Shaving is a regular part of many men’s grooming rituals, and using shaving creams is a necessary step if you want to avoid razor burn and keep your skin moisturized. They help soften the hairs before shaving and provide a protective layer between your blade and your skin, reducing the risk of cuts and nicks. When it comes to shaving creams, products offer various scents and textures and are created with different formulas. If you have sensitive skin, you want to purchase a cream that is dermatologically tested and safe to use, or if you want to feel refreshed and smell great, you can buy something with a subtle and masculine scent. Below are the best shaving creams for men that are affordable and will be a welcome addition to your shaving routine.
Best Shaving Creams for Men
1. Edge Shave Gel
Edge Shave Gel is a great product to help reduce razor cuts and skin irritation. It is owned by Schick, who has been creating shaving gels and creams for over 50 years, so you can rest assured that they know what they are doing and have found a formula for success. The gel includes aloe and is designed for sensitive skin. There is a very subtle fragrance, no lather time, and easy application, making this a fantastic option for everyday use. You will get a close shave, plus the cooling conditioners will leave you feeling fresh and looking good.
2. Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel
Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel is designed for men with sensitive skin with a special natural formula that helps to soothe the skin and prevent irritation. It is formulated with chamomile, witch hazel extracts, and vitamin E, making it a soothing and nourishing gel that is fast-absorbing and great for a close and comfortable shave. In addition, it is also free from alcohol and dyes. To use it, apply it directly onto a wet face to form the creamy lather.
3. PURE by Gillette Soothing Shave Cream with Aloe
The name of this product should be all the indications you need; PURE by Gillette Soothing Shave Cream is pure in every sense of the word. It is free from alcohol, dyes, parabens, and sulfates. This can transform your shaving ritual, especially if you have sensitive skin. It is also infused with aloe for a better, smoother shave, reducing the risk of cuts and nicks. The formula will help protect against irritation and leave you with a cool finish. It is affordable and will have your face feeling great.
4. Cremo Barber Grade Sage and Citrus Shave Cream
If you are looking for an inexpensive shaving cream that has a great scent and will give you a close, smooth shave, then Cremo Barber Grade Sage and Citrus Shave Cream is the option for you. The product is designed to help you fight razor burn and prevent irritation; this is achieved because the formula is concentrated and contains molecules that, when mixed with water, create a slick finish helping your razor glide over the skin. You only need to use a small amount because it is concentrated, ensuring it lasts longer, around 90 days. The sage and citrus scent is fresh and masculine, adding to the overall appeal of this shave cream.
5. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2 in 1 Shave Gel
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2 in 1 Shave Gel gives you everything you need from a shaving cream because your skin will feel soft, and your shave will be smooth. It can be used by men with sensitive skin and will hydrate and protect it. It is not just the formula that will attract you to this shaving cream but also the packaging. The canister is designed to be rust-free, reducing mess, and will not leave a ring. The clean-dispenser actuator also ensures that you do not get too much product unnecessarily.
6. Gillette Series 3X Shave Gel Sensitive
Gillette Series 3X Shave Gel Sensitive is created with aloe and designed to protect your skin from shaving irritation; this includes redness, tightness, nicks and cuts, and burning and stinging. It can be used by men with sensitive skin and is lightly fragranced. Another pro of the product is that it will leave your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated, which can help soften the hair. You can purchase them in a six-pack for better value and ensure that you have a supply of, what could be, your new favorite shaving cream. Plus, it comes in a rust-free can, for one less worry and making your shaving experience that little bit more enjoyable.
7. C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Made in Italy, C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream is formulated with eucalyptus oil which creates a cleansing effect, coconut oil for hydration, and camphor for soothing the skin. It has a creamy lather, providing protection for a comfortable and close shave. Apply it with a brush or use your hands; the choice is yours.
8. Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream – White Eagle
Kiehls is a slightly more expensive brand, but then again, investing in good skincare is worth it. The Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle is a firm favorite and one of Kiehl’s most popular products. It does the job intended for, giving you a comfortable and close shave without irritation. It can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is a brushless formulation making it incredibly easy to apply. Another pro is that the shaving cream contains menthol and camphor. Menthol is excellent at giving the skin a fresh feel, and camphor has a cooling effect.
9. Brickell Men’s Smooth Brushless Shave Cream
Brickell Men’s Smooth Brushless Shave Cream comes in two sizes, either a two-ounce or a five-ounce option, and is a product that can help prevent skin irritation and provide you with a great, close shave. This is achieved because the shaving cream will soften your facial hair while also providing a layer of lubrication for protection and a better glide. It is unscented and can be used by all skin types. It is formulated using natural and certified organic ingredients; these include aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut oil.
10. Pacific Shaving Company Natural Shave Cream
If you are a man who appreciates that good products can also be conscious and cruelty-free, then let us introduce you to the Pacific Shaving Company Natural Shave Cream. Made in the USA, this long-lasting, concentrated vegan formula is special; it is made from natural, plant-derived ingredients that will give you a smooth shave and keep your skin hydrated. These include aloe and shea butter. In addition to the lubrication, you will also be drawn to the fact that there are no parabens and no synthetic fragrances used. The packaging is a tube, which means you do not have to worry about using an aerosol can, and it is excellent for travel, available in a TSA-compliant size.
11. Clinique for Men Cream Shave
Clinique for Men Cream Shave is a no-fuss formula that leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. It is designed to help prevent redness and irritation, providing you with a close and comfortable shave that will leave your skin hydrated and looking bright and fresh. It goes on easily and provides excellent lubrication. The shave cream is highly recommended by customers who feel it works a treat and has a subtle smell.
12. Harry’s Shaving Cream
Harry’s Shaving Cream is a conditioning formula created for a comfortable shave. The formula will help to soften your facial hairs, allowing for a closer shave, but will also provide the necessary lubrication so that your razor can glide over your facial hair. It is designed using natural ingredients; a blend of 12 oils and extracts, including eucalyptus and mint for a refreshing finish, and aloe vera for soothing. The shave cream is not tested on animals and is incredibly affordable. For the best use, apply it on wet skin, and work it in a circular motion. Leave for a couple of minutes before shaving. It is a brand that has been featured in world-class publications and is a firm favorite among its customers. They also encourage feedback from users so that they can ensure customers’ satisfaction.
13. Neutrogena Men’s Shaving Cream For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena is a tried and trusted brand, and their Men’s Shaving Cream For Sensitive Skin is a great option for someone looking for an inexpensive product that works. Good shaving cream can revolutionize your skincare routine, and this one is formulated to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. It can also make your skin look better and healthier because it won’t clog your pores and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients such as dyes. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause blackheads or block the pores.
14. The Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream
The Art of Shaving brand was founded by a couple in 1996 to fill a gap in the market, providing high-quality products that can help men achieve the perfect shave. Their unscented shaving cream is excellent for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and, as the name suggests, will not leave you with a strong smell. It is formulated without alcohol and synthetic dyes, reducing the risk of skin irritation. There is also a rich lather that can be used without a shaving brush to help achieve a smooth shave. In terms of packaging, it doesn’t get much better than this, so this is a fantastic purchase for yourself or as a gift.
15. Viking Revolution Shave Cream
Viking Revolution Shave Cream is a brand that is dedicated to creating high-quality products, making it the perfect brand for a man who is looking for something different. They also take customer satisfaction seriously. The formula is highly concentrated and creates a good lather to provide a smooth and clean shave. The natural ingredients used in creating this shave cream also ensure that your skin is soft and irritation-free. As a bonus, there is a fantastic smell.
What Does Shaving Cream Do?
Shaving cream helps to soften your facial hair while also providing a protective barrier between your skin and the razor blade. This ensures a closer and more comfortable shave because the hairs are easier to cut, facilitating razor glide. Shaving creams are also designed to help prevent skin irritation, razor burn, and cuts and nicks. They can make your skin hydrated and leave it feeling fresh and clean. There are different formulations on the market, many of which can be used for sensitive skin or skin prone to breakouts.
How to Use a Shaving Cream
When using shaving cream, you want to apply it to clean, wet skin, covering the cheeks, jawline, neck, chin, upper lip, or wherever you want to focus your shave. The cream is formulated to provide a protective layer against razor burn and nicks and cuts and moisturizes your facial hairs. Some products can be used with or without a brush, but soak it in hot water first to help with the lather if you are using a brush. A shaving brush and bowl can create a smoother application. You can also lather the cream in your hands or directly on the face. If you have thick facial hair, you want to let the cream sit for a couple of minutes to help soften the hair.
Is Shaving Cream Better Than Shaving Gel?
Every man’s needs and preferences are different, so when it comes to choosing between shaving cream and shaving gel, and which is better, that is a personal decision. That said, there are a few subtle differences between the two, one of the most significant being the lather. Shaving gels can provide extra lubrication, allowing more razor glide and protection, making them a fantastic choice for men with sensitive skin. This lather can help reduce the risk of razor burn and nicks. Shaving cream creates a layer of protection between the blade and your face, as well as helping to lock in the moisture of your beard hair. After your shave with shaving cream, you will likely feel refreshed and hydrated.
FAQs
What should I look for in a shaving cream?
When deciding on shaving cream, you want to consider several things, most importantly the lather and the amount of lubrication your product will provide. This is important for a smooth and clean shave and to reduce the risk of skin irritation, cuts, and nicks. If you have sensitive skin, it is also essential to find a product that caters to this. Lastly, some ingredients are best avoided; these include parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, alcohols, and fragrances.
How long should you leave the shaving cream on?
When using shaving cream, it is important to let it sit on the skin for a few minutes, around two to three. The reason is this can help soften your beard hairs and provide a smoother, cleaner shave.
Is shaving cream good for your skin?
Shaving cream can be bad for your skin if you choose a brand with harmful chemicals or products that can cause dryness. When using shaving cream, it is best to avoid ones that include parabens, fragrance, petroleum-based ingredients, and alcohol. Finding the right product can help reduce the risk of razor burn, nicks, and cuts.
How thick should you apply shaving cream?
Shaving creams are usually concentrated formulas, and you do not need much of them. This should be a small dollop that will cover your skin in a thin layer. It is best applied to clean, wet and warm skin.
Should you wet your face before applying shaving cream?
It is advisable to apply shaving cream to clean and wet skin. You should use warm water. If you exfoliate beforehand, it can also help lift the hairs. The reason you do this is to prevent skin irritation, breakouts and give you the closest shave possible.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.