- Shaving cream makes the shaving procedure safer, easier, creating a barrier of protection between the skin and the razor and providing deep hydration.
- Shaving cream lathers when mixed with water and is the best for getting a close shave.
- Shaving gel is the thinnest, most transparent type that doesn’t require water and is best for dry and sensitive skin types.
- Shaving foam is the most cost-efficient of the three, yet it tends to dry out the skin.
When it comes to shaving, razors aren’t the only tools you need to research and then invest in. Shaving cream is just as important a product, especially considering long-term skin care. A good shaving cream, gel, or foam will not only add a layer of protection between your skin and razor but will also facilitate getting a close shave as well as moisturizing your skin while you’re at it.
Below, we’ve listed 15 of the best shaving creams for women on the market, catering to an array of likes and skin types. You’ll also find out what sets shaving creams, shaving gels, and shaving foams apart, why you need to invest in any of the three, and how to choose the best one for your skin type. Lastly, we’ve added in a section about the right way to use shaving cream without damaging your skin and a few helpful tips to keep in mind as well.
In this article:
- Our Picks for the Best Shaving Creams for Women
- What to Look for in the Perfect Shaving Cream for You?
- Shaving Cream FAQ
Best Shaving Creams Overview
- Best Overall: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
- Best for Bikini Line: Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps Shave Gel
- Best Vegan Formula: Kiss My Face Shaving Cream
- Best Multitasking: Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Shower, Bath & Shave Gel
- Best Moisturizing: eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream
- Best for Ingrown Hairs: Completely Bare Completely Smooth Moisturizing No-Bump Shave Gel
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Cremo French Lavender Moisturizing Shave Cream
- Best Natural Formula: Tree Hut Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil
- Best for Sensitive Areas: Coochy Plus Intimate Shaving Cream
- Best Budget: Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Women’s Shave Gel
- Best Luxury: Truly Coco Cloud Luxury Shave Butter
- Best for Dry Skin: Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel
- Best for Razor Bumps: Tend Skin Air Shave Gel
- Best Nourishing: Alba Botanica Very Emollient Coconut Lime Shave Cream
- Best for Travel: Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel
Our Picks for the Best Shaving Creams for Women
With hundreds upon hundreds of brands and textures to choose from, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best women’s shaving creams, gels, and foams for you to pick.
1
Best Overall
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
Aveeno Amazon.com
$3.96
Packed with oat and vitamin E to help smooth out the skin while providing deep hydration and treatment, this Aveeno shaving gel is formulated for those with dry and sensitive skin. It is fragrance-free to avoid irritation and also non-comedogenic, meaning it will not block pores.
The shaving gel has over 1,200 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6 rating. It is especially marketed as helping prevent razor burns, and the reviews listed speak to its claim. Women and men alike recommend this product and highlight its moisturizing feature (it also contains aloe vera!) along with providing a clean shave with minimal-to-no irritation. Find it on Amazon!
2
Best for Bikini Line
Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps Shave Gel
Bikini Zone Ulta.com
$6.49
Shaving the bikini area is perhaps one of the most troublesome beauty procedures. This shaving gel comes packed with a plethora of ingredients to result in a smooth, clean shave. The formula contains aloe, jojoba oil, as well as flower extracts packed with vitamins A and E. The gel is also clear to allow for the skin underneath to be visible for a clean shave without cuts and nicks.
From its handful of reviews, users are happy with the results highlighting its pleasant scent, lack of skin irritation, and ease of use over fine or coarse hair. Buy it from Ulta or Amazon!
3
Best Vegan Formula
Kiss My Face Shaving Cream
Kiss My Face Amazon.com
$14.55
This is the best shaving cream that softens, smooths, soothes, and moisturizes! The Kiss My Face shaving cream is a vegan blend featuring botanical ingredients like olive and coconut oil along with lemongrass and aloe vera. No artificial flavors or fragrances, and no parabens or phthalates have been used in the formula.
It’s a fragrance-free formula that still leaves a pleasant, yet not overpowering, scent behind. Reportedly, one pump goes a long way, but the cream does tend to clog the razor, so a thorough wash is needed afterwards. Functionally, the pump also tends to get clogged if the cream dries up inside, so care is required there as well. Find it on Amazon!
4
Best Multitasking
Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Shower, Bath & Shave Gel
Philosophy Philosophy.com
$28
This is a 3-in-1 formula working as a shower, bath, and shaving gel, meaning it can be used as a body wash, as a bath soak, and for hair removal all at once. Reviewers especially like its hair removing and moisturizing formula. It isn’t the best cleanser, according to some, but still a good addition to a shower routine in terms of skin care, especially for those with dry skin. Buy it from Philosophy!
5
Best Moisturizing
eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream
eos Amazon.com
$7
Available in Lavender Jasmine, Pomegranate Raspberry, and Vanilla Bliss, the eos shaving cream is enriched with oat extract, aloe, and shea butter to smooth and soothe the skin during the shave. This is the best women’s shaving cream that provides deep hydration while also brightening and evening the skin tone. It does not foam, so two to three pumps are needed to cover the targeted area.
Most customers are raving about its fragrance and feasibility, while others are finding difficulty in shaving, as the razor does not slide as smoothly because of its non-foam texture. Find it on Amazon!
6
Best for Ingrown Hairs
Completely Bare Completely Smooth Moisturizing No-Bump Shave Gel
Completely Bare Ulta.com
$8.99
Formulated with floral extracts and essential oils to optimize moisturizing when shaving, the Completely Bare shaving gel is mainly composed of more plant-based ingredients. It further includes aloe, calendula, and chamomile extracts, as well as jojoba and sunflower seed oil to add to the gel’s moisturizing feature and enrich the skin with lifting nutrients, keeping any bumps and ingrown hairs at bay.
Users find it as easy to use, smoothing, and a gel that does not induce irritation. It’s been listed as great for shaving on sensitive areas as well, but some state that the shave isn’t as close as desired at times. Find it on Ulta or Amazon!
7
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cremo French Lavender Moisturizing Shave Cream
Cremo Amazon.com
$9.44
Available in Lavender Bliss and Coconut Mango, this women’s shaving cream contains aloe, calendula, and papaya extract geared towards those with sensitive skin. It is also paraben-free and makes use of other natural ingredients such as macadamia seed oil, olive leaf and lemon extracts. When mixed with water, the formula becomes slick to the point of facilitating easy razor gliding against the skin.
Users are quick to highlight that directions need to be followed thoroughly, especially when it comes to the amount recommended to be used (almond-sized drop). Also, it doesn’t foam and appears more like a light sheen against the skin. Buy it from Amazon!
8
Best Natural Formula
Tree Hut Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil
Tree Hut Amazon.com
$9.99
Featuring a combination of natural oils, this scented shaving oil works like any other shaving cream. Apply to wet skin, shave, and then rinse or wipe off. Made of 100% natural shea butter, this product is great for softening dry skin. Users have labeled it as easy to use as well as non-irritant. If used in the shower, it does tend to get the tub slippery, so care is needed. Find it on Amazon!
9
Best for Sensitive Areas
Coochy Plus Intimate Shaving Cream
Coochy Plus Amazon.com
$13.85
An Amazon #1 bestseller, Coochy Plus is specifically designed to cater to hair removal from sensitive areas like the pubic, bikini, and armpit areas. Its formula is comprised of five main moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and vitamin-rich ingredients, including jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and maca root.
This shaving cream for women is dermatologically-tested and pH-balanced. Customers are happy with its scent, the lack of razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation after use. Its pump system has users pleased with functionality too. Find it on Amazon!
10
Best Budget
Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Women’s Shave Gel
Gillette Amazon.com
$1.97
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, this shaving gel recommends soaking your skin for two to three minutes in warm water before applying and shaving. It comes in a rust-free can, and the formula is fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation. Water and glycerin are its leading ingredients, making this a nice hydrating mixture, especially for sensitive skin types. Customers are raving about its gentle formula that banishes razor burns. Find it on Amazon!
11
Best Luxury
Truly Coco Cloud Luxury Shave Butter
Truly Ulta.com
$20
Vegan and chemical-free, the Coco Cloud whipped shaving cream is made of vanilla extract, coconut butter, argan oil, white tea, a vitamin E, and a selection of virgin oils and extracts. It’s a bit pricey for its 4 oz size, but some customers labeled it as good value for its ability to battle ingrown hairs and easily shave fine hairs. Get it from Ulta!
12
Best for Dry Skin
Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel
Skintimate Amazon.com
$24.89
Moisturizing is what this shaving gel sells with its formula containing a blend of oils and glycerin for super-soft skin. Vitamin E and lanolin have been added to the mix to nourish dry skin and prevent any nicks and cuts. The consistency is creamier than gel-like, according to some users, but it still gets the job done, even in more intimate areas without any skin irritation. Find it on Amazon!
13
Best for Razor Bumps
Tend Skin Air Shave Gel
Tend Skin Amazon.com
$11.99
A non-foaming, lubricating shaving gel to avoid razor bumps and burns, the Tend Skin gel simply requires moist skin for application. Users have noted the result of a close shave as well as dealing with no razor bumps and skin rash afterwards. Overall, the product works equally well against fine hairs as it removes coarser ones. Find it on Amazon!
14
Best Nourishing
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Coconut Lime Shave Cream
Alba Botanica Amazon.com
$5.33
An Amazon Choice product, this women’s shaving cream features a tropical mix of aloe, coconut, and lime to create a moisturizing, vitamin-rich formula for a smooth shave. The formula is also cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Customers love its value, as well as moisturizing power. In terms of shaving, the product’s functionality is great, but the formula is a bit thick, which tends to clog up the razor. You can find it on Amazon.
15
Best for Travel
Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel
Busy Beauty Amazon.com
$12
TSA-approved for travel, this shaving gel doesn’t require water for use and is the perfect option to add to your carry-on. It’s great for dry-shaving smaller areas and just using a tissue to clean the razor. This shaving gel contains a mixture of tea tree oil, clove leaf oil, ginger root oil, and eucalyptus leaf oil, which hold anti-bacterial properties, reduce irritation, and increase blood circulation, leaving a lovely glow post-shave. The product is also vegan and holds positive reviews for its value, presentation, close shave, and moisturizing ability. Find it on Amazon!
What to Look for in the Perfect Shaving Cream for You?
With so many options to choose from, how do you go for the right shaving cream? Consider these factors when shopping for one:
The Product Type
Now that you are aware of the multitude of options on the market, you might be wondering what exactly is the difference between a shaving cream, a shaving gel, and shaving foam. The difference lies largely in the formula.
Overall, shaving creams and gels are better suited for skin care, as they make use of an emulsion of oils and moisturizing ingredients in comparison to foams, but they can be costly in comparison as well. However, ultimately, the best way to settle on a type for you is to experiment, so take another gander at our list of recommended products to settle on a few testing options.
Shaving Cream
Formulated with oils, soaps, surfactants, and water, traditionally, shaving cream is meant to be mixed with water (though, some can be used as is) to create a lather on the targeted area. Shaving creams are the best when you are looking for as close a shave as possible, and, in comparison to gels, they are easier to rinse off and provide a better feel on the skin. Shaving cream usually provides deep hydration, good lubrication, and is soothing and refreshing.
The only drawback of shaving cream is that when it comes in an aerosol can, it can dry out the skin, and it tends to quickly clog the razor, making you rinse it more often.
Shaving Gel
Unlike shaving creams, shaving gel does not require any water, doesn’t foam, and simply needs to be applied as is. The lack of a lather makes it easier to see the area you are shaving, and its texture allows for better lubrication, which is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Shaving gel is thinner, goes on transparent, moisturizes, protects the skin, and you also use less of a product and time for shaving, which makes it more cost- and time-effective than a cream. They are also typically made of more enhanced lubricants, being perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
However, the thickness of shaving gel leads to razor clogging. Many shaving gels are fragrance-free, which is great, as fragrance can sometimes irritate the skin.
Shaving Foam
Shaving foam comes in an aerosol can, which packs a lot of air inside, resulting in the voluminous build of product and instant lather. It’s easier to rinse off too.
Shaving foam is one of the least recommended shaving products, as it tends to dry out the skin due to its alcohol content, while its less dense, airy texture does little to hold the hair away from the skin resulting in razor burns.
The lack of lubrication can also lead to higher chances of skin irritation. Shaving foams can still get the job done with extra care taken, and they are, generally, more cost-efficient.
The Perfect Formula for Your Skin Type
No matter what skincare product you’re purchasing, always check to make sure it’s been formulated for your specific skin type. This refers to having creams, gels, and foams, too!
Sensitive Skin
The key element to look for in your choice of shaving product is one specifically designed for sensitive skin. Skip options that contain fragrance, alcohol, or any other skin irritants and instead choose one, which also holds soothing ingredients, like aloe vera.
Dry Skin
Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. This is the mantra that should be playing in your head when you’re looking for a suitable formula for dry skin. Glycerin is an ingredient to keep an eye out for, as it helps the skin attract and retain its own moisture. Give your preference to shaving gels, since those are the best for dry skin types.
Oily Skin
Oily skin types are more likely to develop razor bumps and burns, as well as ingrown hairs and a skin rash. Lubricating and non-comedogenic shaving products are great for oily skin, as lubrication will help prevent bumps and burns, while non-comedogenic ingredients work against breakouts.
Shaving Cream FAQ
To make the best out of your shaving lotion, here are some common questions answered:
Why Should You Use Shaving Cream?
Purchasing razors and other shaving products can run up quite a tab over time, and that brings up the question of whether any form of shaving cream, gel, or foam is actually worth it. After all, dry shaving or shaving wet skin seems to get the job done well enough. But not to the extent it can be!
There are four main benefits to using a form of shaving lotion:
• Protection: Essentially, it acts as a thin layer of protection between your razor and your skin. This then helps minimize and eliminate razor burns, skin redness, as well as nicks and cuts.
• Moisturizing: The formulas are often enriched with a number of nutrients to aid in smoothing and soothing the skin. Basically, you are running a blade against your skin, so the formula tends to battle whatever micro-traumas your skin is undergoing during a shave.
• Keeping Track: Everybody loves to see tangible progress, so watching the cream shave off swipe by swipe is a great way of noting progress as you shave; plus, it’s so satisfying!
• Easier: The formula also aids in softening hairs for an easier and closer shave. This is especially helpful to those with coarser hairs and will keep you from having to double shave one spot.
How to Use Shaving Cream Correctly?
For the best results, follow these shaving steps:
• Prepare your skin first by either washing the targeted area with warm water or holding a heated towel against it. This will help soften the hairs and open the pores for easy hair removal.
• Apply shaving cream, adding a bit of water, and lathering it up before evenly spreading across your targeted area. Work it in well. Use a warm shaving brush for the best results.
• Hold your skin taut and then shave against the direction your hair grows in small strokes.
• After shaving, rinse with warm water and then gently pat the skin dry.
• Apply moisturizer after.
General Tips
• The sharper the blade, the better the shave. In fact, using dull blades can lead to cuts.
• If you’re someone with sensitive skin, use a razor with fewer blades. Generally, a one- to two-blade razor does the job without impacting the subdermal layer of your skin.
• For areas with longer hair, trim away the excess hair to avoid razor clogging.
• For the bikini area, hold a warm towel against it for at least 5 minutes.
• If you shave in the shower, exfoliate the area first. Getting rid of dead skin cells will help get the closest shave possible.
Photos via @ventifashion, Instagram, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon
Zooming in on the Topic
For more personalized lists, check out the following pages:
- Best Razors for Women
- Best Facial Razors
