The 12 Best Shaving Creams for the Smoothest Skin Ever (2024)

Shaving is a regular part of many of our shower routines, but the only thing more important than using a sharp, clean razor is using the right shaving cream. Not only does it help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, but it also nourishes skin and makes your daily (or weekly...) shave all the more pleasant.

"Some women love the experience of using a shaving cream, including seeing and feeling the lather on their skin, and smelling the great fragrance," explains Elizabeth Compo, Senior Product Research Scientist for Venus. "It’s an opportunity to sneak in some quick self-care even during a regular shower." To help you achieve smooth, bump-free skin, we rounded up 12 of the best shaving creams, gels, and bars to try—for every part of your body.

With a light fragrance, frothy—but not overwhelming—foam, and nourishing aloe and oat extract, this formula is the platonic ideal of shaving cream. Plus, you can set it up to auto-ship so you never run out.

"When shaving the bikini line/pubic area, it's best to swap in your usual shaving cream for a product that has been formulated for that specific area," says Compo. "Some criteria to look out for include it being pH-balanced, free of parabens, dyes, and fragrance, as well have been dermatologist and gynecologist tested." This option, she says, "hits each of those marks, and the formula is clear to increase visibility when shaving the delicate area."

This little disk is a serious step up from a bar of soap. It's deeply nourishing thanks to ceramides as well as jojoba and macadamia oils, and it also creates a generous lather when mixed with water.

In addition to argan, grapeseed, marula, and sunflower oils to moisturize, this multitasking formula also has vitamin C to help brighten up any dark spots on the skin.

Facial shaving creams are typically made for men—but let's be real, not everyone who shaves their face is a man. This formula is developed with women's skin in mind, so it will give you a close shave, leave skin soft, and won't screw up your skincare routine.

The gel-to-foam texture provides a super-close, comfortable shave, and the aloe in the formula helps hydrate skin.

Vitamin E, oats, and aloe make this affordable shave gel extra moisturizing and comforting, even on sensitive skin.

It costs less than your daily matcha, but this shave cream has a legion of dedicated fans. "This product gives great slip without clogging up the razor (as do many emollient shaving creams tend to do)," writes one reviewer, adding that "It's a must for dry skin, and is great if you are on a budget."

With its pleasing fluffy texture and ingredients like vanilla and coconut milk, this shave butter makes shaving your legs feel like a treat. But please—don't actually eat it.

Fur has made a name for itself as the go-to brand for preventing ingrown hairs and razor burn, and their shaving cream is no exception. Though it doesn't foam up, the emollient formula is made with olive oil and aloe to provide plenty of protection and moisture.

Hanni's genius moisturizing stick can be used for shaving in or out of the shower, helping to save water and precious time when you're on the go.

For no-frills but effective cleansing products, we always turn to Dr. Bronner's. Don't be surprised if the men in your household borrow this moisturizing, unscented shaving soap and "forget" to give it back.

According to Compo, using a shave prep product provides two key factors to make your shave more comfortable and help prevent irritation. "Technically speaking, it provides hydration (to soften hair and skin, which helps reduce the amount of force it takes the razor to cut through the hair during the shave," she says. It also provides lubrication: "Just the right amount of slipperiness between the blades and skin—which helps the razor glide across the surface of the skin yet lets you stay in control of the razor during the shave."

It's not recommended. "Not using a shaving cream can lead to shaving irritation—including the feeling of scraping, or tugging and pulling at hair—which can result in redness and discomfort," Compo says. And using a product designed specifically for shaving is key: "Even substituting a product that you grab from your shower in place of a shaving cream (e.g. your regular soap) could be more drying to your skin or may not stay in place as well to help protect from irritation during the shave."