# Why does shaving with mouthwash work?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 7, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659 "2009-05-07T15:26:29Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659/1 "2009-05-07T15:26:29Z")
I’m standing at a row of sinks at the Y and one of the morning regulars appears to be shaving his head without any shaving cream. I inquired and he told me he shaves his head and his face every morning with mouthwash. Been doing it for over 20 years, he said. Told me it works just as well as shaving cream, but it’s cheaper. He did caution, however, mouthwash with plaque remover works best. Instructions are simple…splash a bit on a dry face and go to it. Tried it the next morning and it works as promised. No burning, just a smooth as silk shave.
Anyone know why mouthwash might work so well. Figure it must have something to do with the alcohol.
Setting aside this inquiry, try it. You’ll be amazed.
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### Author:  [@Anthony\_N](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anthony_N)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659/2 "2009-05-07T18:09:06Z")
I think that anything that adds a little bit of lubrication for the razor works equally well for shaving. I would suspect the foaming king of shaving cream is preferred for no other reason than it is easier to see where the razor has passed so you don’t get missed spots.
I personally like to use hair conditioner when I shave in the shower. It softens the hairs very effectively and doesn’t dry the skin like regular soap or shaving cream containing alcohol does.
I think many men like to shave with an alcohol-based cream or use aftershave for the cooling feeling and for perceived antibacterial properties.
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### Author:  [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2009, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659/3 "2009-05-07T18:23:12Z")
I just use some lather from bar soap. Works fine. I shave in the shower, no mirror needed either. I have also used shampoo and conditioner – no problems with them either.
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### Author:  [@runcible\_spoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runcible_spoon)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-shaving-with-mouthwash-work/495659/4 "2009-05-07T21:53:52Z")
> [@Anthony\_N](#):
>
> foaming king of shaving cream
Band name!