A quality razor is important, but a good, hydrating shaving cream kicks your self care routine into high gear. Plus, shaving cream creates a thin barrier between the razor and your skin, which lets the blade glide smoothly and reduces the chances of cuts, knicks and irritation. Reducing that friction on the skin can also help prevent any unsightly razor burns and ingrown hairs.
“Shaving cream is important because it helps add a protective layer, or a buffer, to reduce the risk of injury by reducing friction and irritation from the blade,” says Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
To help you determine the best shaving cream for your skin, we spoke to dermatologists about the different shaving products out there and what to consider when shopping for shaving cream. We also included their recommendations for the best shaving creams, foams and gels to shop.
SKIP AHEAD Best shaving creams, gels and foams | What to look for in shaving creams, gels and foams
Our top picks
- Best overall: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
- Best cream: Eos Shea Better Sensitive Shave Cream
- Best gel: Nivea Men Sensitive Shave Gel
- Best for sensitive skin: Vanicream Shave Cream
- Best for all skin types: Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
How we picked the best shaving creams
When shopping for shaving cream, gel or foam, our experts recommend keeping the following key factors in mind:
- Formulation: Though shaving cream is the general, all-inclusive term, you’ll usually find these shaving products formulated as creams, gels and foams. Shaving creams are usually dense and hydrating, while gels are more lightweight and provide the most amount of lubrication. Foams are light and airy, but they may not provide as much lubrication as other options.
- Skin type: Look for a formulation that suits your specific skin type. For example, shaving creams and foams typically have moisturizing ingredients, so they’re great for dry skin. Gels are usually free of common irritants like alcohol, which means you can use them on more sensitive areas of the body. Foams are light, airy and hydrating, but they may not provide as much lubrication as other options.
- Ingredients: Look for soothing and hydrating ingredients like glycerin, oatmeal and aloe vera to avoid drying out and irritating the skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to reduce inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, you should also consider fragrance-free options, which are less likely to cause irritation and razor burns, according to our experts. If you’re prone to breakouts, you should look for a cream or gel that contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Related
10 best shaving creams, gels and foams
Each of the shaving products below were recommended by our experts and contain fragrance-free and soothing formulas in line with their guidance.
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
The Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel is hydrating and has oatmeal, which has soothing properties, and moisturizing vitamin E, which can prevent razor bumps, according to Ugonabo. Dr. William Huang, a board-certified dermatologist at Wake Forest Baptist Health, says he uses this gel on his sensitive skin because it’s formulated with a blend of hydrating and lubricating ingredients. Aveeno’s shave gel is also noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
Type: Gel | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: None
Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
This shaving cream from Kiehl’s creates a cooling sensation while you shave due to soothing menthol and cooling camphor, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. The shaving cream has a “lightweight creamy texture” and contains sesame seed oil to moisturize and soften the skin, she says.
Type: Cream | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance: Yes, menthol
Elemis Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel
The Elemis Shave Gel foams up when it lathers on the skin. “It not only helps to protect the skin, but also incorporates aloe vera, which is both calming and moisturizing on the skin, [as well as] oak bark and witch hazel, which help to reduce inflammation,” says Garshick. The shave gel also has menthol that can leave a cooling sensation on the skin, she adds.
Type: Foaming gel | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: Yes, menthol
Vanicream Shave Cream
The Vanicream Shave Cream also comes recommended by Garshick for those with sensitive skin because it’s free of fragrances, alcohols and parabens. “It nourishes the skin, helping to reduce irritation and bumps by minimizing friction between the skin and the razor blade,” she says. The cream has a non-lathering formula, which means you’ll be able to see where you’re shaving, according to the brand.
Type: Cream | Best for: All sensitive skin types | Fragrance: None
Nivea Men Sensitive Shave Gel
This Nivea shaving gel is another great option for sensitive skin. I usually struggle with a lot of razor bumps and irritation after I shave, but I notice this option leaves my dry, sensitive skin feeling smooth, hydrated and less irritated after each swipe of my razor. It creates a lightweight lather when you apply it on your skin, and it has soothing vitamin E and chamomile extract to prevent any irritation, dryness or burning, according to Nivea.
Type: Gel | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: Yes, light scent
Eos Shea Better Sensitive Shave Cream
This shaving cream and in-shower lotion from Eos has a combination of shea oil and shea butter, which Garshick says can help moisturize the skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It also contains oatmeal that can help soothe the skin and “[is] safe to use even in delicate areas,” she says. You can either rinse off the cream after shaving or leave it on like a lotion, according to the brand.
Type: Cream | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: None
Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather
The Jack Black Supreme Cream uses a vegan formula that’s free of synthetic fragrance and parabens. “It uses a blend of jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil and soybean oil to moisturize and soften the skin, glycerin, which helps to draw moisture in, and antioxidants, which help to soothe and calm the skin,” Garshick says. The shaving cream is available in 2.6-ounce, 6-ounce and 9.5-ounce containers.
Type: Cream | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: None
The Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream
This shaving cream has hydrating ingredients for those with dry skin, including a high concentration of glycerin that helps minimize irritation, according to Garshick. The unscented, noncomedogenic shaving cream produces a thick lather to help protect the skin and provide lubrication, according to the brand. It also has coconut acid, which can help reduce inflammation, according to The Art of Shaving. In addition to the shaving cream, The Art of Shaving’s unscented line also includes a pre-shave oil, pre-shave gel and after-shave balm.
Type: Cream | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin | Fragrance: None
Proraso Shaving Cream
Like many other shaving creams on this list, this one from Proraso contains glycerin, which helps moisturize the skin and allows the razor to glide across easily, says Garshick. It also has eucalyptus oil that helps soften facial hair and menthol to provide a cooling effect on the skin, she says. The shaving cream is free of mineral oils that can clog pores, as well as artificial colors, silicones and parabens, according to the brand.
Type: Cream | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance: Yes, menthol
Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel
This shaving gel from Gillette is free of dyes and fragrances, which “is great for sensitive skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth after shaving,” says Garshick. It lathers to provide a smoother glide of the razor and comes in a rust-free can to prevent rust rings in the shower, according to the brand.
Type: Cream | Best for: Sensitive skin | Fragrance: None
Related
What are the different types of shaving products?
Shaving cream is the most popular shaving product, but it isn’t the only one — there are also gels, foams and even powders to consider, and each is distinctly different to fit your shaving preferences. We spoke to experts to determine the different types of shaving products and help you better understand what might work best for your skin.
Shaving creams
Shaving creams are denser than foams and usually produce a “thicker lather that’s easy to rinse away, yet they provide a good amount of hydration and lubrication with ingredients that more readily penetrate your hair follicles,” says Huang. Creams are generally better for those with dry skin since they typically include more hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera, says Garshick.
Shaving gels
Shaving gels create a thick barrier between your skin and the razor and greater lubrication for more protection when shaving, says Huang. Because of their thick consistency, some gels provide a latherless application so you can see exactly where you’re shaving on your skin (in other words, it doesn’t foam up). Others may create a lightweight lather when you apply it on your skin to provide even more lubrication for the razor to easily glide. Gels typically contain less alcohol than shaving foams and creams, which can make them safe for grooming facial hair and the bikini area, according to Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.
Shaving foams
Shaving foams tend to be more light and airy and provide you with an instant lather that is easy to rinse away, according to Huang. While you can use foams on the face, you should mostly use them to shave your body since they don’t offer as much lubrication as shaving creams, says Shirazi.
Shaving powders
Shaving powders — which turn into a paste when applied on the skin — can remove hair without a razor. “These powders act as a chemical depilatory to help minimize the chance of ingrown hairs and razor burn,” says Garshick. However, there is a higher risk of irritation due to chemical ingredients, she says.
What to look for in shaving creams, gels and foams
Choosing the right shaving cream for your face and body depends on several factors, including your skin type and the product’s formula. Understanding your skin’s needs and reading the ingredient label can go a very long way in finding your ideal shaving cream. To help you determine which one is best for you, our experts noted a few key ingredients to look for in a shaving product and how each type can help (or hinder) your skin.
Ingredients
Shaving products usually have a combination of ingredients to soften the hair and help the razor cut more effectively, according to our experts. Some shaving creams also have hydrating properties to help soothe and calm the skin, which can “help support the skin and keep it healthy even after shaving,” says Garshick.
Look for soothing ingredients like oatmeal to prevent irritation and antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to help reduce inflammation, says Huang. Hydrating ingredients can also support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Humectants like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for example, can hydrate by pulling water into the skin and strengthening the skin barrier, says Shirazi.
Skin type
You can use shaving creams, foams and gels on both your face and body, but your specific skin type will help you determine which one is best for you. Generally, creams and foams are best for those with dry skin, while gels might be better for those with oily or combination skin since they are more lightweight, says Garshick.
If you’re prone to breakouts, you should look for a cream or gel that contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, according to our experts. Both Huang and Garshick note that those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should avoid products containing fragrance, alcohols, sulfates and glycols due to the increased risk of skin irritation.
Ultimately, choosing the right product comes down to personal preference and how you want it to sit on your skin. “Some people love the lather feeling of the foam, while others prefer the lightweight consistency of a gel,” says Ugonabo. The only exception is for those with very dry skin, who should always look for a hydrating formula and a “sensitive skin” label, she says.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Nkem Ugonabo is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and lasers at Union Derm in New York City.
- Dr. William Huang is a board-certified dermatologist at Wake Forest Baptist Health and a professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.
Why trust Select?
Mili Godio is an editor at Select who has covered a wide range of personal care topics, including deodorants, face sunscreens and women’s razors. For this article, Godio spoke to four dermatologists to narrow down the best shaving creams, gels and foams, and highlighted their recommendations for the best ones to consider.
CORRECTION (Aug. 19, 2022, 2:15 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the last name of a dermatologist. He is Dr. William Huang, not Haung.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
