If we were to rank all of the different hair removal methods [1] (and believe us, there are many) by each one's level of difficulty, shaving [2] would top the list as one of the easiest. It's often looked at as a tedious extra step you might add at the end of your shower routine a few times a week, and therefore, you probably don't put as much thought into the products you're using to shave [3] as you would, say, a sunscreen or moisturiser. Still, given how irritating razors can be for the skin, it's important to invest in a high-quality shaving cream [4] to keep things smooth and bump free.
Believe it or not, when it comes to choosing the best shaving creams and gels, there's a lot to keep in mind. Is it safe to use on sensitive skin? Will it protect the skin against ingrown hairs and razor bumps? No matter your concern, there's a product out there for everyone. Ahead, we're taking you through some of the best shaving creams on the market.
Venus for Pubic Hair and Skin 2-in-1 Cleanser + Shave Gel
We're big fans of multitasking products, which makes this Venus for Pubic Hair and Skin 2-in-1 Cleanser + Shave Gel [5] ($15) a standout in our book. You can use it before or after shaving (or even without shaving at all) to gently cleanse the area and protect the skin from irritation.
Planet KIND by Gillette Protective Shave Cream
Living sustainably doesn't just stop with your everyday makeup and skin-care products. The Planet KIND by Gillette Protective Shave Cream [6] ($8) is a soothing, vitamin E-infused formula that's packaged in a recyclable aluminium tin so you can get a clean shave while saving the planet.
Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather Mini
No matter what part of your body you're choosing to shave, this Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather Mini [7] ($13) is packed with skin-softening protection thanks to its hydrating oils and plant extracts. The creamy lather attaches to stubble so you can get a superclose shave with minimal nicks or razor burn so your skin feels better afterward, even on sensitive spots.
Cremo Bliss Moisturising Concentrated Shave Cream
This Cremo Bliss Moisturising Concentrated Shave Cream [8] ($5) features a heavenly lavender scent and feels so slick on skin that your razor will glide right over it. It's also packed with soothing ingredients like aloe vera to soothe razor bumps and irritation.
Oui the People Shave Gel-to-Milk
Yes, the Oui the People Shave Gel-to-Milk [9] ($64) looks chic in your shower, but it's also a two-textured gem made with argan, grapeseed, marula, and sunflower oils. The product applies like a lightweight gel that transforms into a milky cream and will leave your post-shave skin feeling incredibly soft and stubble-free.
Fur Shave Cream
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs are no fun on any part of the body, but that's especially true when it comes to your bikini area. The Fur Shave Cream [10] ($28) is rich in hydrating ingredients like olive oil and vitamin A that allow you to get an incredibly close shave while still providing a barrier to protect your skin from irritation. (Even Emma Watson [11] approves.)
Billie The Shave Cream
The Billie The Shave Cream [12] ($8) has a nice slip to it that can be attributed to a few of its ultra-moisturising ingredients: olive oil to soften the skin and shea butter to keep it hydrated long after your shave.
The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
For a traditional shaving-cream swap, the The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream — Lavender [13] ($25) offers a rich lather without any alcohol, synthetic dyes, or synthetic fragrance.
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel with Oat for Sensitive Skin
One of the star ingredients in the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel with Oat for Sensitive Skin [14] ($4) is oat, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making this a solid option for those with skin that's prone to irritation.
Eos Shea Better Shave Cream
The Eos Shea Better Shave Cream [15] ($4) won't foam up when applied, but even the thinnest layer of its shea butter-rich formula will leave your skin feeling incredibly smooth and hydrated for up to a full day.
Skin Regimen Shaving Gel
The Skin Regimen Shaving Gel [16] ($35) is a shaving gel-to-foam that not only does what all shaving gels should — make the razor glide better and soften the skin — but it has an energizing scent that'll help wake you up in the shower and make your entire shaving experience feel more luxurious.
Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel
On top of producing a pillow soft lather upon application, the Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel [17] ($5) moisturises the skin and was specially created to remove "post-shave 'tightness,'" per the product description.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Shower, Bath and Shave Gel
The Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Shower, Bath and Shave Gel [18] ($28) doesn't just get skin clean, it also hydrates, conditions, and locks in moisture as it makes a smooth base for an irritation-free shave at the same time.
Skintimate Skin Therapy Dry Skin Shave Gel
If you're looking for something that's both affordable and reliable, your best bet is the Skintimate Skin Therapy Dry Skin Shave Gel [19] ($3), a tried-and-true favourite with a foamy formula infused with vitamin E to moisturise the skin and help you pick up every single hair.
Kopari Coconut Melt
This Kopari Coconut Melt [20] ($28) works as a shave oil (instead of a cream or gel), meaning the 100 percent pure, organic coconut oil practically "melts" on skin to create a smooth base for your razor. This unrefined oil is also rich in fatty acids and inflammation-fighting lauric acid to improve dryness and inflammation even on sensitive skin.
Shaveworks Pearl Soufflé Luxurious Shave Cream
The rich Shaveworks Pearl Soufflé Luxurious Shave Cream [21] ($22) features skin-calming botanical extracts so skin feels nourished and looks silky after you get a superclose shave. Plus, not only does this product exfoliate to reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs (especially in the bikini area), but hair-minimizing capislow [22] also leaves stubble less visible and softer moving forward.
Truly Beauty Coco Cloud Whipped Luxury Shave Butter
The Truly Beauty Coco Cloud Whipped Luxury Shave Butter [23] ($20) is like a body butter that melts onto the skin. It uses coconut milk to hydrate the area and soften the skin to combat any potential nicks or ingrown hairs.
Vanicream Shave Cream
The Vanicream Shave Cream [24] ($9) is as simple as it gets with a no-fuss formula that gets the job done free of alcohol, dyes, and fragrances for people with sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
Anthony Shave Cream
The Anthony Shave Cream [25] ($24) has a whipped-cream texture to coat and soften hair and skin, but it still won't clog blades as you get a very close shave. But what really makes it stand out is how cool it is — like it actually feels that way on contact because of the eucalyptus and rosemary extracts inside.
Gillette Venus Pure Shaving Cream Manuka Honey and Vanilla
The Gillette Venus Pure Shaving Cream Manuka Honey and Vanilla [26] ($6, originally $8), which smooths on skin like butter to make for the closest shave possible and smells even better — like vanilla pudding.