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The first step in any shaving routine, whether it be your legs, underarms, private areas or even your face, is a proper lubricant. When applied properly, a shave gel, cream or even an oil provides a hydrating barrier between your skin and the razor to help give you a closer, nick-free and overall smoother shaving experience.
Below are some great shaving cream and gel options on Amazon that will blend seamlessly into any shaving routine. Our choices vary from a men’s barber-grade shave cream packed with unique molecules that become impossibly slick when mixed with water, ensuring your blade can glide effortlessly over skin to a moisturizing shave oil that may just help you achieve your closest shave yet.
Most importantly, whether you prefer a heavy lather or no lather, foam or light coating on the skin, these shaving options will help prevent the dreaded razor burn and irritation that is synonymous with any shaving regimen.
Our Favorite Shaving Gel Cream Worth Considering in 2024
Cremo Shave Cream – Unscented — Best Overall
While Cremo’s Shave Cream formula may be marketed as mainly a men’s facial product, it might actually behoove women to use as well due to its sensitive nature and unique, foam-free formulation. This barber-grade cream has a rich, concentrated formula that is full of ultra-slick molecules so that almost any blade can glide effortlessly over the skin, giving you a close, comfortable shave every time. In addition, this formula is unscented with additional ingredients to help prevent razor bumps, blemishes and ingrown hairs, making it optimal for even your most sensitive of areas.
Pros
- As this is a highly concentrated formula, one tube can outlast numerous cans of shave gel
Cons
- If you prefer shaving creams that lather, another option might be better
Vanicream Shave Cream — Runner Up
Vanicream’s Shave Cream is a non-lathering formula that has been specially developed for sensitive skin types and those who prefer to avoid common chemical irritants. This cream provides a smooth, close and comfortable shave by creating a protective barrier between the razor and your skin all the while protecting against razor burn, nicks, and cuts.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- While there is no added fragrance, if you are sensitive to natural scents, you may want to try another option
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel — Honorable Mention
If you are prone to razor bumps, then Aveeno’s Therapeutic Shave Gel might be a great option. This rich shave gel helps to hydrate and protect skin during shaving with their added oatmeal and vitamin E while moisturizing lubricants ensure a close, smooth shave. When you are done shaving you can expect more hydrated and soothed skin with less irritation, nicks, and cuts. This shave gel has no added fragrance and won’t clog your pores.
Pros
- Aveeno uses colloidal oatmeal in most of its products which is a skin protectant active ingredient and will help prevent and protect dry skin
Cons
- This is not a high-lathering shave cream
Gillette Satin Care Dry Skin Shave Gel — Contender
One of the drugstore mainstays, Gillette is known for its grooming and especially shaving products. Their Satin Care Shave Gel is designed specifically for dry skin with a specially created formula that includes glycerin which helps the skin to attract and retain its own natural moisture, leaving it softer and smoother. When lathered onto the skin, this gel provides an amazing glide and when partnered with a sharp razor, gives you the ultimate in protection from nicks and cuts.
Pros
- This is a rust-free can that will not leave any dirty rings around your bathing area
Cons
- The cover may be hard to remove when wet
Cremo Moisturizing Shave Cream- Coconut Mango-2-Pack — Also Consider
Another great option from the unique Cremo Shave line is their Moisturizing Cream in Coconut Mango. This moisturizing version has the same superior shaving formula as the unscented option above, except is packed with nourishing aloe, calendula and papaya extract that will leave your skin soft and smooth. Ideal for sensitive skin types, this cream has other natural ingredients including macadamia seed oil, lemon and olive leaf extracts that will also help fight razor burn and irritation.
Pros
- The moisturizing cream is tropically scented with soothing and uplifting coconut mango
Cons
- It is important to follow directions when using to ensure the most comfortable shave
Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel — Editor's Pick
Skintimate’s Signature Scents Shave Gel contains six moisturizers to help replenish and protect for a close, comfortable shave. Moisturizers including vitamin E and olive butter keep your skin hydrated, not dry and irritated, after shaving while its fresh Raspberry Rain fragrance provides a refreshing scent. This formula foams into a rich, creamy lather which helps the razor glide easily over skin, allowing you to get the most comfortable shave.
Pros
- For its pricepoint, it’s an effective option, and it won’t dry out your hair
Cons
- If you suffer from severe dandruff, you may want to spring for a different option
Tree Hut Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil — Another Option
The Shave Oil by Tree Nut is another shaving formula option that will provide you with a smooth and comfortable shave. Tree Hut’s Oil is infused with 100% pure and organic shea butter which acts as a deep moisturizer to soften and smooth dry, cracked skin. In addition to shea butter, it has a blend of natural oils and skin conditioners to provide additional hydration and make shaving easy and comfortable.
Pros
- This is a paraben and chemical-free formula
Cons
- Be careful when using an oil-based product in a shower or tub area
Buying Guide: Shaving Gel Creams
A close shave can make you feel like a new man or woman. When you feel tired or are not looking your best, some simple self-care can give you the boost you need to get through your day. It’s often expected in formal situations, such as at a workplace, that men will have a proper shave to appear rightly dressed.
However, shaving incorrectly can cause skin irritation, lumps, cuts, and uneven shaves. This may make you feel and look worse than if you hadn’t shaved at all. Shaving with a good razor and high-quality shaving cream can make a massive difference.
Choosing the right shaving gel cream depends on your skin type and preferences regarding consistency and scent. Continue reading to learn more about shaving cream, gels, and foams to make an educated purchase.
What Makes Shaving Cream Better Than Soap?
Shaving cream is designed to keep hair upright when you shave. This creates an effective cut, whereas soap can weigh hair down and make it stick to your skin. As mentioned earlier, shaving products create more lubrication and protection for your skin than soap provides. Many shaving creams are also moisturizing, whereas soap often strips oil away.
Shaving Gel, Shaving Foam, or Shaving Cream?
Confusingly, the term shaving cream is often used to describe shaving gel and shaving foam. However, shaving cream is also considered a shaving product on its own. The main difference between these shaving products is the thickness of the foam they produce.
Shaving creams
Shaving creams have the thickest consistency. The density of cream provides excellent lubrication and is the best option for sensitive areas with thick hair, like the bikini line or particularly coarse facial stubble. Shaving creams are also often very hydrating.
Shaving gels
Shaving gels are a little thinner than shaving creams. The benefit of using this type of shaving product over a shaving cream is that it does not lather, making it easier to see the areas you are shaving. They are also less messy and can be used on the bikini line and face.
Shaving foams
We do not recommend using shaving foams on your face or bikini line because they do not provide as much protection as our previous two options. Shaving foam creates a thin barrier. However, it foams up quickly and washes away easily. It is often cheaper than gel or cream and can be used on the less sensitive areas of the body like the legs.
Consider Buying Shaving Oil
Shaving oil will add extra protection to your skin when you shave. It is also full of nourishing moisture. It should be used in conjunction with shaving cream and not in place of it.
Listen to the Dermatologists
Consider purchasing a shaving cream recommended by dermatologists. Products that are dermatologically tested are unlikely to cause adverse reactions. If you have sensitive skin, use products advertised as being designed for sensitive skin. Similarly, avoid ingredients that dermatologists do not recommend, such as:
- Propylene glycol
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Mineral oil
- Synthetic fragrances and colors
Shave at the Right Time
Shaving at the right time will make it a much more pleasant experience with fewer cuts and irritated skin. We recommend shaving after a few minutes in a hot shower. The warm water will soften your hair and open your pores allowing for a very close shave. The shaving cream and excess hair will also rinse away easily in the shower. After shaving, splash your skin with cold water to tighten the pores again.
Use a Shaving Brush to Make the Most of Your Shaving Cream
There are many benefits to using a shaving brush when you shave. Many top-end shaving creams do not automatically lather and must be lathered by hand. A shaving brush is necessary when using natural, high-end shaving cream. Shaving brushes help you evenly place the shaving cream and create more of a lather.
This means you will use less shaving cream with better results and save money in the long run. As you spread the cream, you are also gently exfoliating your skin. Look for a shaving brush with a thick handle and medium-firm bristles. Most people prefer natural bristles made from boar or badger hair. However, synthetic bristles work well enough if you want to make a cruelty-free purchase.
You Wouldn’t Purchase a Foul Smelling Shower Gel, Right?
Do not purchase a bad-smelling shaving cream. Instead, look for natural ingredients that have a pleasant odor. Think coconut, honey, and lavender. As mentioned earlier, you should avoid artificial fragrances as this may cause skin irritation.
