10 Best Shaving Creams for Smooth Skin, According to Dermatologists and Reviews
Shaving may be one of the oldest methods of body hair removal, but it’s popular for good reason: It’s a super easy, cheap, and effective way to get rid of hair on your armpits, legs, bikini line, or a combination of all three (and more) to remove. While a sharp, fresh razor is the most important factor for a safe, smooth shave, shaving cream still plays a supporting role.
“The primary role of shaving cream is to create a protective barrier between the skin and the razor blade,” says board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD. “The secondary benefit is skin care, so your skin isn’t left dry and dehydrated after shaving.”
Think back to a time when you were unprepared for some reason, and you probably remember the bruises, irritation, and little red bumps that followed. That means you shouldn’t skip applying cream when shaving, and there are a ton of products that promise to keep your skin silky and soft afterward. But how many of them actually deliver on their promises?
That’s where this list comes into play.
From budget-friendly options to more luxurious, on-trend lotions, these shaving creams make nicks, cuts, and razor burn a thing of the past. If you’re looking to remove facial or body hair, here are some ways to perfect your technique
Dermatologists’ shaving secrets for the softest skin ever.
1. Billie Whipped Shave Cream
Enriched with pore-clearing tea tree oil and redness-relief witch hazel, Billie Whipped Shave Cream forms a soft barrier between skin and razor, providing close coverage for even the most ingrown areas and a nick-free shave. Many reviewers comment on how hydrating the creamy formula is. If you’re used to working with lots of lather, Billie’s lather may seem a little light, but trust it to give you the lubrication you need to leave legs, underarms, and more silky soft.
Rave review: “Great value for money. I usually get ingrown hairs when I shave my legs, but that never happens with this product.”
2. Skintimate Skin Therapy Women’s Sensitive Skin Shave Gel
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, you can’t go wrong with this formula, and at just over $4 per jar, it should last you a while even if you shave every day. The lanolin and vitamin E in this foaming gel fight dryness so your skin doesn’t feel tired after a shower and shave.
Enthusiastic review: “The only shaving cream that works for my sensitive, razor-rash-prone skin. I can’t use anything else.”
3. Eos Shaving Cream
EOS’s non-foaming cream is formulated with sustainably sourced shea butter and colloidal oatmeal for sensitive skin, including in the sensitive bikini range. It also contains shea butter and aloe vera to prevent redness and irritation after shaving. Since this product isn’t in gel form, you don’t have to worry about rinsing off any residue—it’s designed to lock in moisture like a lotion.
Enthusiastic review: “I’ve suffered from strawberry legs for years and was on the verge of giving up after trying a few products, but this product has really changed my mind. I generally use it after peeling, and there’s no sign of redness! It leaves me baby soft, and I haven’t hurt myself yet.”
4. Flamingo Women’s Foaming Shave Gel
This lightweight gel-foam formula magically transforms into a vibrant lather on the skin and rinses off easily, making shaving smears a thing of the past. Flamingo users say even a small amount goes a long way. So keep that in mind when applying it to your legs or armpits. Using more product doesn’t necessarily mean more moisture after shaving. You’ll notice the scent, but with notes of iris, Sicilian lemon, and suede, it’s more appropriate for a beach vacation in Capri than a sad fruit salad.
Rave review: “This is by far the best shaving gel I’ve ever used. It smells lovely and leaves my underarms and legs moisturized and soft. I’ve tried a lot of gels over the years and I still have small nicks on my legs. My armpits would burn otherwise, but not with this shaving gel.
5. Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil
Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil is available in a variety of scents, so there’s something for everyone who likes gourmand or tropical scents. The gel-oil formula is packed with moisturizing ingredients including shea butter,
argan oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. Apply to damp skin for a wonderful, close shave that’s as smooth as a dolphin.
Enthusiastic review: “I recently started using this with the scrub that comes with it. It smells great and allows for a very close, smooth shave. Softens skin! ”
6. Gillette Venus 2-in-1 Cleanser and Shave Gel
This dermatologically and gynecologically tested gel allows for optimal lubrication on your tummy area. The formula contains no fragrances or dyes and is completely transparent so you can see exactly where the razor is moving as it moves.
It removes lint from your most sensitive areas. It also acts as a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser and contains no harmful parabens or silicones.
Enthusiastic review: “This is my favorite new product. It’s absolutely amazing! I don’t have any bumps. I have super sensitive skin and this helps! I love it.”
7. Aveeno Oatmeal and Vitamin E Therapeutic Shave Gel
When you see the Aveeno brand name, you know gentle products are going to follow, and this therapeutic shave gel is no exception. Oatmeal and Vitamin E work together to soothe and soften skin after shaving, naturally reducing irritation.
Reviewers report that it’s also great for sensitive skin, especially during the dry, cold months.
Glowing review: “I’ve been using this for over a year now and it’s by far the best shaving gel I’ve ever used in my life, and I’m turning 70 in a few weeks, and it’s gentle and soothing without the sting of mint.” Similar products. 8. Fur Moisturizing Shave Cream Fur has earned something of a cult following for its luxurious pubic and body oils, so it’s no surprise that the brand is also at the forefront of body hair removal. Enriched with olive oil and aloe vera, this ultra-light, no-foam formula lets you achieve a close, gentle shave nearly anywhere on your body, even in the south, with just one swipe. Users rave about the gentle exfoliation of the lemon peel oil and its silky spread. The only downside? The price is a little high, but it might be worth it during your heaviest shaving months. Enthusiastic review: “I used it for about two months. Then I bought another brand for about half the price. After a week of using the other brand, I bought more Peel. When I used Peel, I shaved twice. I could go at least three times longer between shaves. That’s not the case with any other brand. It’s worth the price!”
9. Luna Daily Everywhere pH Balanced Wash
Sometimes you just need to be able to multi-task in the shower and all over your body, and Luna Daily’s The Everywhere Wash is the one for you. Not only is this cleanser packed with beneficial ingredients like probiotics, vitamins C and E, and pH-balanced thermal water, but it also creates a lather that’s gentle enough to clean and shave all areas of your skin, including your vulva.
Try the original or look for two other versions: a moisturizing formula for perimenopausal and menopausal skin, and a fragrance-free version for super-sensitive skin types, allergy sufferers, and pregnant or postpartum women.
Positive review: “I don’t like soapy/foamy body washes because they dry my skin out. This is the perfect combo, and feels like my skin is cleansed but not dry. I also love that it’s safe to use anywhere.”
10. Good Time Moisturizing Shave Bar
Good Time is committed to reducing plastic waste, so you won’t find bottles in the brand’s product line. Instead, the brand creates space-saving, more eco-friendly bars of soap that can be used for a variety of purposes, from shampoo to hair care to body cleansing. The Moisturizing Shave Bar is praised for the creamy lather it creates when you add water and let it flow over your skin. If you like rich, musky scents, you’ll love the Canyon Drive scent, which blends sensual bergamot and magnolia.
Benefits of Using Shaving Cream
While shaving cream isn’t completely necessary, Dr. Mraz Robinson thinks it can be beneficial for just about anyone. To use most formulas, “first wet your skin with warm water and then wash with soap to remove surface bacteria and irritants,” she says. “Next, exfoliate with a gentle, fine-grain body scrub, then lather up and shave. Be sure to rinse your razor regularly, as shaving cream can accumulate in the blades, causing the shave to take longer than if you didn’t use shaving cream. Rinse more often if necessary.”
For best results, she also recommends using new blades about every three to four shaves.
