King of Shaves Alphagel ASC2 Shaving Gel 5.95 oz 175ml Vintage Early 2000s
An unusually scarce survivor from an earlier generation of King of Shaves men's grooming products, this original Alphagel ASC2 combines the company's low-foam shaving technology with an antibacterial formula developed specifically for sensitive, problem and spot-prone skin. Its distinctive translucent aqua packaging, specialized ASC2 branding and now-discontinued formulation make it an interesting example of British men's grooming from the early King of Shaves era.
Available today is this rare, new, made in the UK, guaranteed original and authentic King of Shaves Alphagel ASC2 Active Skin Cleansing / Anti Spot Control Shaving Gel, presented in the full-size 5.95-ounce (175ml) tube. The tube carries Batch Number A5193 and UPC 688003102374.
All photographs were taken at high magnification to document overall item condition. The buyer will receive the exact item pictured. Dating & Authentication
This Alphagel ASC2 belongs to an earlier, discontinued generation of King of Shaves grooming products. The original tube identifies the product as Alphagel ASC2 Active Skin Cleansing / Anti Spot Control Shaving Gel and retains its period King of Shaves crown branding, translucent aqua packaging, original gray cap, UPC 688003102374 and Batch Number A5193. The reverse identifies the product as made in the UK and carries the original formula and usage information associated with this ASC2 presentation. Packaging & Presentation
The packaging reflects the clean, clinical aesthetic used for the ASC2 line. A translucent aqua tube is paired with a pale gray cap and metallic silver and green graphics, while the King of Shaves crown logo appears prominently above the Alphagel name.
The front identifies the product as an Active Skin Cleansing shaving gel and emphasizes its antibacterial formulation. The reverse carries the original product description, ingredients and manufacturer information, while the UPC and batch identification remain visible. The presentation is particularly evocative of the period when men's shaving products were increasingly being marketed not simply as shaving aids, but as specialized skincare products addressing irritation, blemishes and sensitive skin. Condition
This item is new and unused in its original retail tube. The original cap, graphics, labeling, UPC and batch identification remain present. As a discontinued grooming product that has been stored for many years, minor exterior wear associated with storage and handling may be present. Please examine the high-magnification photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition. The exact item photographed is the item that will be shipped. Why This Item Stands Out
Alphagel ASC2 was considerably more specialized than an ordinary shaving gel.
King of Shaves marketed the formula specifically toward men with sensitive, problem or spot-prone skin. The package promotes an antibacterial formulation together with aloe, tea tree oil and vitamin E, combining shaving lubrication with skin-cleansing and conditioning features.
The product also incorporated what King of Shaves called its DDS Dual Delivery System, a microcapsule system intended to protect and lubricate the skin throughout shaving.
Its low-foam formulation provided another characteristic feature of the King of Shaves approach. Rather than covering the face with a thick layer of foam, the translucent gel allowed the shaving area to remain visible, particularly useful when shaping facial hair or working around blemishes and problem areas. Collector's Notes
King of Shaves emerged in Britain during the 1990s and became particularly associated with alternatives to traditional aerosol shaving foams. Products such as its shaving oils and low-foam gels emphasized lubrication and visibility rather than heavy lather.
Alphagel ASC2 represents a particularly interesting extension of that philosophy. Instead of functioning solely as a shaving lubricant, it incorporated the increasingly skincare-oriented language and ingredients that were entering men's grooming products during this period.
The original ASC2 formulation has long since disappeared from the regular King of Shaves assortment. Unused examples in their original period packaging are consequently much less frequently encountered than the company's conventional shaving products. Product Description
The original tube describes Alphagel ASC2 as an Active Skin Cleansing / Anti Spot Control shaving gel with a unique antibacterial formula designed to help clean and protect the skin while shaving, while also reducing irritation and razor burn. The formula features aloe, tea tree oil and vitamin E and was developed for sensitive, problem or spot-prone skin.
King of Shaves' microcapsule DDS Dual Delivery System was promoted as providing skin protection and lubrication throughout the shave for improved razor glide. The low-foam formula allows the shaving area to remain visible and was marketed as particularly useful for shaping and defining sideburns and facial hair and for avoiding spots, blemishes and problem areas. The product is fragrance free. Product History
Early 1990s: King of Shaves was established in Britain and developed a reputation for shaving products designed as alternatives to conventional shaving foam.
Early 2000s: Alphagel and ASC2 products were part of the King of Shaves grooming range, with ASC2 emphasizing sensitive and blemish-prone skin as well as shaving performance.
Later Years: The original Alphagel ASC2 Active Skin Cleansing / Anti Spot Control formulation was discontinued as the King of Shaves product assortment and packaging evolved.
Today: Surviving unused examples represent an increasingly difficult-to-find piece of earlier King of Shaves men's grooming history.
