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Believe it or not, for a long time I thought shaving creams were more or less unnecessary add-ons to a hair removal routine. I assumed that ingrown hairs, nicks, razor burn, and general irritation were the price to pay for being vain enough to shave above the knee. But it wasn’t until I tried my very first shaving foam that I realized how wrong I was.
“You should always use a shaving cream—putting a razor against your skin with no buffer is going to cause irritation,” says Fur co-founder and CEO Laura Schubert. As it turns out, everyone knows shaving cream is necessary. Once you find the right one for your skin type, shaving creams will help you get a smooth, close shave without any irritation. Here, find the 13 best shaving creams you’ll wish you knew about sooner.
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- May not be suited for extremely dry skin
Whether your skin is sensitive, dry, or happy with just about anything, this shaving gel is a tried-and-true. “This has shea butter and vitamin E,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It also doesn’t have propylene glycol, which can be irritating for some people.”
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Created by the brand that made dealing with ingrown hairs chic, this hydrating shaving cream won’t leave your skin feeling irritated. “Our shaving cream is thick enough to provide a protective barrier, and improves skin health through hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients,” says Fur co-founder and CEO Laura Schubert.
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Some dislike the consistency
Shaving can be irritating to anyone, but especially for people who have sensitive skin. “This is the best product for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Lal. "It is allergen-free.”
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Too much product can come out very quickly
A personal favorite, this shaving cream is everything you could ever want; it’s hydrating and makes nicks and razor burn things of the past. Plus, a little goes a long way, so you’ll be using the same bottle for months.
eos Shea Butter 24H Moisture Shave Cream
Pros
- Softens skin
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
“This is a great affordable product with shea butter, almond oil, and petrolatum,” says Dr. Lal. If you’re looking to soften rough skin, this shaving cream will leave you with super sleek, ultra-soft skin.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Doesn't contain a lot of product
Shaving doesn't need to be boring. “This is a fun and elegant butter that has glycerin, and coconut,” says Dr. Lal. “It is heavily fragranced, but is great for someone who wants a creamier shaving option.”
Pros
- Slippery
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
Shaving the nether regions doesn’t need to feel as fraught with risk and danger. This super silky shaving cream was designed to be used down there, is super hydrating, and has plenty of slip so you won't tug or irritate your skin.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
It can be difficult to get a super-close shave with traditional methods. Thankfully, this gel-to-milk formula makes it easy, all while brightening your skin thanks to a combination of vitamin C and argan oil.
Proraso Shaving Cream
Pros
- Refreshing
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
If you ever feel like shaving makes your skin feel hot and irritated, reach for this cooling shaving cream instead. Not only does it temporarily cool your skin, but it leaves a lasting scent that's delectable.
Pros
- Customizeable
Cons
- Pricey
Throw out all your shaving rules—this body gel lets you shave your own way. You can use it on wet skin like traditional shaving cream, on dry skin for shaving on-the-g0, and post-shaving like a moisturizer.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
If you’re over creams, foams, and gels, let me introduce you to shaving oils. This version will leave your skin feeling so soft and hydrated, perfect for anyone battling skin dullness.
Shaving foams are great for avoiding any razor burn. Get three bottles of this Gen Z-approved gel, which is gentle, hydrating, and so reasonably priced.
Pros
- Lathers well
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
Shaving is an ancient art, so get into a classic cream. This version is super hydrating, soothing, and smells oh-so-good.
Is it okay to shave without shaving cream?
“A shaving cream or gel is a must,” says Dr. Lal. “Shaving cream or gels act as lubricants that make it easy for razors to glide on the skin. This reduces the risk of nicks, cuts, and abrasions.” A shaving cream can’t be duped with your regular cleanser either. “If you were in a bind you can use a moisturizing soap but it may not provide enough [slip] required for a clean and smooth shave,” adds Dr. Lal.
What does shaving cream actually do?
“When you shave, you’re taking off a layer of dead skin and debris and opening your pores up in the process, so it’s incredibly important that the product you’re using has ingredients that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin,” says Schubert. “Shaving cream increases the friction on the skin, which allows razors to glide over the skin. It also lubricates the hair making it easier to cut,” adds Dr. Lal.
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