I recently picked up a jar of MDC (original) and a jar of LPL and I wanted to give people my impressions of the difference between the two. Price: LPL - about $45 delivered MDC - about $75 delivered (about 40% more expensive) Lathering: Both lather quickly, but LPL seems to lather a little more readily than MDC. Both are thirsty soaps, but MDC seems to be a little more thirsty. Slickness: Both are among the slickest I have used, but I do have to give a slight edge to MDC. Cushioning: Both cushion very well and I can not tell any real difference between the two. Moisturizing: Both have high moisturizing qualities with little, if any, difference. Scent: MDC seems to have a touch of soap scent that is absent from LPL. However, the MDC also has a slightly stronger overall scent than LPL. Both scents are pleasant to me. Longevity: This is where, IMHO, MDC shines. While the LPL jar visibly shows use, the MDC seems to not show any use. I believe that the MDC will last significantly longer than LPL. Part of the reason for this is that LPL is much softer and seems to be more of a croap than a soap. The reality is that you if you like one, you will almost certainly like the other. The only real differences I can see are the price and the longevity of the soaps. Is MDC worth 40% more? Maybe, maybe not - it really depends on you. I hope this helps someone contemplating buying one or the other. BTW - if you bought one and hate it, you can always PIF it to me.
I have been at a jar of MdC do several months. I always seem to make too much lather and the jar looks as if barely touched. I mean it looks like a glycerin soap after one use. I think the stuff is never going to run out
I find MdC a tad drying and prefer LPL for its post-shave property and scents. Having said that, I much prefer the Artisanal soaps I can find in the US for the scents they offer and their prices are more reasonable since I live in Canada.
Mark, nice comparison! I haven't tried LPL. I do have a jar of MdC original, IMO it's worth every penny. The best soap I've ever used.
Nice review Mark & it fits right in with my thoughts on MDC. I love LPL also but it is a step below MDC ( not much) I ordered two jars because it is kind of hard to find. If I had known that one jar was going to last me forever, I would not have needed to get two. It reminds me of the Energizer Bunny. It just goes and goes and goes and is still full. I love the stuff by itself but with a crème as a ubelather it is simply outstanding. I use Coates crèmes with it because they are not a strong scent and I would not want to kill the wonderful scent of the MDC. With that said, I like the scent of Le Pere Lucien a little better
I'm interested in mdc but with so many good artisan soaps out right now I'm not really in a rush to buy it. Maybe one day.
I've not found either to be the least bit drying. In fact, I think both are excellent at moisturizing. For me, the only two real differences were the price and how long they last. Yes, the scents are different, but scents are such a personal taste that it is impossible to tell what anyone else will like. BTW - My daughter said "Thank that Cuban guy again for the soap".
Nice write-up, Mark! Having used both, I agree with your observations. Both are exceptional latherers. Either would provide a very good shaving experience. What if you got MdC for 'only' $58?.... a no-brainer.
I bought my MdC from a US seller, paid $75 delivered. Beats waiting a couple of weeks coming from France. Edit: I bought my MdC from the same seller that Mark had provided the link to. Who was very easy to deal with.
