7 Dermatologist-Approved Shaving Creams for Your Smoothest Shave Ever (2024)

TL;DR

Overall, our favorite shaving cream is the Fur Shave Cream. Lightweight yet incredibly creamy,the formula is rich and sudsy, helping those prone to nicks and cuts get a smooth shave. Plus, it contains exfoliating lemon oil, whichsoftens the skin and prevents ingrown hairs. We also love our budget pick, theSkintimate Skin Therapy Dry Skin Women's Shave Gel, whichrequires only a quarter-sized dollop for both legsso it’ll last you a long time.

Shaving can be the bane of all beauty tasks, but when you factor in a super lush shaving cream and an easy-glide razor, things don’t seem so bad. All of a sudden, the mundane task feels more like a self-care activity, and the results are totally worth it.

For an enjoyable shaving experience, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yeeta Gadav, M.D. recommends seeking out products with moisturizing ingredients (think shea butter, cocoa butter, and plant oils) to provide the slip needed to glide your razor across the skin, prevent ingrown hairs from forming, and leave your limbs feeling extra smooth.

From gels and creams to foams and oils, we tested each formula in our Manhattan-based testing facility and at home. We judged each based on consistency, lather, efficacy, and skin feel post-shave. We then paired those insights with the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist to bring you a well-rounded list of shaving cream options.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

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Lather Almond Shave Crème at Amazon$24$20
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What We Like

  • Softens skin and provides smooth glide

  • Safe for intimate areas

  • Gently exfoliates using lemon peel oil

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, aloe vera, shea butter, hemp seed oil, lemon peel oil | Packaging: Squeeze tube | Size: 5 oz

Shaving your bikini line and intimate areas can be tricky and leave skin, shall we say, less than perfect, but Fur’s Shave Cream is up to the task. Moisturizing and super creamy, the olive oil- and shea butter-infused formula prevents nicks, bumps, redness, and razor burn anywhere on the body, from your armpits to your legs (and anywhere in between). We love how creamy and lightweight the shaving cream is, almost like a hair conditioner. It left our skin the silkiest it's ever been. The formula contains a lot of nourishing and beneficial ingredients, but one that stands out is lemon peel oil, a natural yet gentle exfoliator. When diluted and applied topically, it exfoliates dead skin cells and kills bacteria that may get trapped in hair follicles, smoothing the skin and preventing ingrown hairs from forming—all without causing irritation. The only caveat: It can leave a film in your shower. It didn’t bother us too much (we simply wiped it away with a cloth) but it can make the surface slippery, so use caution when hopping out of the shower or tub.

What We Like

  • Most affordable option on the list

  • A little goes a long way

  • Hydrates with plant oils and glycerin

What to Consider

  • Easy to pump out too much product

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, glycerin, olive oil | Packaging: Can | Size: 7 oz

Skintimate Shave Gel is a drugstore classic that’s beloved for a reason. The light gel shoots out of the canister and quickly becomes a foam upon contact with the skin and water. We found that a little bit goes a long way (all you need is a quarter-sized dollop to cover both legs), and if you don’t use too much, it can last for months. It contains hydrating ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, glycerin, and olive oil, so you can expect a close shave with minimal irritation. When we tried it, we noticed fewer ingrown hairs and we enjoyed the clean, floral fragrance. Note: It practically flies out of the dispenser, so pump gently to avoid wasting any foamy goodness.

What We Like

  • Feels luxurious because it moisturizes with marula oil

  • Brightens with vitamin C

  • Gel-to-milk formula creates a smooth shave

What to Consider

  • Thin consistency can slip

Key Ingredients: Marula oil, dandelion extract, vitamin C | Packaging: Can | Size: 7 oz

Though spending upwards of $60 on shaving cream might sound kinda crazy, we're justifying it by considering it an act of self-care. OUI the People’s unique gel-to-milk formula helps provide a super smooth shave and is chock-full of nourishing ingredients that we think make it worth the splurge.With marula oil to moisturize and vitamin C to brighten, the cream leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking brighter—before you even put a blade to it. The protective gel-to-milk primes skin for an effortless shave (aka helps give the razor a nice glide) free from cuts and nicks. Just keep in mind that since the formula transforms from a gel to milk, it can slip and drip when in contact with water. If this happens, try shaving outside of the shower (or in a spot of your shower that isn’t directly underneath the showerhead.)

What We Like

  • Rich, luxurious consistency

  • Stays put, doesn’t drip or run

  • Nondrying

What to Consider

  • Can clog the razor

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, allantoin | Packaging: Can | Size: 6.7 oz

This Foaming Gel from Flamingo is like shaving on a cloud. It’s thick, fluffy, and never drippy—even when shaving in the shower. When we tested it, we loved that it has a rich consistency but is still easy to manipulate and spread across larger body parts. It has a gel-like base, so it stays in place. You can expect your razor to glide seamlessly across your skin, helping you achieve a close shave.Because it’s so thick, we had to rinse our razors after almost every pass, but we didn’t mind since the result was so smooth. The lavender packaging looks luxurious and is a welcome addition to any bathroom aesthetic. Plus, the fact that you can snag it for $6 feels like a major win.

What We Like

  • Lubricating and hydrating

  • Antioxidant-rich ingredients

  • Doubles as a body oil for dry skin

What to Consider

  • Leaves behind residue

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, meadowfoam, grapeseed oil | Packaging: Glass bottle with pump | Size: 4 oz

Oils are a great choice if you want a close shave and nourished skin, all in one easy step. Hydrating, antioxidant-rich olive oil (or the “beauty secret of all Italian grandmothers”) is the star ingredient of this formula from Olio E Osso, a woman-owned company. The oil is rich but spreads easily and gives your razor some slip for an easier glide and a closer shave.The formula is so gentle and lubricating that we noticed it protected our skin against irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burns throughout our two weeks of testing. It leaves skin soft and moisturized but not without a bit of residue left behind, so if you prefer something that dries down, this might not be for you.

What We Like

  • No parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrance

  • Whipped consistency

  • Nourishing blend of oils

What to Consider

  • Housed in a tub

  • Contains nuts

Key Ingredients: Almond oil, coconut oil, glycerin | Packaging: Glass bottle with pump | Size: 4 oz

If you have extremely sensitive skin, Lather Almond’s Shave Cream might be your new BFF. It’s formulated with almond oil—an ingredient rich in vitamin E, protein, and omega fatty acids which can help reduce irritation—as well as hydrating coconut oil and glycerin to help smooth and soften skin. Despite the name, this shaving cream doesn’t lather or bubble up. It does, however, spread nicely and evenly on the skin and feels more like a hydrating lotion. There’s a lot to love about this formula, but we especially appreciated the natural ingredients and how smooth our skin felt after shaving. We love that it’s free from parabens (synthetic preservatives, which have been linked to cancer and infertility), sulfates (detergents that can exacerbate sensitive skin), mineral oil (a byproduct of petroleum that may be carcinogenic, according to the National Cancer Institute), and synthetic fragrance.

What We Like

  • Doubles as a body cleanser

  • Safe for intimate areas

  • pH-balanced formula for skin health

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t lather much

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil | Packaging: Plastic pump bottle | Size: 6.42 oz

We’ve all used body wash or shower gel as a stand-in shaving cream now and then. Whether you’re trying to save some coin or hate the look of clutter, Gillette has answered your prayers. This two-in-one wash and shaving gel is light, foamy, and gently cleanses while ensuring a close, clean shave. The soap-free, pH-balanced formula is ideal for intimate parts and even helps prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. Plus, the colorless gel helps you see what you’re doing when you’re shaving delicate areas. The only thing we didn’t love about the product was that it didn’t lather at all. But considering our skin was super soft and free from razor burn or ingrown hairs, that’s something we can overlook.

What to Look for in a Shaving Cream

  • Ingredients: Dr. Gadav says that when shopping for shaving cream, you’ll want to look for nourishing ingredients that condition both the skin and the hair. Ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil soften the skin while providing slip for the razor, reducing the chance of irritation.“Nourishing ingredients like these facilitate the glide of the razor, promote smoother skin, and soften the hair for a closer shave,” she explains. “You can also look for ingredients that soothe your skin, like aloe and oatmeal, for a more comfortable shave.”
  • Packaging: You should also pay attention to packaging. If a shaving cream comes in a squeeze bottle or an aerosol can, you’ll likely have an easier time applying it in the shower. The nature of these containers also eliminates the likelihood of contamination or bacteria growth.
  • Size: When considering the different options, check out how big each product is. Since you use shaving cream over large body areas, like the legs, size matters. The bigger it is, the more use you’ll get out of it (aka, more bang for your buck).

FAQ

  • How do you prepare the skin for shaving cream?

    According to Dr. Yadav, always exfoliate in anticipation of shaving. This will encourage the removal of dead skin while lifting up the hair, helping you avoid ingrown hairs. “While many shave against the grain (in the direction of the hair growth), it’s imperative to shave with the grain, or in the direction of the hair growth to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs.”

  • How do you use shaving cream?

    When using shaving cream, it’s generally best to lather the cream in your hands first (especially if it’s a foaming gel or cream) and then apply it to wet skin, covering the area you want to shave. You’ll also want a thick layer you can’t see through but not so thick that you won’t be able to pull a razor through it. To avoid nicks, Dr. Yadav suggests not pressing down on the razor too hard, which can cut and nick the skin.

  • Can I use my shower gel or body wash to shave?

    Technically speaking, yes. The key difference is that body wash formulas are designed to rinse off quickly and easily, whereas a shaving gel is designed to stay on your skin until you shave it off. The goal of body wash is to remove dirt and oil, whereas for shave gel, it’s to condition and provide a layer of cushion between your skin and the blades of the razor.

  • Does shaving cream expire?

    It does! Your best bet is to refer to your product packaging, as different formulas will have different expiry dates. A good rule of thumb is to toss anything that’s changed colors or textures.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers makeup, skincare, bodycare, and more. She has tried several shaving creams over the years from brands including fur, Gillette, and Skintimate. Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.

We consulted an expert for insight on finding the best shaving cream for your skin:

  • Dr. Yeeta Gadav, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough shaving creams from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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  2. González-Acedo A, Ramos-Torrecillas J, Illescas-Montes R, Costela-Ruiz VJ, Ruiz C, Melguizo-Rodríguez L, García-Martínez O. The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Health: Study on the Effect of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Oleocanthal on Human Fibroblasts. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 25;15(9):2077. doi: 10.3390/nu15092077. PMID: 37432217; PMCID: PMC10181161.

  3. Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18510666.

  4. Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, Lavender T, Chittock J, Brown K, Cork MJ. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 Jan-Feb;30(1):42-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x. Epub 2012 Sep 20. PMID: 22995032.

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  7. Blaak J, Staib P. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Feb;44(1):1-9. doi: 10.1111/ics.12758. Epub 2022 Jan 17. PMID: 34957578.

  8. Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Arumugam I, Dilip N, Raghuraman M, Pavan KB, Rafiq M, Paramesh R. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Jan 17;9(1):5-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012. PMID: 30671361; PMCID: PMC6335493.

  9. Hager E, Chen J, Zhao L. Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 8;19(3):1873. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031873. PMID: 35162895; PMCID: PMC8834979.

  10. Smith KW, Souter I, Dimitriadis I, Ehrlich S, Williams PL, Calafat AM, Hauser R. Urinary paraben concentrations and ovarian aging among women from a fertility center. Environ Health Perspect. 2013 Nov-Dec;121(11-12):1299-305. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1205350. Epub 2013 Aug 2. PMID: 23912598; PMCID: PMC3855500.

  11. Patil S, Singh P, Sarasour K, Maibach H. Quantification of sodium lauryl sulfate penetration into the skin and underlying tissue after topical application--pharmacological and toxicological implications. J Pharm Sci. 1995 Oct;84(10):1240-4. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600841018. PMID: 8801341.

7 Dermatologist-Approved Shaving Creams for Your Smoothest Shave Ever (2024)

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