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Believe it or not, for a long time I thought shaving creams were more or less unnecessary add-ons to a hair removal routine. I assumed that ingrown hairs, nicks, razor burn, and general irritation were the price to pay for being vain enough to shave above the knee. But it wasn’t until I tried my very first shaving foam that I realized how wrong I was.
“You should always use a shaving cream—putting a razor against your skin with no buffer is going to cause irritation,” says Fur co-founder and CEO Laura Schubert. As it turns out, everyone knows shaving cream is necessary. Once you find the right one for your skin type, shaving creams will help you get a smooth, close shave without any irritation. Here, find the 13 best shaving creams you’ll wish you knew about sooner.
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Best for All Skin Types
Gillette
Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel for Women
Best for Irritated Skin
Fur
Moisturizing Shave Cream
Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream
Shave Cream
Best for No Nicks
Athena Club
Cloud Shave Foam
Best for Rough Skin
eos
Shea Butter 24H Moisture Shave Cream
Best for Soft Skin
Truly
Happy Hairless Shave Butter
Best for the Bikini
Coochy Plus
Intimate Shave Cream
Best for a Bright Skin
OUI the People
Moisturizing Shave Gel-to-Milk
Best for Cooling the Skin
Proraso
Shaving Cream
Best for Multi-Use
Hanni
Shave Pillow Moisturizing Body Gel
Best Shaving Oil
Tree Hut
Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil
Best Gentle Foam
Flamingo
Foaming Shaving Gel
Best for Traditionalists
Cella Milano
Shaving Cream Soap Almond
Is it okay to shave without shaving cream?
“A shaving cream or gel is a must,” says Dr. Lal. “Shaving cream or gels act as lubricants that make it easy for razors to glide on the skin. This reduces the risk of nicks, cuts, and abrasions.” A shaving cream can’t be duped with your regular cleanser either. “If you were in a bind you can use a moisturizing soap but it may not provide enough [slip] required for a clean and smooth shave,” adds Dr. Lal.
What does shaving cream actually do?
“When you shave, you’re taking off a layer of dead skin and debris and opening your pores up in the process, so it’s incredibly important that the product you’re using has ingredients that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin,” says Schubert. “Shaving cream increases the friction on the skin, which allows razors to glide over the skin. It also lubricates the hair making it easier to cut,” adds Dr. Lal.
Beauty Commerce Writer
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.
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