15 Best Shaving Creams for Men of 2022

When you’re choosing a shaving cream, it is not just about selecting the first one you come across while getting groceries. It is also about how the shave cream will be used, what you want to spend, and where you want to buy the product.

Some men have specific dermatological needs, such as ingrown hairs, so you have to consider a shaving cream’s specific purpose. Do you have sensitive skin? What about dry skin? If so, there are shaving products that are designed to alleviate these conditions.

We’re not going to overwhelm you with all of the criteria that made it tough to find the right shaving cream. Instead, we’ve put together a list of what we believe are the 15 best shaving creams for men right now. If you still have any shaving-related questions by the time you finish the reviews, read further for our favorite tips and tricks.

1. Blu Atlas | Shave Cream

Shaving doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, if you get the right stuff, your shaving cream can almost act as a mini face mask to hydrate your skin and repair damaged cells. Using all-ingredients, this Blu Atlas shave cream is the last one you’ll need to buy. Slated the best of the best shaving cream by Forbes, it features coco caprylate, which not only helps your skin cells heal and regenerate but protects you from ingrown hairs in the process. In addition, vitamin E will work with the isopropyl myristate to lock in moisture and keep your face hydrated even after shaving.

To sweeten the deal, Blu Atlas offers its subscribing members 20% off all listed prices, and you can have your shave cream delivered to your doorstep at the interval of your choosing. So if you value customer service, saving money, and a shaving cream that repairs and rehydrates your skin with each use, then the Blu Atlas Shave Cream is a no-brainer.

2. MARLOWE. | No. 141 Shave Cream

This shave cream, which contains a coconut oil and shea butter base, also deploys Marlowe’s signature M.Blend mix, which combines willow bark extract, algae, green tea and aloe for a detoxifying, hydrating and fortifying shaving experience.

This shave cream works well for overall use and is ideal for sensitive skin. If your goal is a close shave, this cream was made for you. Marlowe’s Shave Cream is lightly scented, with a balance of citrus and aloe complemented by a woody base. This M.Blend product soothes inflammation and is devoid of controversial ingredients like phthalates and parabens.

3. Cremo | Original Shave Cream

Despite their wallet-friendly pricing, all Cremo shaving creams are premium barbershop products. Cremo’s classic version is made of allantoin and aloe along with a harmonizing blend of macadamia seed oil, olive leaf extract, fruit extract and xylitol. The budget formula makes shaving a bump-free and nick-free experience.

To use this or any other Cremo shaving cream, first splash water and rub the cream onto the skin for about 30 seconds. Then lightly coat the skin with shaving cream before shaving your face using light strokes. To keep the shave cream slippery, add water as needed.

Cremo also offers shaving creams in other scents and types, many featured on the Cremo website. You can select formulations such as sage and citrus, silver water and birch, sandalwood, and bourbon vanilla. A cooling shave cream is featured on the website, as well as two Reserve Collection shaving products.

4. Bravo Sierra | Shaving Foam

Advertised as the first foam-to-cream system for men with sensitive skin, Bravo Sierra’s highly rated product burst onto the scene with an environmentally friendly ingredient list. Founded in New York City in 2018, this line of high-performance men’s products was designed with direct input from members of the U.S. military. In fact, 5% of this young company’s sales go directly back into morale, welfare and recreation programs designed to care for service members, veterans and their families.

The shaving foam comes in a clean design and sustainable packaging. It will deliver an irritation-free shaving experience that has been verified by our country’s bravest.

5. Harry’s | Shave Cream With Eucalyptus

Harry’s Shave Cream leads the pack of drugstore shave creams. Its natural ingredients, aloe vera, mint and eucalyptus, delight the face with a restorative tingle. The inexpensive formula makes the shave cream one of the best choices for getting a no-frills and dependable shave. When you use this product, you are in for some smooth shaving.

The product sits near the skin so you can see what you’re doing, which is especially helpful when styling facial hair. The marula oil and eucalyptus serve to refresh and revitalize the skin. This high-quality shave cream sells at a reasonable price. Complete your order with Harry’s razor blades and Harry’s After Shave Lotion for Men. The brand also features a shave gel for men who prefer a gel to a cream.

6. Bevel | Shave Cream

You should seriously consider this shave cream if you happen to be both bump-and-ingrown-prone, or if your facial hair is curly or coarse. The shave cream produced by Bevel contains vitamin E and aloe vera, which offer a fortifying, nourishing and soothing shave, while the shea butter softens facial hair. The comfrey extract in the product wards off inflammation and supports healing.

While applying the right shave cream will help minimize ingrown hairs, you also have to support your shaving routine using the right methods and tools. A good pre-shave oil and after shave balm are also helpful. Bevel features a shave kit on its site that includes a safety razor and blades, shaving brush, shaving cream, pre-shave oil and post shave balm.

7. Proraso | Shaving Cream (Sensitive Skin)

This shaving cream is excellent for sensitive skin, though all skin types will benefit from using the product. The Proraso brand is popular within barbershops as well as for home consumption. The brand’s sensitive-skin formula is first-rate, featuring ingredients that reduce skin inflammation and soothe the surface, such as green tea and oatmeal. Men also like the clean lime and apple scent.

The Proraso brand makes its shaving cream by replicating a traditional soap-making process, known as the “hot soap” method. During the process, the shave cream is allowed to mature for three days before it is packaged. This method creates a cream that produces a rich and luxurious lather. In fact, it is best to use a shave brush when applying the shave cream, as the lather builds quickly.

If you have sensitive skin, Proraso’s shave cream for sensitive skin was made for you. To ensure the best results, use a single-blade safety razor. Avoid using a cartridge razor if you want to experience a smoother and more dependable shave.

8. SUPPLY | Ultra Lather Shaving Cream

If you are seeking a dry skin shaving cream, you don’t want to bypass the benefits of Supply’s Ultra Lather Shaving Cream. Supply’s exclusive shaving product is made with jojoba oil and shea butter, and is designed to be antimicrobial, hydrating and anti-inflammatory. The shaving cream not only nourishes and moisturizes dry skin; its plant-based and organic ingredients, such as kaolin clay, absorb impurities, creating a skin surface that allows your razor to glide without resistance.

Each ingredient in the cream is added for a therapeutic reason. For example, the kaolin clay removes dirt and grime from the pores, softening stubble, so the razor glides easily over the face. The clay is suitable for any skin type. Shea butter in the product leaves the skin moisturized without feeling greasy, and the jojoba oil’s antibacterial and eczema-fighting compounds provide a hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic solution for treating acne or reducing lines and wrinkles.

This product, which has been lauded by Men’s Health as the best shaving cream for 2021, leaves out toxins such as phthalates, sulfates and parabens, all of which are generally bad for the skin and health. The shaving cream comes in three scents: Crisp (which includes extracts of juniper, bergamot and jasmine), Coastal (which is defined by oakmoss, bergamot and cedar) and Calm (produced with lavender, eucalyptus and blue sage).

To use the product, you’ll need to buy a shaving brush, which Supply also features on its website. Because the shaving cream is highly concentrated, the brand guarantees that it will last twice as long as similarly sized shaving cream products.

9. GEN2 | Premium Shaving Lather

While the listings above cover various creams for facial shaving, some men also want a reliable shaving cream for shaving their head. For bald-head shaving, GEN2 offers a product that supports a pleasant shaving experience.

The brand features a premium range of shaving-related products that include this soothing and beneficial shaving cream. The product contains a blend of apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil for nourishing, as well as cocoa butter, shea butter and glycerin, which soften the scalp for a smooth, nick-free shave. Peppermint is added to freshen up your shaving experience.

If you use the product for facial shaving, you only need a dime-sized amount to create a lather. Work the lather onto moist skin to the preferred consistency. After shaving, rinse away the residue and pat your skin dry. GEN2 also features an aftershave balm you can use after your shave.

10. The Art of Shaving | Shaving Cream

A badger brush is considered one of the finest shaving brushes to use if you wish to achieve a clean and close, nick-free shave. However, you also have to consider the type of shaving cream you use. After all, you want your shaving product to complement the use of the shaving tool. In this case, you won’t go wrong if you choose The Art of Shaving’s shaving cream.

This product can be used without the brush, but if you want to look your best, we recommend using it. The foaming cream, which conveys a pleasant sandalwood scent, contains ingredients like coconut acid and glycerin for total hydration and is completely alcohol free.

The product is free of synthetic dyes and remains on the face while shaving, yet easily rinses away. It has been clinically tested for use on sensitive skin. This shaving cream produces a luxurious foamy lather that prevents irritation while improving razor glide. Always shave with the grain when using the product.

11. Claus Porto | Musgo Real Shaving Cream

Whether you shave daily or only when you feel like it, you want to get the most out of the experience. Therefore, a shaving cream’s scent should be a priority. If you are seeking a shaving cream with a pleasant barbershop aroma, you don’t have to look further than Claus Porto Shaving Cream.

The brand’s classic scent shaving cream is composed of calming notes of vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood. Plus, the shaving cream provides a softening base of lanolin and glycerin to moisturize and condition the skin.

This vintage brand, which has been selling men’s grooming and shaving products for over 150 years, features an assortment of shaving creams, lotions and soaps, which are considered some of the finest barbershop products in the world today.

12. Kiehl’s | Ultimate Men’s Shave Cream

When it comes to men’s grooming, few brands today have the history and recognition of the fabled Kiehl’s brand. The company started as a pharmacy in 1851, and has since become a cosmetics behemoth with hundreds of stores worldwide. Contrary to many of its rivals, the brand attracts mostly male clientele, which has led them to specialize in men’s grooming in skincare.

This Ultimate Men’s Shave Cream is formulated with both menthol and camphor to prime your skin for an otherworldly shave. When applied to the skin, menthol and camphor alike provide an intense cooling effect for a maximally comfortably shave. The formula also contains sesame oil, a well-studied emollient that will help you glide your razor across your face with minimal risk of nicks and cuts.

You can use this Ultimate Men’s Shave Cream regardless of your skin type, but it’s particularly well-suited for guys with sensitive skin. Paraben-free and packed with high-quality, natural ingredients, you certainly don’t want to overlook this superior-quality Kiehl’s product.

13. Clinique for Men | Cream Shave

If you’re an international reader or you find yourself traveling often, a trusted global brand like Clinique is a safe bet. The company has presence in virtually every country across the world, so if you’re overseas and you’ve run out of your first-line shave cream, look to Clinique. The skincare and cosmetics behemoth has a men’s line called Clinique for Men, with top-sellers like their moisturizing lotion, Clinique Happy cologne spray, and anti-fatigue serum concentrate with SPF 25.

But if you’re looking for a cream to obtain a smooth and comfortable shave, check out Clinique for Men’s Cream Shave. Unlike many of the creams on this list, the formula is made up of mostly chemicals like stearic acid and glycerin, which are commonly included in mainstream brand shave creams. But this product also contains menthol and aloe for a cool and seamless shaving experience.

This shave cream typically comes in a 4.2 oz tube, which should last you at least a couple of months, depending on how frequently you shave. Recommended for drier skin and paraben-free, consider this dependable Clinique for Men product on your next trip to the store or pharmacy.

14. Nivea Men | Sensitive Shave Gel

If you’re a guy with sensitive skin, you’re simply more likely to suffer from shave irritation that can manifest as burning, micro-cuts, and stubble itch. If that’s the case, worry not: NIVEA MEN has engineered a shave gel just for you. Their Sensitive Shave Gel, which you can find in virtually any drugstore or supermarket, employs the company’s Skin Guard technology to enhance razor glide for a shave that’s free of nicks and cuts.

This product is formulated with a soothing combination of vitamin E, chamomile extract, and witch hazel extract for a cooling effect that you’ll feel right away. Chamomile in particular is believed to aid in wound healing, a necessary addition to any sensitive skin formula. Witch hazel, on the other hand, has been shown to help relieve inflammation and mitigate the occurrence of razor bumps. As a great alternative to a shaving cream, this gel is both alcohol free and dye free, so it’s a product that you can use on a daily basis. The gel is as simple to use as any cream, forming a frothy lather when you massage it onto your face. If you have sensitive skin and need a shave gel you can find almost anywhere, this NIVEA MEN product is a solid bet.

15. Aveeno | Active Naturals Men’s Shave Gel

Aveeno has been putting out reliable and highly-recommended skincare products since 1945. Now a Johnson & Johnson brand, Aveeno is famous for employing soothing oat extracts in every single one of its formulas. Recently, the brand has released a men’s-friendly product line called Active Naturals.

Formulated with soothing oat, sunflower seed oil, and aloe, the Active Naturals Men’s Shave Gel will lubricate your stubborn skin for a close, yet comfortable shave. By hydrating your skin, the gel protects it against razor bumps, nicks, and cuts due to shaving.

Unlike most shave gels on the market, this is a truly fragrance-free gel that doesn’t produce any chemical odor. This lightweight gel works for all skin types, and is especially recommended for dry or sensitive skin. Given its straightforward formula and affordable price point, this gel is an attractive option for just about any man looking to enhance his shaving experience.

Reviewing Shaving Creams | How to Make a Choice

Cost should not be your primary consideration when selecting a shaving cream, as there are many excellent products in our guide that are affordable. Instead, the selection should be made based on your specific needs.

For example, if you are prone to ingrown hairs, you should choose a shaving cream that reflects this specific requirement. If your skin is sensitive or dry, you can shortlist shaving creams that contain products that alleviate sensitivity or dryness. Your shaving cream selection should always work for you—and you alone.

Shaving products may be offered in creams, lotions or gels. To ensure you use the right product, think about the consistency of the product and the shaving tools you use.

Always ask what the key ingredients are. For shaving creams or gels, you want to find products that nourish or soothe the skin with ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera or jojoba oil.

In addition, it is helpful to distinguish between a shaving lotion and cream. A shaving lotion has a lighter consistency than a cream, as it has a low oil content. It is designed to moisturize for only a short time. A shaving cream has more oil and a thicker consistency.

Selecting the right blade is important as well. Use a sharp, clean blade for each shave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shaving creams come with expiration dates?

A shaving cream lasts about two years if you don’t open it during that time. If the product is opened, the shaving cream is usually good for six months to a year. To find the expiration date on a package, look for a logo on the back of the shaving cream’s jar, bottle or tube. It should feature a number from one to 12, followed by a letter in the stamp (“M” for months or “Y” for years).

How does a men’s shaving cream differ from a woman’s shaving cream formula?

Because hair grows differently on the face and body, shaving cream formulas differ according to where it will be used. Furthermore, the scent may be crafted to appeal more to feminine or masculine preferences.

What ingredients should I look for in a shaving cream?

Some of the best shaving cream formulas for men contain ingredients like allantoin, aloe or oatmeal, or a hydrating base of jojoba oil, lanolin or shea butter.

How should I shave if I am prone to ingrown hairs?

Besides using one of the fine shaving creams in this guide to reduce the incidence of bumps or ingrown hairs, you should do the following:

● Exfoliate the epidermis regularly.

The epidermis, or the outer surface, is the part of the skin that creates its tone. Beneath it lies the dermis, which contains the hair follicles, connective tissue and sweat glands. The hypodermis, which is the skin’s third layer, is composed of connective tissue and fat.

Because ingrown hairs usually result from clogged pores created by dirt and grime, exfoliation removes the residue, allowing the facial hair to grow in the proper direction.

● After using and shaving with a product, pat your face dry with a towel. Never rub your face, as doing so will cause the skin to break out or develop ingrown hairs. While your shaving cream may be designed to prevent ingrown hairs, you will defeat the purpose of using the cream if you use a towel and rub your face after shaving.

● Take special care in selecting a safety razor for shaving. The best razors to use for ingrown-prone skin are made to reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Using a razor designed to stop this type of irritation is essential. A razor such as Gillette’s SkinGuard is made to absorb the manual pressure created while shaving, as it raises the blade to reduce contact with the skin.

How should I shave my head?

For a first shave, you will need to cut the bulk of your hair off before you begin shaving. Use clippers to get close to the scalp. Wash the scalp thoroughly with warm water before shaving. Here are the steps that the bald-headed brothers on our team recommend if you’re looking to shave your head and are unsure how to proceed:

● To shave the head, first apply shaving cream.

● Use a sharp razor and take it slow. Dull razor blades increase the likelihood of cuts or nicks.

● Begin with the top of the head, using gentle strokes, following the direction of hair growth.

● Rinse your razor blade after each stroke to remove the excess shaving cream.

● Move to the sides. Fold down your ears to prevent unwanted nicks.

● Shave the back of the head and work down toward the neck.

● Use a handheld mirror to check your progress and ensure you have not missed any areas.

● After shaving, rinse your scalp with cool water.

● Pat your scalp dry with a soft and clean towel.

● Apply an aftershave balm or lotion.

While some men use an electric razor to shave their heads because it is faster, this method does not guarantee the same results you get with a razor and shaving cream. The frequency with which you’ll have to shave your head depends on the level of smoothness you want to achieve and how fast your hair grows. Typically, most men shave their heads every one to three days to achieve a clean and smooth appearance.