Truefitt And Hill Pre-Shave Oil Ultimate Comfort Review – A Little Goes A Long Way
Truefitt And Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil
Truefitt and Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil is at the top end of the price range for a pre-shave oil. However, I found it hard to fault in any area, minus a slight issue with the bottle cap. A premium price for a premium product, I say!
Pros
A small amount goes a long way
It most definitely provided me with added protection during the shave
My skin felt soft and at ease after shaving
I can use a small amount, and it goes a long way
The citrus kind of scent is refreshing when I rub it into my beard
Cons
The obvious one is its price – it is pricey
When I lost the inner top cover, the bottle could leak
Damn, yes, this stuff is pricey, especially if you are in the USA.
However, it is up there above the best I have used so far, including the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil, which I used and reviewed.
We won’t debate whether a pre-shave product is necessary—you’ve already found your way here. Chances are you’re either using a pre-shave or are considering trying one to help reduce irritation and enhance your shaving experience. If that’s the case, the Truefitt and Hill Pre-Shave Oil Ultimate Comfort is likely one of the products on your shortlist (or will be).
Let’s get into the details anyway!
Description and Features
I really like how the bottle looks; it matches a traditional bottle appearance and looks classy when seated among other traditional shaving products. And, while the bottle is plastic, it looks like glass.
The bottle is clear, so I can see how much is left easily. That’s a thumbs up.
One issue I had was – within the top cap (it screws off) – a small cap covers the small hole that allows liquid to be dispensed. I lost this cap as it can just fall out, and because I moved the bottle around for review purposes, I found some oil would leak out. This won’t be an issue for anyone not needing to move the bottle around, but if a person needs to travel, then, if, like me, you lose the cap from inside, then you could use something else to seal it.
The application design is kind of like a – shake out a couple of drops or so – onto the palm of the hand. I did find that it keeps me from pouring out too much oil, which is something I would prefer to avoid
Let’s look at what the oil contains to see how it should function!
Ingredients
Truefitt & Hill advertises that this formula contains “no fewer than ten essential oils and carrier oils.” When looking into the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list, I found a highly strategic blend of natural plant lubricants, protective antioxidants, and a light silicone texturizer that should ensure an effortless glide.
| Ingredient Name | Source / Type | Primary Function | Benefits for Shaving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil | Sunflower Seed Oil | Base Carrier | Rich in Vitamin E, forms a light protective barrier to prevent moisture loss without clogging pores. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | Synthetic Silicone | The Glide Enhancer | A lightweight, evaporating silicone that prevents greasy drag and provides a dry, silky glide. |
| Persea Gratissima Oil | Avocado Oil | Skin Softener | Deeply penetrating oil high in fatty acids that softens stubborn whiskers and calms easily irritated skin. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil | Jojoba Seed Oil | Sebum Mimic | Closely mirrors natural skin oils to soothe dry areas and provide an elastic cushion against the blade. |
| Glyceryl Oleate | Plant-Derived Fatty Acid | Emulsifier | Bonds the ingredients together and allows the oil blend to rinse off cleanly when met with water. |
| Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil | Kukui Nut Oil | Healing Agent | Traditional Hawaiian nut oil excellent for protecting skin tissue and preventing post-shave razor burn. |
| Laureth-4 | Surfactant / Cleanser | Rinse Aid | Ensures the oil emulsifies slightly with your shaving cream and doesn't build up on razor steel. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Extract | Aloe Vera Leaf | Anti-Inflammatory | Soothes active blade irritation, cools the skin, and helps heal microscopic nicks. |
| Cocos Nucifera Oil | Coconut Oil | Moisturizer | Adds an extra slick, nourishing barrier that keeps underlying skin hydrated during multiple passes. |
| Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil | Sweet Almond Oil | Conditioner | Softens hair texture while smoothing out the skin's surface for a more uniform blade pass. |
| Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil | Bergamot | Natural Fragrance | Provides an uplifting, clean citrus note with mild natural antiseptic properties. |
| Citrus Grandis Peel Oil | Grapefruit | Natural Fragrance | Contributes to the clean citrus aroma profile that doesn't clash with subsequent shaving creams. |
| Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil | Mandarin Orange | Natural Fragrance | Rounding out the subtle, fleeting citrus scent favored by sensitive skin types. |
As always, if you have skin sensitivities, check each ingredient on the list. Based on my reaserch – 99% of us guys are not going to have an issue.
Scent
I found the scent a delightful, refreshing citrus and more of an orange-type citrus. It is mild but enough to notice and enjoy while applying the oil and giving it a few minutes to settle into the hair and skin.
The scent did not overtake the shaving soap I was using, which was the Truefitt and Hill Apsley Shaving Soap (they paired very well, actually).
Using The Pre-Shave Oil
I used the oils a few times with the Aplsey Truefitt and Hill Shaving Soap and GEO.F. Trumper’s Sandalwood, which I was testing. I also tried these soaps without the pre-shave to see if I could notice the difference or any advantages of using the oil.
I have quite coarse growth and found the oil easy to rub in, and used about 3 or 4 drops each time. It is quite light, and I found it did not gum up anything (razor, sink area, etc.).
I definitely got that extra protection from the oil. I was using and testing both the Leaf Twig and Thorn razors and was picking up a couple of nicks here and there for some reason, and the oil reduced – well, eliminated that (could have been luck, I dont know).
Post-shave felt slightly better with the oil, but the soaps I used kind of conditioned the skin quite well already.
I like a pre-shave oil with my wet shaving routine, and this was about the best.
Value for Money
Yep, I know it is pricey, and costs around $50 in the USA, which is a lot. In the UK, it costs around £28, which is more expensive than some others, but for me it is better.
We can get other decent oils for less than half the price in the USA, and about £10 less in the UK. However, from what I have tested and reviewed so far, this Truefill and Hill is better, and it is a 60ml bottle, which is twice as much as the last two TOBS (Taylor of Old Bond Street) I used.
I guess it is a luxury gentleman’s type of product, and if reducing costs is your current aim, then you might skip it for now.
Final Thoughts – Should You Try It?
Truefitt and Hill Pre-Shave Oil Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil is now my number 1 choice for every aspect (bar cost), from the ingredients list to the skin, to the post-shave and clean up.
I actually thought there was no way it could be any better than the TOBS I have used and reviewed. I previously thought pre-shave oil is pre-shave oil, and not much could be different or improved; however, I found TOBS is very good and better than Taconic and Simpsons, but the ingredient mixture in this Truefitt and Hill takes it to a kind of perfect level.
My guess is that guys who have used a few pre-shave oils will benefit from this, as they are likely to see the improvement over others. Those new to a pre-shave oil won’t have any other experience to compare with, bar testing out shaving cream or soap with and without this pre-shave oil.
