Shaving soap is generally referred to as hard soap that is whipped into a lather using a shaving brush.The lather it produces is used to coat the face during shaving, providing protection and lubrication for the razor. Shaving soap is not much different from regular soap except for some added clay that gives the soap extra slips and also works to purify the skin. Once you try a real soap to shave with, it will be difficult for you to try commercial shaving cream again.