There are differences in all the creams both in the ingredients and in the ratios used. I tend to use creams mostly and have around 15 different ones which I rotate, from some high end ones to the everydays, and there certainly is quite a difference in the qualities of each. The scents don't interest me too much as these disappear fairly quickly anyway, but some, like the Castle Forbes, L'Occitanes and T&Hs, lather quickly to a creamy consistency, hold the lather for some time and leave the face smooth and slippery. Others, although lathering well, make the skin dry between shaving strokes. Some need more product than others to give an effective quantity of lather. There is even variation between the effectiveness of creams from the same manufacturer. The chemicals used in colouring (e.g Rose,Violet) and in scenting the product can effect the lathering process. Sometimes this is hard to judge until you attain a set lathering technique which is reproduceable each time you shave.