wash off the soap completely after shaving?

Yes, rinse off all soap residue thoroughly. The nourishing oils form a thin film on the skin – this partially remains even after rinsing. However, soap residue can clog pores.

Can I also use Aleppo soap for razor bumps?

Especially for razor bumps, Aleppo soap is ideal. The antibacterial properties combat the inflammation. Let the soap work as a mask for 5-10 minutes on the affected areas before you rinse it off.

Does Aleppo soap work with very dense, hard beards?

Yes, especially well even. The laurel oil softens even the hardest beard hairs. Important: Let the lather sit for 2-3 minutes before you start shaving. The waiting time makes an enormous difference.

Summary: The Most Important Points at a Glance

Shaving with Aleppo soap is more than just an alternative to conventional products – it's an improvement in every respect:

For the skin: Fewer irritations, no chemicals, active care
For the wallet: 50-70% cost savings compared to shaving foam
For the environment: Plastic-free, biodegradable, minimal CO2 footprint
For your routine: Multifunctional, long-lasting, travel-friendly

The choice of the right laurel oil concentration is crucial:

• 4-20% for very sensitive skin and beginners
• 25-35% for normal skin and large areas
• 40-55% for sensitive zones, problem skin, and maximum antibacterial effect

The transition requires a small learning phase of 2-3 weeks, after which most people never want to go back to industrial products.

Your Next Steps

You now have the complete knowledge to achieve perfect shaving results with Aleppo soap. Here's your action plan:

Step 1: Decide on the appropriate laurel oil concentration based on your skin type and shaving zones.

Step 2: Order your first Aleppo soap or a starter set to test different variants.

Step 3: Follow the step-by-step guide in this article for your first shaves.

Step 4: Give yourself 2-3 weeks to perfect the technique and let your skin adjust.

Step 5: Enjoy smooth, healthy skin without irritation – every day.

The FAQ page from Aleppo Tree answers additional questions, and the customer reviews show you what experiences others have had.