1919

In 1919, Frank Shields, a former MIT professor developed the first shave cream. The innovative product offered men an alternative to using a brush to work soap into a lather. The shave cream formula was designed to provide a comfortable shave for men with tough beards and sensitive skin, like himself. The name Barbasol came from the combination of the Roman word 'barba,' meaning beard, and 'solution.'

When it was first produced, Barbasol was filled and packaged entirely by hand in Indianapolis, IN.

1920s

Product endorsements from famous male celebrities of the 1920-1930s, including athletes, actors and musicians ran in a series of ads in the Saturday Evening Post. The ads featured personal quotes from the men, explaining why they enjoyed shaving with Barbasol.

1930s

Barbasol was widely advertised on the radio and in 1931 former vaudevillian and popular radio personality, Harry Frankel made his debut as Singin' Sam, the Barbasol Man.

The memorable Barbasol jingle "Barbasol, Barbasol … No brush, no lather, no rub-in … Wet your razor, then begin." Soon became a national success.

1930s

By 1936, the company employed nearly 400 people and was also manufacturing razor blades. The Great Depression had little or no impact on the Barbasol brand, since shaving cream was not considered a luxury item.

1940s

Barbasol Shaving Cream became standard issue for soldiers during World War II. As a show of patriotism, the company also sold large tubes of shave cream in PX stores for no profit.

The Barbasol Company hired hundreds of people, with shifts running around the clock to keep up with demand, including special shifts for housewives.

1940s

Barbasol print ads in the late 1940s suggested that using Barbasol Shave Cream would help men attract women. The illustrations often depicted beautiful women in suggestive positions, wearing revealing outfits.

1950s

Over the years, Barbasol has been sold in a variety of packaging types and sizes. The Giant Jar was originally sold for 75¢.

1950s

The introduction of aerosol cans in the 1950s, prompted a change in the Barbasol formula from a thick cream into a soft, fluffy foam – similar to what is currently seen on shelves. The iconic barbershop pole design on the first aerosol cans remains a signature trademark for the brand.

PHOTO BY ALLEN SANDQUIST

1960s

In 1962, the Barbasol brand was purchased by Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical company.

1960s

1980s

Barbasol received significant television advertising support to increase brand awareness, after research showed that 25% of consumers were not familiar with the brand.

1980s

In 1988, Barbasol introduced shave gels in four flavors: Original, Sensitive Skin, Skin Conditioner and Lemon Lime.

1990s

Cans of Barbasol Shaving Cream were prominently featured in popular movies such as The Fugitive and Jurassic Park.

1990s

During the late 1990s, Barbasol sponsored Akins Motorsports drivers Glenn Allen Jr. and Elton Sawyer in the NASCAR Busch Series.

Outside of this sponsorship, the brand was largely unadvertised and market share slowly dwindled.

2000s

Perio, Inc. purchased Barbasol in 2001 and quickly re-energized the legacy brand — expanding product lines, developing new products and renewing brand awareness through advertising. Barbasol was once again America's #1 men's shave cream brand, with Soothing Aloe as the overall leading men's shave prep sold.

2000s

Barbasol become the most advertised shave prep with television and radio advertising supporting the new tagline "Close Shave America." In addition to reconnecting with men of all ages, the brand grew fourfold.

2010s

Barbasol continues its long-standing commitment to American manufacturing by opening a new manufacturing facility in Ashland, OH.