Very good shaving gel. I was previously using Taylors of Old Bond Street cedarwood shaving cream, which is excellent. I personally prefer this Thistle and Black Pepper gel. It doesn't foam, as clearly stated on the description page, but it goes on fairly clear which means that, unlike a cream or soap, you can see what you are shaving. It stayed moist throughout my shave, so that whilst I was shaving my cheeks and neck it did not dry up under my nose. I spread it over my face by hand, not brush, and made sure I got some water into it. I had also applied Executive Shaving Company's water soluble pre shave oil first, which is very good (I also use that with the shaving cream). After my shave I used the Thistle and Black Pepper moisturiser. No parabens on any of these products labels.I have sensitive skin and can get razor burn on my neck and chin. I have avoided this with all the products I have mentioned here, partly because I now use a Feather DE razor with their own Feather blades (previously used Merkurs, Muhle etc, which I found too aggresive). I have both the feather AS and the Popular. This gel with either razor gives me a mild but close shave.This gel was just right for me. It smells nice but is subtle and wears off fairly quickly which makes using an eau de toilette the best way to go if you want a stronger, longer lasting scent. Buying this gel depends if you want to try a gel or feel that proper shaving can only be achieved by brushing on creams or soaps. After using this excellent gel I no longer do.This is only my experience of course.