The “best shaving creams“ do more than just smell good; they protect the skin barrier. For sensitive skin, Taylor of Old Bond Street (cream) and Proraso White (soap) are legendary for their thick, protective lather. If you prefer a modern gel, Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel is a top-tier pharmacy pick that minimizes razor burn and irritation.
If you’re dealing with razor burn, ingrown hairs, or post-shave dryness, the product is often the problem – not your technique. Here’s how to match the right one to your needs.
Cream vs. Gel vs. Foam – Which Is Best?
| Formula Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Shaving cream (lather) | Rich lubrication, softens hair well, often more natural ingredients | Requires a brush for best results, messier | Traditional shavers, dry or sensitive skin |
| Shaving gel | Clear (you can see what you’re shaving), good for precision work | Can feel tight on skin; some contain alcohol | Beard shaping, detail work, normal skin |
| Shaving foam (aerosol) | Convenient, quick, widely available | Often lower quality; propellants can dry skin | Casual use, occasional shavers |
| Solid/soap puck | Long-lasting, often natural, great lather with brush | Learning curve with brush technique | Wet shaving enthusiasts, eco-conscious users |
Best Shaving Creams by Category (2025)
| Product | Type | Best Skin Type | Key Feature | Price Range |
| Proraso White (Sensitive) | Cream | Sensitive | Oat protein + green tea; no menthol | $10-12 |
| Cremo Original Shave Cream | Cream/Gel hybrid | Normal to oily | Concentrated – tiny amount goes far | $8-10 |
| Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel | Gel | Dry/sensitive | Oat-based; gentle and hydrating | $7-9 |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street (Sandalwood) | Cream (lather) | Normal to dry | Rich English shave cream; premium feel | $18-22 |
| Gillette Fusion5 Hydra Gel | Gel | Normal | Reliable, widely available, solid base | $5-7 |
| EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream | Cream | Dry skin (women) | Shea butter + aloe; ideal for legs | $7-9 |
| The Art of Shaving Sandalwood | Cream (lather) | All types | Luxury option; essential oils, very smooth | $25-30 |
| Barbasol Original | Foam | Normal | Classic, cheap, gets the job done | $2-4 |
Best Pick by Skin Type – Quick Reference
| Skin Type | Top Pick | Why |
| Sensitive skin | Proraso White Sensitive | No menthol, no fragrance irritants; oat extract calms |
| Dry skin | Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel or EOS Cream | Moisture-focused formulas that don’t strip |
| Oily / acne-prone skin | Cremo Original | Lightweight, non-comedogenic, no heavy oils |
| Normal skin | Gillette Fusion5 Gel or Cremo | Reliable performance, easy to find |
| Wet shaving / traditional | Taylor of Old Bond Street or Proraso Green | Rich lather, traditional formula, brush-optimized |
| Budget shaver | Barbasol or store-brand foam | Works fine for occasional use |
Key Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Look for:
- Glycerin – humectant; draws moisture to the skin, reduces friction
- Aloe vera – soothing, anti-inflammatory, great for post-shave repair
- Shea butter – rich moisturizer for dry skin types
- Allantoin – skin conditioner that helps with irritation
- Witch hazel – mild astringent; good for oily skin
Avoid (especially for sensitive skin):
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – foaming agent that can strip skin barrier
- High alcohol content – dries and irritates
- Synthetic fragrance (listed as ‘parfum’) – common irritant
- Menthol – in high concentrations, can irritate sensitive skin
How to Shave Properly – Cream Is Only Half of It
Even the best shaving cream won’t save a poor technique. A few basics that make a real difference:
- Shave after a warm shower – the hair is softer and the pores are open
- Apply cream in circular motions to lift the hair before shaving
- Use light, short strokes – don’t press the blade into the skin
- Shave with the grain on the first pass; against if needed for closeness
- Rinse the blade every 2-3 strokes
- Finish with cold water to close pores, then a fragrance-free moisturizer
Do You Really Need Shaving Cream?
Technically, no. Hair conditioner, coconut oil, and even plain water work as shaving lubricants in a pinch. But consistently shaving dry or with subpar lubrication causes razor burn, micro-cuts, and ingrown hairs – especially on sensitive areas like the neck or bikini line.
A good shaving cream costs very little per shave. Given what it prevents – redness, bumps, and skin damage – it’s one of the better small investments in a grooming routine.