The 12 Best Beauty Kits for 2023 Goals

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 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 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. Because 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 has really changed my mind. I use it after I peel 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

Give your tummy area the best lubrication ever with this dermatologically and gynecologically tested gel. 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.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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