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Martin De Candre Absinthe Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Agrumes (Citrus) Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Magellan Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Original Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Vetiver Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Fougere (Fern) Shaving Soap
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Martin De Candre Rose Shaving Soap
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Special OfferMartin De Candre Natural Unscented Shaving Soap
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About Martin De Candre
About Martin de Candre
Martin de Candre is a third-generation French soap maker established in 1974 at the Domaine de Mestré, near the historic Abbey of Fontevraud in the Loire Valley. The company is one of the last artisan producers in France to use the traditional hot process saponification method, transforming vegetable oils into soap through a slow, heat-activated reaction in a cauldron. This approach, combined with a curing period of four to five months, produces a firm, concentrated shaving soap with exceptional lather quality and longevity.
All Martin de Candre shaving soaps are made exclusively from vegetable oils, primarily stearic acid and coconut oil, combined with potassium hydroxide. The formula is vegan, contains no artificial preservatives, and is 100% biodegradable. Fragrances are created in-house using essential oil blends composed by the Martin de Candre perfumers, with each scent developed to complement rather than overpower the shave.
The Original shaving soap was the first in the range, introduced in the 1980s with its distinctive blend of lavender, mint, and rosemary. The collection has since expanded to include Fougère, a classic barbershop-style fragrance with green and woody notes; Vetiver, offering fresh green character with earthy depth; Agrumes, a bright citrus blend featuring grapefruit, bergamot, and lemon; and Rose, a refined floral profile. The Nature variant provides the same lather performance in a fragrance-free formula designed for sensitive skin.
Two anniversary editions, Magellan and Absinthe, were created to mark the brand's 500th anniversary, introducing warm spiced and herbaceous aniseed profiles respectively. Each soap is available in a 200g jar designed for at least a year of daily use, a 50g travel size, and sample envelopes that provide approximately eight to twelve shaves.
Using Martin de Candre Shaving Soap
Martin de Candre shaving soap requires a shaving brush to generate lather. Wet the brush thoroughly with warm water, shake out the excess, and work the tips into the soap using circular motions until a creamy, well-hydrated lather forms. The soap is highly concentrated, so only a small amount of product is needed to build sufficient lather for a complete shave.
Apply the lather to pre-moistened skin, ensuring the beard is thoroughly covered before shaving. The dense, slick consistency provides cushioning and glide, helping the razor move smoothly across the skin while offering protection during each pass.
After shaving, rinse the jar briefly under cold water to remove excess lather, then leave the lid off to allow the soap to dry between uses. Storing the soap open extends its lifespan and maintains the paste's firmness. Martin de Candre recommends avoiding blades with lubricating strips, as the soap's natural glycerin content provides sufficient slickness without additional coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Martin de Candre shaving soap scent should I choose?
Choose Original for lavender, mint and rosemary, Fougère for a green barbershop feel, Vetiver for earthy freshness, Agrumes for citrus, Rose for floral softness, or Nature if you want the fragrance-free option.
Does Martin de Candre shaving soap need a brush?
Yes. Martin de Candre shaving soap is designed for use with a shaving brush. Load lightly, add water gradually and build the lather on the face or in a shaving bowl.
Why does Martin de Candre last so long?
The soap is firm and concentrated, so only a small amount is needed for each shave. Leave the lid off after use so the soap can dry before storage.
Let customers speak for us
I'm usually used to using a heavy shaver for my daily shave. I thought about trying the Henson AL 13 v2 as I quite fancied a change. I was very surprised to find this shaver is very accurate to use almost surgical like. I quite fancy now perhaps trying to buy a Henson ti22 which is the titanium version. I most certainly recommend this company and this shaver highly. I will be using male grooming supplies again in future.
I was debating whether to get the medium or aggressive razor. As I can't be a***ed to shave more than every five days I went for the aggressive. Fantastic, just cuts through the stubble with consummate ease. Very light and ergonomic too. Easy to manoeuvre and the design means that you get the correct shaving angle naturally.
The only thing better is the service from MGS! I had a few queries which were answered almost immediately, great! I ordered the razor on Friday afternoon and it was delivered by nine on Saturday morning. Brilliant.
Both the razor and service are so good in fact that I will probably order the medium Henson to go with its big brother.
Thanks guys!
This brush (T3) is amazing and fantastic value for money. Well made and made to last. Robust when lathering up with no need to pre soak before use. Highly recommended.
Having just got back into wet shaving, I thought I would try the T3 Trafalgar & Henson AL13++. I've just used both of them and they are fantastic. The T3 is great for lathering and no need to pre soak. The Henson is just something else. If you are new to wet shaving, go for this, I didn’t have any nicks but a really close shave (3 passes). Don’t be put off as it is very lightweight, the blade will do the work and you will learn how much pressure you need to apply after a couple of uses. Using these going forward will be an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended, both of them.
Taylor of Old Bond Street is a wonderful shaving cream and I highly recommend to all.
Simpson Bay Rum shaving cream has got a very delicate but elegant scent, not too overpowering but very pleasant throughout the shave. The cream lathers easily and it's very slick, the razor will glide effortlessly. Post shave is very good, my skin was left soft and elastic even before applying the post shave balm. Definitely recommended!
After several years my old razor stopped aligning the blade correctly. This razor is a much better design, easier to clean, and a very smooth shave.
I have the Muhle R89 standard, however I wanted I wanted to improve on it for two main reasons, a longer handle and having a two rather than three piece head, whilst retaining the R89 head. The R89 'twist' was just what I needed and it most definitely works for.
Highly recommended well done male grooming for rapid dispatch
salter shaving creams never dissapoint, performance is great and aftershave feel fantastic.
the vetiver fragrance is a very dark earthy fragrance if you like vetiver this is for you
cannot fault this cream only wish they did matching splashes or balms
I’ve used these with the Henson AL13 and they seem to work very well! I suspect I may never have to buy any more razor blades for the rest of my life…!
I've used a few regular safety razors before, but I've never had a shave this smooth and clean. I finally tried this bad boy with an open comb, and it has been a total game-changer! Yes, you need a good technique, but the results are absolutely remarkable.
It also has excellent moisturizing effects.
