There comes a point in every man’s life when he has to decide on a preferred shaving lubricant: soap, gel, or cream.
Each have their own benefits, however high quality shaving creams are really the best all round solution.
We’re not talking about aerosol “shaving creams” mind you. Like those made by the likes of companies like Gillette and other foam-in-a-can manufacturers.
Commercial Creams and Gels
Such products contain plenty of good ingredients, but also excessive amounts of alcohol, laboratory-made astringents, and numbing chemicals that are most definitely harmful to the skin with long-term use. These products promise the best shave possible, and they do work, but at what cost to your skin?
Worse, cheap over-the-counter shaving creams and gels don’t stay active for very long before disintegrating before your eyes, and don’t do much to penetrate the hair with moisture, leading to more ingrown hairs and leftover stubble.
Shaving Soap
There’s nothing wrong with using a shaving soap. The main issue, particularly for new shavers and/or men who need to get their shave out-of-the-way quickly, is that shaving soaps are slicker and unfortunately less forgiving when you put the razor to your face. They don’t offer the delicate cushioning to your skin that a cream does. They tend to dry out quickly too.
Why Most Men Don’t Use Cream
A good shaving cream is going to cost you more than that $3 can of Gillette Foamy at Walmart. Cost can be deceptive however, since a can of shaving cream isn’t likely to last more than a month or two with regular daily use.
Premium shaving creams like Proraso, Taylor, Jack Black, can last up to six months on a single container. This is because you only need a small dab of the product, combined with a quality lathering, and you can cover your entire face, with enough lather left for a second application, if needed.
If this is a topic that you haven’t put much thought into; read on to learn why you absolutely must use a quality shaving cream on your face, specific ingredients to look for when buying, and our latest roundup of the best lubricating and nourishing shaving creams available to men of all ages.
Top 7 Shaving Creams
#1 |
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream | More Info |
#2 |
The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream | More Info |
#3 |
Proraso Pre-Shave Cream | More Info |
#4 |
Jack Black Supreme Cream | More Info |
#5 |
Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream | More Info |
#6 |
Cremo Astonishingly Superior Shave Cream | More Info |
#7 |
Coochy Rash Free Shave Cream | More Info |
Benefits of Using a Quality Shaving Cream
1. Better Shave
A quality shaving cream contains natural ingredients like eucalyptus and essential oils that naturally help stubborn hairs to stand up, while providing superior cushioning between your skin and the blade.
2. Less Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are just a way of life for many men. However, using a product specifically design for, and proven to soften facial hair will eliminate or minimize this common problem.
3. Smoother Skin
Cheap commercial shave creams contain drying astringents like alcohol and unnatural deodorants that cause premature aging and skin inflammation. Premium shaving creams contain more expensive, yet natural ingredients like eucalyptus, essential tree and seed oils, aloe vera, citrus, and vitamin B. All of which leave your face conditioned long after each shave.
Ingredients That’ll Give You the Best Shave Possible
1.Glycerin
Glycerin creates a delicate cushion between the blade and your skin. It’s also natural and non-drying.
2.Essential Oils
Coconut, eucalyptus, sandalwood, macadamia nut, jojoba seed, and citrus oils are all excellent ingredients to look for. They help soften stubble and penetrate the skin to provide moisture during and after each shave.
3.Aloe Vera
Another great skin conditioner; both pre and post shave. Aloe vera is one of the best and least expensive moisturizers you’ll find anywhere.
Review of the Best Shaving Creams
#1.Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream
Taylor is a UK-based company that makes all kinds of manly shaving products and deodorants for men. This shaving cream has a woody blend of sandalwood and cedar, with rosemary, lavender, jasmine and rose oil mixed in for a subtle flowery aroma. Not only does this product smell spectacular, it’s hypoallergenic and leaves your face feeling super-smooth! It comes with a lather bowl included and is the preferred shaving cream of many barbers worldwide.
#2.The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
This cream smells divine and can be used with or without a brush, though a brush will definitely give you more mileage. This cream’s formulated with sandalwood oil, glycerin, and coconut oil to give you the closest, most truly comfortable shave ever. This product doesn’t last as long as others, but the scent it leaves and the premium moisturizing effect are really what you’re paying for with this UK shaving cream.
#3.Proraso Pre-Shave Cream
Proraso is the big name in wet shaving, particularly among cut throat and dual blade users. A preshave product is an essential step to any four-step shaving routine. Proraso has a unique scent all unto itself, mainly due to the eucalyptus oil which is the main ingredient in all their products. This product is made in Italy, for the thickest beards, and works on all skin types. It can also be used post shave in place of aftershave.
#4.Jack Black Supreme Cream
This is another brush, or brushless use cream. Jack Black is more of a trendy salon-use cream than something you’d see in a traditional barber shop. It contains macadamia nut oil, glycerin, and soybean oil which comprises the main ingredients in their “Triple Cushion Technology”. Jack Black is certified 100% organic and won the Men’s Health Award back in 2008.
#5.Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream
Hydroplane contains peppermint, citrus and ginger oil. The one ingredient that makes this brushless cream such a hit is the silicone beads it contains, which provide premium-level protection from cuts and irritation while shaving. It has a gritty feel, a subtle aroma, and a great reputation from shavers all over!
#6.Cremo Astonishingly Superior Shave Cream
This 3-pack from Cremo is a great value, promising up to 6 months worth of shaves for just over $30! It’s a brushless cream, designed for men and women. The ingredients are largely proprietary, but if you check out the reviews, it becomes very obvious that everyone who uses it considers Cremo to be the only shaving cream they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
#7.Coochy Rash Free Shave Cream
Don’t let the name fool you: “Coochy” is made for men too! This brushless cream contains primo ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin B5, allantoin, and hydrolyzed hair keratin. It’s designed for all-over-body use. This is another 3 pack deal, and thus a really stellar value for people who want to stock up on shaving supplies. Makes for a great stocking stuffer idea.
Note About Brushes
You’ll notice that a few of the creams listed in the reviews above require a shaving brush in order to get a good lather going. A great brush will last decades; a cheap one will give you a couple of decent shaves before the hairs start to fall out, usually on your face while lathering up for a shave. A true wet-shavist will always choose a badger hair brush like this Escali.
Badger hair lasts a really long time and has the perfect feel and texture for applying shaving cream. If you spend $4 or $5 dollars on a brush now, you’ll be buying another one in a month or two!
A brush stand is also a really good idea. The preferred method for drying the brush is with it hanging upside down to air dry. Look for plastic or stainless so it won’t rust, but don’t spend tens of dollars on one.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for more of a traditional 4-step wet shaving experience, choose Taylor of Old Bond Street, The Art of Shaving Cream, or Proraso. These companies have been around for over a century and are made specifically for traditional shaving, with a straight or dual-blade safety razor.
The other products listed above also offer a premium level shave, and are often preferred by men who don’t always have the time to lather up with a brush every morning.
Cremo Cream and Coochy Rash Free also offer excellent lubrication, an unbeatable price, and are excellent for couples who love to share!
