10 Best Shaving Creams for Smooth Skin, Recommended and Reviewed by Dermatologists
Shaving may be one of the oldest methods of body hair removal, but there’s a reason it’s so popular:
It’s a relatively easy, cheap, and effective way to remove hair from your underarms, legs, bikini line, or any combination of those three (and beyond).
While a sharp, fresh razor is the most important factor for a safe, smooth shave, shaving cream still plays a supporting role.
“The primary function 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 dry and dehydrated after shaving.”
Think back to a time when you didn’t get ready for some reason, and you’ll probably remember the bruises, irritation, and little red bumps that followed.
Yet you shouldn’t skip shaving, as there are many products that promise to leave your skin smooth and silky afterward. But how many of them keep their promise?
That’s where this list comes into play.
From affordable options to more luxurious, sought-after lotions, these shaving creams make nicks, cuts, and razor burn a thing of the past.
If you’re looking to remove hair from your face or body, perfect your technique with some dermatologist-reviewed shaving tips for the softest skin possible.
1. Billie’s Cream
Enriched with pore-clearing tea tree oil and redness-relief witch hazel, Billie’s Cream creates a soft barrier between skin and razor, ensuring a close shave without nicks, even with ingrown skin.
Many reviewers rave about the moisturizing cream formula.
If you’re used to working with lots of lather, Billie’s may seem a little light, but trust it to provide the moisture you need for a silky-smooth shave on your legs, underarms, and more.
Rave review: “Great value for money. I used to get ingrown hair easily when I shaved my legs, but with this product, I no longer have any.”
2. Skintimate Sensitive Shave Gel
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, you can’t go wrong with this solution. At just over $4 per jar, it lasts a long time, even if you shave every day.
The lanolin and vitamin E in this foaming gel counteract dryness, so your skin won’t feel tired after a shower and shave.
Enthusiastic review: “This is the only shaving cream that works for my sensitive, razor-burn-prone skin. I can’t use anything else.”
3. Eos Shave 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.
Shea butter and aloe also prevent redness and irritation after shaving. Since this product isn’t in gel form, you don’t have to worry about rinsing off residue—it locks in moisture like a lotion.
Enthusiastic review: “I’ve had strawberry legs for years and was about to give up after trying several products, but this one is a complete change of heart.
I usually use it after exfoliating and there’s no sign of redness at all! It feels baby soft and I haven’t hurt myself yet.”
4. Flamingo Women’s Shaving Foam
This lightweight gel-foam formula magically transforms into an active foam on the skin and rinses away easily. Shaving residue is a thing of the past.
Flamingo users report that even a small amount goes a long way. So keep that in mind when applying it to your legs or armpits. 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 drab fruit salad.
Enthusiastic review: “This is by far the best shaving gel I’ve ever used. It smells great and softens and nourishes my underarms and legs.
I’ve tried many gels over the years and they still leave minor scratches on my legs.” My armpits would otherwise burn, but not with this shaving gel.
5. Treehouse Moisturizing Shave Oil
The Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil is available in a variety of scents – from gourmet to tropical, there’s something for every taste.
The gel-oil formula is rich with moisturizing ingredients including shea butter, argan oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. Apply to damp skin for a dolphin-like close shave.
Positive review: “I recently started using this and the accompanying scrub. It smells great and gives a close and smooth shave. My skin is so soft!”
6. Gillette Venus 2-in-1 Cleansing Shave Gel
Experience the best glide on your tummy area 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.
It removes lint from your most sensitive areas. It’s also soap-free, pH-balanced, and contains no harmful parabens or silicones.
Enthusiastic review: “This is my new favorite. It’s amazing! My breakouts are all gone. I have super sensitive skin and it really helps! I love it.”
7. Aveeno Oatmeal & Vitamin E Therapeutic Shave Gel
When you see the Aveeno brand name, you know they’re going to deliver a gentle product, 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, colder months.
Enthusiastic review: “I’ve been using this product for over a year now, and it’s by far the best shaving gel I’ve ever used. I’m turning 70 in a few weeks.
Gentle and soothing, without the sting of mint.”
Similar Products.
8.Furry Moisturizing Shave Cream
Furry has gained a cult following for its luxurious pubic and body oils. It’s no wonder the brand is also a leader in body hair removal.
Enriched with olive oil and aloe vera, this ultra-light, no-foam formula delivers a close, gentle shave to nearly any part of the body (even down south) in just one use.
Users rave about the lemon peel oil’s gentle exfoliation and its creamy spreadability. The only downside is that the price is a bit high, but it might be worth it during your most frequent shaving months.
Positive review: “I used it for about two months. Then I bought another brand that was about half the price. After using that brand for a week, I bought a few more razor skins.
I shaved twice with this one. I can go at least three times longer between shaves. I can’t do that with other brands. It’s worth it!”
9. Luna Daily Everywhere pH-Balanced Cleanser
Sometimes you just need to be able to multitask in the shower and all over your body, and Luna Daily’s Everywhere Wash is just what you need.
Not only is this cleanser packed with goodies like probiotics, vitamins C and E, and pH-balanced thermal water, but it also lathers gently to clean and shave all areas of your skin, including your vulva.
Try the original or explore two other versions: a moisturizing formula that’s perfect for menopausal and perimenopausal skin and a fragrance-free version that’s perfect for extra-sensitive skin, allergy sufferers, and women during or after pregnancy.
Positive review: “I don’t like soap-based/foamy body washes because they dry out my skin. This one’s formula blends perfectly and cleanses without drying my skin out.
And I love that it’s safe to use on the go.”
10. Good Time Moisturizing Shaving Bar
Good Time is committed to reducing plastic waste, so you won’t find any bottles among the brand’s personal care products.
Instead, the brand has developed space-saving, more eco-friendly soaps that offer a variety of uses, from shampooing to conditioning to body cleansing.
The Moisturizing Shaving Bar is especially well-received because it creates a creamy foam 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 is a sensual blend of bergamot and magnolia.
Benefits of Shaving Foam
While shaving foam isn’t absolutely necessary, Dr. Mraz Robinson agrees that it’s beneficial for just about everyone.
She says that with most products, “wet your skin first with warm water and then wash with soap to remove surface bacteria and irritants.”
“Then exfoliate your skin with a gentle, delicate body scrub, apply shaving cream, and shave. Rinse your razor regularly, as shaving foam will accumulate in the blades.
Therefore, a shave will take longer than if you didn’t use shaving foam. Rinse more often if necessary.”
For best results, she also recommends using a new blade every three to four shaves.
