The present invention is directed to a non-aerosol shaving composition in the form of a gel, preferably a clear gel. The non-aerosol shaving gel comprises water, an alkanolamine soap, preferably a triethanolamine soap, and a solubilizing agent for the soap, wherein the soap is completely dissolved in the water and the amount of soap and solubilizing agent is sufficient to provide the soap in the hexagonal liquid crystal phase in the composition. The present invention is also directed to an improved shaving method in which a shaving composition of the present invention is applied to an area of skin, then said area is shaved, preferably with a wet razor.