King Of Shaves Cooling Shave Gel Review – Great Gel For The Price
King Of Shaves Cooling Shave Gel
The gel from King of Shaves is one that most men needing an affordable shave gel can’t go wrong with. The cooling menthol does cool without being overpowering and this stuff is super slick.
Pros
A mild menthol and tea tree oil scent
It mostly stays transparent when applying, and it does not foam
A small amount works well
It provides good glide for the razor and protection while shaving with a multi-blade razor
Good value for the money
Cons
Gel might get left in the tube top cap section
Continuing the campaign to find the best non-foaming shaving gels has led me to the cooling gel from King of Shaves.
I actually used to use King of Shaves Shave Gel many years ago, and it was the first one I tried.
As I have used and reviewed various other non-foaming shaving gel brands, I have something to compare the gooey stuff from King of Shaves with.
In short, the shave gel is inexpensive, provides plenty of glide and protection, and simply does what a gel is supposed to do. However, I will share the whole story.
Description and Features
The 175 ml/5.9 fl oz tube is larger than the standard 100 ml (3.38 fl oz) to 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) size typically found for shave gels, and it features the standard pop cap design.
The pop cap design does tend to leave gel around the top section of the tube where we squeeze it out, which is quite normal. This is a reason I like the pump design bottles—they’re less messy.
For those who prefer products labeled and marketed with specific free-from and other ethical characteristics, the official website states the following.
- Certified by The Vegan Society – suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Sensitive skin tested.
- Made with 96% naturally derived ingredients.
- We are against animal testing. This product has been tested on humans.
- 100% recyclable tube made with recycled plastic.
Ingredients
The brand provides a list of ingredients on the back of the tube and a good description on their website.
The full ingredients are as follows:
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Menthol, Sodium Chloride, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Limonene, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Citric Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).
The Key ingredients and their benefits include:
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps retain moisture. Great for calming irritation after shaving.
- Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and smooth during and after the shave.
- Menthol – Provides a cooling, refreshing sensation and helps soothe itching or minor irritation.
- Eucalyptus Leaf Oil – Offers antibacterial properties and adds a cooling feel. It can also help invigorate the skin.
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) – Known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Helps prevent post-shave bumps or breakouts.
- Spearmint Leaf Oil (Mentha Viridis) – Adds a fresh scent and mild cooling sensation. Can be soothing in small amounts.
- Camphor Bark Oil (Cinnamomum Camphora) – Provides a cooling effect and may help reduce redness and swelling.
Ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin:
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate – A foaming agent that can strip natural oils and cause dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
- Menthol, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Spearmint, and Camphor Oils – While these natural oils have benefits, they can be too intense for sensitive or reactive skin types, potentially leading to irritation or stinging.
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone & Methylisothiazolinone – Preservatives that are known skin irritants for some people and may trigger allergic reactions.
- Limonene – A fragrance component that can oxidize over time and become irritating to sensitive skin.
- CI 42090 (Blue 1) & CI 19140 (Yellow 5) – Artificial colorants that don’t benefit the skin and can sometimes trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
It seems that the ingredients are of minimal concern for most users in a rinse-off product like this. Still, caution is warranted if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Scent
The scent, as expected, is a combo of menthol and tea tree oil. It’s okay and not overpowering.
As this is a shave gel, I dont give that much attention to scents, unlike what I like to experience with shaving creams and soaps.
Applying and Shaving Experience
After many years of not using the King of Shaves gel, I had forgotten how much was needed and initially went overboard.
I recommend trying a decent blob on the hand first and then topping it up if that doesn’t cover enough. This will help you get the amount that is right for you without wasting any.
When applying this gel, it may appear to have a slight whitening effect at times. Still, it does not foam, and the whitening effect of the gel subsides once I stop massaging it into the whiskers.
For a very affordable shave gel, this stuff goes a long way, and even after the first pass, I could just add water to my face, mostly without needing to add more gel.
I find the cooling effect is apparent, and it’s mild. I dont want an overpowering menthol cooling effect, so it suits me fine.
The gel provides enough slickness to help the razor glide smoothly, and it offers the necessary protection between the blades and my skin.
I used the Gillette ProGlide Razor and the Gillette ProGlide Power when testing the shave gel out. I use multi-blade/cartridge razors with shave gel, as I find they are the best suited for me.
There was no dryness after shaving, and it provided a moisturizing effect. My skin felt great after.
Value for Money
The King of Shaves shines here based on the cost of the tubes and the quality, plus the amount we get.
As this is a British brand, it’s pretty cheap to purchase in the UK, and it’s available in many stores, both online and offline. It costs a little more in the USA and other countries, and may not be quite as much of a bargain as it is in the UK.
If you are purchasing a 175 ml/5.9 fl oz tube in the US, the cost is approximately $10-$12. In the UK, the price ranges from £5 to £7.
You can also save money if you like it after trying it out and buy multi-buy packs, which reduces the cost per tube.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Worth Buying?)
Prior to using this King of Shave Cooling Shave Gel, I had the more expensive Bump Patrol Cool Shave Gel as my No. 1 (it still is), and the product from BullDog at No. 2.
However, I am placing this gel above the BullDog Shave Gel and positioning it in slot two. It goes somewhat further than BullDog, and the slickness lasts longer while shaving.
Anyone who needs an affordable shave gel and doesn’t mind a slight cooling effect can give this one a try.
