The Best Shaving Creams for Men in 2023

A bad shave doesn’t just mean you end up with a patchwork quilt on your face, it can lead to ingrown hairs, rashes, and infections. Before you find yourself dipping your chin in almond milk, consider using an ounce of prevention and get something from our best shaving creams for men guide.

what does shaving cream do?

Shaving cream is essential for getting a clean and healthy shave, as it creates a protective barrier between your skin and the blade. Without it, the friction from the blade can give you cuts and irritate your skin in general. The right cream gives you a full, rich lather that should be soothing and enhance every step of the shaving process. Although shaving cream is important, a clean and safe blade, along with the correct technique are still key factors in a proper shave as well.

Should you always use shaving cream?

Although there’s no rule that you have to use shaving cream to shave, you open yourself to a greater risk of injury and razor burn without it. Shaving creams not only soften the hair on your face making them easier and safer to trim, but also include ingredients that moisturize your face.

Shaving Cream Vs. Gel vs. foam

Shaving cream softens and conditions the hair, and is the best option for sensitive skin, and probably overall. Shaving gel is a little thinner than shaving cream and is usually clear, making it better for precise cuts. Shaving foam comes in an aerosol can which includes chemicals and other stuff you should try to keep away from your face, and it doesn’t protect your face as well as the other two options. Serums are another option and they’re best for getting a very close shave.

ingredients to Consider in your Shaving Cream

The best shaving creams include ingredients that keep your hair and skin moisturized and protected. These include shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and other skin-friendly elements that aren’t harmful like the foaming agents and gases in foam shaving cream.

Shea butter: This natural base is a popular choice for many shaving creams and for good reason. It provides the protective barrier you need while also soothing the skin.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is another popular natural ingredient that protects and soothes.

Vitamin E: This is especially important for those with sensitive skin, as it reduces inflammation and evens out your skin tone.

Proraso Refreshing Shaving Cream

The Classic: Proraso has long been used by true barbers. Men who still have honest-to-goodness poles outside of their establishments, still offer wet shaves to their customers, and know how to sharpen their straight razors with a true leather strop love Proraso. This classic Italian-made shaving cream works into a thick lather with ease, and the rich menthol offers a nice cooling sensation. Each of Proraso’s products is made from almost entirely natural materials that are allowed to age before they are put on the shelves, so you’ll always get a professional-grade product.

Harry’s Shave Cream

The Best Budget Shaving Cream: Made with natural ingredients, including soothing cucumber and oils from coconuts and marula, Harry’s Shave Cream is a great budget-friendly choice. The minimalist package and low price will appeal to your aesthetics and your wallet, with a fresh minty scent to tie it all together. It’s paraben and sulfate free as well, so you’re not sacrificing quality at this price either.

Bevel Shaving Cream

Best Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin: Bevel has made a name for itself as one of the go-to options for sensitive skin. And the label’s shaving cream made with aloe vera and vitamin E oil is no exception. Not only does it provide a thick lather, but it also hydrates and protects your skin. And you can trust your skin will stay healthy as the cream is made with a moisturizing base of shea butter and aloe vera, as opposed to water.

HeadBlade HeadSlick Shave Cream

The Best Shaving Cream for Your Head: Yes, it’s important to keep your facial hair looking good, but if you need to shave your head then it’s important to get the right cream. HeadBlade’s HeadSlick Shave Cream is a great choice for your head, as the lubricated shaving cream is easy to rinse off.

Blu Atlas Shave Cream

The Best Natural Shaving Cream: This shaving cream from Blu Atlas will give you a close and soothing shave without using any harmful ingredients, as 99% of this cream’s ingredients are naturally sourced from plants and minerals. Using an oat and aloe base, this cream is naturally anti-inflammatory thanks to the added vitamin E.

L’Occitane Cade Shaving Cream

The Best Moisturizing Shaving Cream: Although most shaving creams do a good job of moisturizing your face, it doesn’t hurt to have some extra protection, which L’Occitane provides with its Cade Shaving Cream. This cream is made with shea butter and helps reduce irritation by providing a hydrating and gentle shave.

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream

The Best Smelling Shaving Cream: The Art of Shaving isn’t the first brand to try to give men’s faces a pampering, but they are among the best. This can work for any kind of skin, though the inclusion of sandalwood oils helps it revitalize normal to dry skin better than those who already have enough oil. This can be used equally well with or without a brush, but for a closer shave that is also smoother and less irritating, coupling this with a good shaving brush will give your skin a fresh feeling. Coconut acid and glycerin are also included in the ingredients to keep your skin healthy.

Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum

The Best Shaving Serum: It’s likely that you’ve probably seen a lot of Aesop products on various counters recently, as the brand has been making significant waves even before the L’Oreal acquisition. So it’s not a surprise that they’ve ended up on our list, and if you’re looking for a close shave, then consider Aesop’s Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum. This low-foam option soothes your skin, is good for all skin types, and leaves it smelling great with hints of sandalwood and Neroli blossom.

Saunders & Long The Long Weekender

The Best Multi-Use Cream: We know it can be hard to keep track of all the grooming products you need, so it helps to have something with multiple uses. The Long Weekender is made with polymers and vitamin B5 to protect your hair, and it works as a shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body wash, and grooming cream, making it a great option if you’re traveling as well.

The Best Aftershaves for Your Face

After you’ve used your new shaving cream, you might want something for added protection. So check out our best aftershaves guide to keep your face healthy.