Almost 20 years ago, Stan Ades and CC Sofronas founded Pacific Shaving Co. with the simple goal of improving the shaving experience. The husband-and-wife duo put their heads together and created a line of affordable shaving essentials that were made from a unique blend of safe and natural ingredients that were good for the skin, but affordable at the same time.

“Necessity was the mother of invention here,” say Ades and Sofronas. “We were simply looking for products that didn't exist in the market at the time. Namely, innovative and effective shaving products that use safe, natural, and plant-derived ingredients.”

All of Pacific Shaving Co.’s products are responsibly manufactured in the United States with an emphasis on the environment. Since launching, they have expanded their line to include everything from shaving creams and oils to post-shave care and a 6-blade razor system. We chatted with the founders, who shared the inspiration behind their innovative brand, future plans, and more.

When was Pacific Shaving Co. founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?

Pacific Shaving was founded in 2002 as just a simple, part-time hobby/business with just one product: our Natural Shave Oil. The company is based in San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean is essentially our backyard. Part of the idea for the name was in the belief (and challenge) that you don't need a clever name to build an amazing brand, and that we could do it on the strength of the products and the company.

Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.

Pacific Shaving Company develops, manufactures, and sells grooming products that are grounded in innovation and effectiveness—not image. Our products are made with safe, natural, and plant-derived ingredients in environmentally-friendly packaging. The company develops “nothing else like it” personal care items that resonate with consumers and make grooming more enjoyable—even fun! We are a family-run business, and husband and wife team.

Do you have a hero product? What’s your favorite?

Our Natural Shaving Cream and our Nick Stick are probably our true hero products. But honestly, our customers purchase pretty consistently across the whole brand. My favorite product? Impossible to say, but I do love our Ultra Slick Shave Stick!

Where are your products sold?

Our products are sold at select food, drug, and mass retailers across the country, and of course, on Amazon (Prime!) and our website.

What's next for the brand?

Oooh, we can't share that information just yet. But look out in early 2021 for our upcoming launch of truly new and innovative shaving products for men and women—like nothing else out there!

For more information and to purchase, visit pacificshaving.com and follow on Instagram: @pacificshaving

[Images courtesy of Pacific Shaving Co.]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk