Picking up the best shaving cream isn’t always easy. Sure, you could pop to a local shop and grab a random bottle off a shelf, but – when you deploy such a gung-ho approach – there’s every chance you’ll end up with a product that isn’t quite perfect. After all, unless you’re planning to commit a few cardinal sins of shopping, the only thing you can try before you buy is the smell.
That’s a problem. There’s no way of knowing which shaving cream will suit your skin type, for example, when you’re making a random choice based on the limited selection in your local shop. Thankfully, if you are looking to make a more educated purchase, our buyer’s guide is here to help. We’ll help you narrow your options down from a maddening array to one obvious choice, significantly shaving down the amount of time that you need to spend on the buying process.
How to choose the best shaving cream for you
Before you buy a new shaving cream, you’ll want to ask yourself a few key questions. Considering your responses to the following queries will help you pick out the loveliest lather for your unique shaving needs.
What type of skin do you have?
Generally speaking, there are three main skin types in men: oily, dry and sensitive. You probably know which one you fall into, and with our expert advice, you should be able to grab the best shaving cream to suit that skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid astringent-based shaving creams. If you have oily skin, however, astringents are fine – they’ll prevent your pores from clogging and reduce the oily texture. And if your skin tends to be dry, keep an eye out for glycerin-based creams that will help the blade glide more smoothly over the surface.
Which ingredients should you look out for?
There are some shaving cream ingredients you’ll want to embrace, and others that should be avoided. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (which strips away natural acids), parabens and unspecified ‘fragrance’ are all on the negative list, as they could do more harm for your skin than good. On the positive side of the spectrum, natural oils – such as almond, jojoba, eucalyptus and sandalwood – could do your skin a world of good.
Should you go for a foam, a gel or a cream?
This one really comes down to your personal preference, although we do have a few top tips for you. If you’re a fan of gels, avoid alcohol-based ones that could cause irritation. Shaving foams are fine, but be aware that it’s not always easy to control the amount that comes out of the can. Latherless shaving creams are very in vogue at the moment, with many brands skewing winningly towards natural ingredients. And if you’re using a straight razor, you’ll find that traditional creams from a tub will give you maximum control.
How much should you spend on shaving cream?
If you want a budget option that still delivers high quality, you should be able to find a suitable shaving cream for around a fiver. If, however, you’re prepared and financially able to step things up to a higher level, then garnering better ingredients and a more skin-friendly shave in the process will get you closer to £40. That may seem like a lot, but you’ll soon see (and feel) the benefits.
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The best shaving cream to buy in 2018
1. Taylor Of Old Bond Street: The best traditional shaving cream
Price: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
There’s something very classy about twisting off the top of a tub and scooping out your shaving cream by hand, or dabbing a brush into the tub before applying the cream to your highly anticipant face. If these are the sorts of prestigious experiences that you’re after, this Shaving Cream Bowl from Taylor Of Old Bond Street will really suit your tastes. This product also delivers the goods in terms of sprucing up your shave, offering a paraben-free shave and a smooth creamy lather. It’s rich in essential oils and suitable for sensitive skin, so it will deliver a high-end shave as well as that classy feeling. And, better yet, it also won’t break the bank.
Key specs – Weight: 150g; Type: Cream
2. Aveeno Active Naturals Therapeutic Shave Gel: The best affordable shaving cream
Price: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
Proving that quality shaving cream doesn’t need to cost that much, the Active Naturals Therapeutic Shave Gel from Aveeno offers a quality shave for just three quid. For a pocketful of change, you get a can of shaving gel that is geared towards helping dry or sensitive skin. This brand’s unique formula combines moisturizing lubricants and Active Naturals Oatmeal, which will reduce dryness, soothe your skin and protect from razor bumps while you shave. No fragrances are included, which reduces the chances of irritation even further. This may be a budget option, but it’s still a fine choice with loads of natural ingredients.
Key specs – Weight: 198g; Type: Gel
3. Cremo Astonishingly Superior Moisturizing Shave Cream: The best shaving cream for avoiding cuts
Price:£14 | Buy now from Amazon
If you want your skin to feel “astonishingly” soft and smooth, this brand promises to deliver that. Cremo’s Moisturizing Shave Cream, which endeavours to offer the closest and most comfortable shave, is incredibly rich; there is less air in this product than with most rivals, reducing the chances of scrapes and cuts. Instead of air, the geniuses behind this cream have crammed in water-activated molecules that reduce irritation dramatically. Cremo’s cream is also highly concentrated, meaning that one tube of this excellent cream will outlast most cans of shaving foam. Finally, it’s not that pricey either, making Cremo an even more tempting proposition.
Key specs – Weight: 100g; Type: Cream
4. Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel: The best shaving cream for sensitive skin
Price:£3 | Buy now from Amazon
One of the most recognisable products on the market, Nivea Men’s Sensitive Shave Foam is completely dedicated to helping people with sensitive skin achieve a perfect shave without irritating their faces. To achieve this goal, Nivea has removed all alcohol from the formula, as well as adding a gentle fragrance formula with a unique blend of vitamin care. To make your skin feel “calm, supple and cared for”, they’ve also included ultra-glide technology to protect against cuts and irritation. This fantastic foam has been dermatologically approved on men with sensitive skin, and its smooth razor glide should help give you the closest of shaves.
Key specs – Weight: 200g; Type: Foam
5. Jack Black Beard Lube: The best shaving cream for beards
Price:£31 | Buy now from Amazon
If you’re planning to shave a big beard, you might want to enlist the help of Jack Black Beard Lube (not to be confused with Jack Black, Tenacious D singer). This clear gel binds moisture to the skin to create a smooth glide while preventing irritation, softening even the toughest beard to make it ripe for restyling or removal. Nourishing fatty acids are included in Jack Black’s soothing, ultra-hydrating formula. The clear nature of this gel also means that you can see what you’re shaving, which reduces the chances of accidentally shaving bits of beard that you wanted to keep. Not everyone is willing to spend £31 to supercharge their shave, but this product is totally worth it.
Key specs – Weight: 473g; Type: Gel
6. Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel: The best shaving cream for oily skin
Price:£16 | Buy now from Kiehl’s
Combining elements of a gel and a foam, the Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel from Kiehl’s promises to gently cleanse your skin by minimising the appearance of pores and removing surface oil. To achieve this, Kiehl’s has created a formula consisting of bamboo, lemon and orange extract. Caffeine, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also worked into your shave, meaning that your skin will be energised by the process of shaving. You’ll also find that the Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel works up into a high lather foam when you apply it to your face, which allows for a smooth shave devoid of redness and irritation.
Key specs – Weight: 142g; Type: Foam
7. V76 by Vaughn Clean Shave Hydrating Gel Cream: The best natural shaving cream
Price:£23 | Buy now from The Modern Man
This hydrating shave gel from Vaughn’s V76 range is uber-rich in moisture, meaning it will transform into more of a cream when you apply it to your skin. It is also made entirely without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petroleum and gluten, relying on a natural formula to achieve its aims of hydrating even the driest and toughest stubble. What’s more, it’s filled with vitamin E, which smoothens the shaving process and reduces the chances of dryness. You’ll get a superbly comfortable finish with this gel cream, as well as a warm feeling inside; after all, this product is 100% vegan and totally cruelty-free.
Key specs – Weight:218g;Type:Gel