Shaving sounds like a quick process, but anything that involves skin could be a lot more complicated than you think.
Shaving can cause irritation and consistent use of a razor could cause razor burn or rash. With the use of pre-electric shave lotion or cream, you can lower your chances of dealing with these issues, and improve the effectiveness of the shaver by helping it glide more precisely against the skin.
Pre-electric shave products are easy to find, but that can make it difficult to weed out the inferior products from the high-quality ones.
We have looked at a large number of shave lotions and chosen the best ones we found to review. Below, we will take a glance at all the pros and cons of each product and rate them according to their features and specifications.
With the help of the best pre-electric shave product, you can have a clean-shaven face with smoother skin than you ever thought possible!
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Williams Lectric Electric Razor Pre-Shave |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Size: 7 ounces |
| Ingredients: Green tea extract |
| Budget-friendly option, caffeine keeps your skin looking bright, and moisturizes the skin, green tea extract. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Aramis Lab Series Electric Shave |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Size: 3.4 ounces |
| Ingredients: Cola Nitida (KOLA) Nut Extract |
| Designed specifically for men, contains Kola nut extract, moisturizes the skin. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| King of Shaves Sensitive Shaving Gel |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Size: 5.9 ounces (each) |
| Ingredients: Aloe and Tea Tree oil Vegetarian and vegan-friendly |
| Designed for sensitive skin, vegetarian and vegan-friendly. |
| Check Amazon |
Pre-Electric Shave Gel and Lotions: Helpful Tips
You want to look for quality in every product you purchase, but you also need to know how to best use those products to get the greatest result. Whether you have used these products before, you are doing so for the first time, you can also use a little guidance to have the best shave.
If you want to use your new pre-electric shave option to get the closest shave without irritation, then these tips will help you do just that.
Use a Little at a Time
The biggest mistake that men make when they first use a shave lotion or gel is to lather it on. This can hurt your shaving abilities by making it difficult to see your jawline and can leave a residue from overusing the product.
Even the lighter lotions will start to leave a greasy feeling if you put on too much.
To avoid this, just use a little at a time. Once you get the hang of putting it on, you can adjust by adding a bit more until you feel like you have a sufficient amount. You will be able to tell a difference after you shave, so if you use too little and don’t feel like your skin was left soft enough, feel free to add more.
Just work your way up instead of piling it on, and you’ll do just fine.
Don’t Apply It Where You Don’t Need It
Although many of these lotions and gels offer skin conditioning and moisturizing, you don’t want to smear this product all over your face. This isn’t regular lotion, and you don’t want to waste it.
You should stick to applying the product only to the areas of the face that you will shave, just like shaving cream, and avoid areas that you won’t.
If you overdo it, you are not only wasting your product, but you’re also putting ingredients on your skin that are meant to be used when shaving. Ingredients like alcohol and oils can help shaved skin but can dry out the skin or make it feel greasy if you put it on an area that doesn’t need it.
Plus, because these products often contain one or more special ingredients, they are more expensive than typical lotions. Putting the product where it doesn’t belong wastes it and basically means that you are throwing money away.
Get a lotion that is made for softening skin that isn’t shaved, and leave these pre-shave lotions for the jawline.
Know Your Skin’s Sensitivity
With each of the shave lotions on this list, there are specific ingredients that will help your skin feel softer after a shave. However, not all of these ingredients will be the right choice for every user.
If you don’t use lotions that contain any animal products, then the ones that do will not be an option for you. Similarly, if you have an allergy to lavender oil or Speick extract, then you won’t purchase that lotion.
Knowing what irritates your skin, and what makes it feel its best is a necessary piece of information that will help you find the best fit. If your skin is picky about what it likes on it, then searching for the options that are created for sensitive skin will keep you on the safer side.
Stay away from the ingredients that may cause irritation, and you’ll be able to find a pre-shave lotion that works best for your skin easily.
Strength of Scent
You can easily know if you like the smell of any lotion by opening it and taking a whiff. But if you’re buying something online, then it is difficult to know if you can be sure to like the scent based on the description.
You might like the smell of a certain aroma, but if it is too strong, then you may find it overwhelming.
Knowing what you like ahead of time will help steer you in the right direction. If you are picky about what scents you wear, then looking for a lotion that has no added fragrance will be a better choice for you.
Whatever product you choose, just make sure that it is the right one for you, and you will enjoy using it again and again.
6 Best Pre-Electric Shave Comparison Table
| Product Name | Ingredients | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| King of Shaves Sensitive Shaving Gel | Aloe and Tea Tree oil Vegetarian and vegan-friendly | 5.9 ounces (each) | Check Price |
| Pherolink – Freelette Electric Close Shave Balm (two pack) | Made from herbal extracts | 3.7 ounces (each) | Check Price |
| Williams Lectric Pre-Shave | Green tea extract | 7 ounces | Check Price |
| Aramis Lab Series Electric Shave | Cola Nitida (KOLA) Nut Extract | 3.4 ounces | Check Price |
| Afta Pre-Electric Shave Lotion With Skin | Non-greasy and oil-free | 3 ounces | Check Price |
| Speick Pre Electric Shave Lotion | Speick (Valeriana celtica) extract and lavender oil | 3.4 ounces | Check Price |
6 Best Pre-Electric Shave Products: Detailed Reviews
Before we dive in, you should know how we decided to choose these products. With many options on the market using only alcohol as a pre-shave and aftershave option, which can actually dry out and irritate the skin. Instead, we choose lotions and gels that will soothe the skin better and provide a closer shave.
After we discuss all the features and ingredients of each product, we will also offer a few helpful tips about the best ways to use them and how to get the best shave.
1. King of Shaves Sensitive Shaving Gel (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
The King of Shaves brand was founded in 1993 and has been manufacturing and selling its toiletry products ever since. Based mainly in the UK, this company ships mainly throughout the country and to the U.S. With years of experience, this trusted brand is known for its quality products.
This pre-electric shave gel is one of their trusted products that eliminates irritation and allows you to get a smoother, closer shave.
This formula is designed specifically for people who have sensitive skin and may not be able to use other, harsher products. With ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe, your skin is soothed and conditioned before and after each shave so you’re left with soft, supple skin.
When this gel is used before you shave, it helps the electric razor slide against your skin evenly so your face has an even look without pesky stubble. Plus, this low-foam product allows you to easily and clearly see where on your cheek and chin you are shaving.
After you have shaved, the gel works to put moisture back into your skin without drying it out more, as others do. With the tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, it cools the skin and keeps it from getting irritated.
The natural ingredients are not made from any animal products and are safe for both vegetarians and vegans to use.
The gel formula goes on easy and doesn’t have a sticky texture that will stay on your hands. It also lathers up well that allows you to easily clean it off your face after you’re done shaving.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 5.9 ounces per bottle |
| Includes: Aloe and tea tree oil, Anti-inflammatory |
| Use: Usable for sensitive skin |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 5.9 ounces of product per container |
| Easy to use squeeze bottle |
| Vegetarian and vegan-friendly |
| Low-foam formula |
| Anti-inflammatory |
| Use before and after you shave |
| Offers easy clean up |
| Designed for sensitive skin |
| Comes in two-pack |
| The Cons |
|---|
| More expensive than other options |
| Doesn’t come with a fragrance as others do |
2. Pherolink – Freelette Electric Close Shave Balm (two pack)
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
The Pherolink company has a line of products that are made for men’s grooming routines and help provide skin-soothing for before and after shaving.
Pherolink is known for its masculine scents and the use of pheromones in their products that help men feel more attractive to women. Their other products, including pheromone spray, aim to boost men’s confidence and enhance sexual attraction.
Manufactured in Israel, this shave balm is made from natural ingredients and shipped around the world. Freelette balm is made using Bisabolol and Saw Palmetto from the papaya fruit. These herbal extracts help moisturize the skin and keep it from getting dried out and feeling tight.
These natural extracts also disinfect the skin so that any accidental cuts or scrapes are treated for infection with use.
Although this balm does contain alcohol, the moisturizers in the formula combat the negative effects so your skin isn’t left with a burning or dry feeling, and instead feels soft and moisturized.
This product comes with almost 4 ounces of product and will last through many shaves without running out. These bottles are sold as pairs or singles, so you can choose to purchase a two-pack if you shave often and will likely go through much of the product over a shorter time.
You can use this balm before you shave to ensure that the razor gets close to the root of the hair without breaking the skin, and after for repairing the suppleness of the skin.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 3.7 ounces of product |
| Use: Usable before and after shaving |
| Includes: Herbal extracts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Has a masculine scent |
| Natural ingredients and extracts |
| Disinfectant |
| Moisturizes the skin |
| 3.7 ounces of product |
| Sold in singles and pairs |
| Usable before and after shaving |
| Leaves skin supple and soft |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Scent may be too strong for some customers |
| Not designed for use on sensitive skin |
| More expensive than other options |
3. Williams Lectric Pre-Shave (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Williams Company was started in the 1950s and has been known as one of the most trusted men’s grooming products. With an easy to use liquid, this pre-electric shave option has been made with customer’s satisfaction in mind.
The price per ounce of this product is one of the lowest of all the products on this list, which makes it a great budget-friendly choice for customers who can’t afford to buy a premium-priced option.
With the bottle containing 7 ounces of liquid, this pre-shave product will last a long time even if shaving is part of your daily routine.
Lectric Pre-Shave has ingredients that help your hair to stick up straight so you shave closer than you were able to before. With this product, you can have a closer shave that will make your five o’clock shadow lighter and less noticeable.
The use of alcohol in this product works as a disinfectant after you shave that keeps infections from occurring when you have any small mistakes.
The key ingredient that sets this option apart from the others is the use of green tea extract. This herbal extract soothes the skin and keeps it moistened to fend off a dry feeling after use. Unlike other alcohol-based products, this won’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry if you use a lot.
Green tea extract contains caffeine, which when used before and after shaving, can help to keep hair stand up straighter and revitalize the skin to make you look awake and refreshed even if you haven’t slept well.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 7 ounces of product per bottle |
| Includes: Green tea extract, caffeine, Moisturizer |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Made from a trusted brand |
| Budget-friendly option |
| 7 ounces of product |
| Prevents infections |
| Moisturizes the skin |
| Green tea extract |
| Caffeine keeps your skin looking bright |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains alcohol, which could be too harsh for sensitive skin |
| The smell may be too strong for some customers |
| Liquid can feel too oily after shaving |
4. Aramis Lab Series Electric Shave (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Lab Series has been creating high-performing men’s grooming products since 1987 and are known for their innovative testing and formulation. As a brand who is focused completely on men’s products, they pride themselves on knowing what men need.
With rougher skin, and the need to shave, men need moisture and a way to keep stubble from forming every day. This electric shave formula does just that.
Men that have a common routine of shaving each day, often want an option that will keep their skin feeling softer and smoother after use. The use of Cola Nitida (KOLA) nut extract moisturizes the skin and will live it feeling revived and fresh.
You can choose to use this product before and after shaving as it will help your beard hair stick up so you’re able to cut it closer to the skin. This will leave you with a closer shave than before, and one that lasts longer.
When used after shaving, it revitalizes the skin and leaves your face feeling softer. Plus, there is no fragrance added to this product, so it won’t irritate freshly shaven skin if you happen to have any nicks or cuts.
This bottle has 3.4 ounces of product and should last for around three months of use if used every day. If your current routine is shaving every few days, then this pre-electric shave option will last you much longer.
Although it is not the lowest price available of all the options on this list, it works great and comes at a price that won’t break the bank. With the amount of liquid that comes in the bottle, you will only have to buy it a few times a year. This allows it to be a budget-friendly option that has a high-performance.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 3.4 ounces per bottle |
| Includes: Kola nut extract |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed specifically for men |
| Contains Kola nut extract |
| Moisturizes the skin |
| Provides closer shave |
| Doesn’t have strong fragrance |
| Soothes irritation |
| Softens skin |
| 3.4 ounces of product |
| Budget-friendly option |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Provides no special fragrance |
| May leave an oily feeling on skin |
| Cost more than other options |
5. Afta Pre-Electric Shave Lotion With Skin Conditioners
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
This Afta pre-electric shave lotion with skin conditioners is made by the brand Mennen, which is owned by Colgate. Under the Mennen name, this company was founded in 1878 and was taken over by Colgate after being sold in 1992.
This company creates a line of men and women’s products for grooming as well as other toiletries. With a long history of providing quality products, although the name has changed, the reputation is still going strong.
This shave lotion is a testament to that.
With a formula that helps give you a closer shave and protects the skin against dryness, this product moisturizes the skin with multiple conditioning agents included in the lotion.
Although other products can sometimes feel greasy or oily after use, this option doesn’t. It has a creamy texture that absorbs into the skin and won’t leave your skin feely oily. The creamy lotion feel also helps keep the skin supple and smooth after shaving so it is tender to the touch.
With the included skin conditioning additives, this lotion keeps your skin from being irritated by the blade of the razor and prevents razor burn and rashes. And, although it is a lotion, it is not heavy or thick and won’t cause the electric razor to become clogged.
The weightlessness of the lotion allows the product to stay on your face without running or creating a mess on the sink.
This bottle also contains an added fragrance that will leave you smelling fresh and clean. There is also a bit of cooling action that happens to the skin with the use of this product, which helps to get an even closer shave.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 3 ounces per bottle |
| Includes: Skin conditioners |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Made by trusted brand |
| Has added skin conditioners |
| Creamy lotion texture |
| Won’t run |
| Doesn’t leave a greasy residue |
| Moisturizes skin |
| Has sweet fragrance |
| Provides a closer shave |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not designed for after shaving |
| Fragrance can be very strong |
| May go through the product quickly |
6. Speick Pre Electric Shave Lotion
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
The Speick pre-electric shave lotion was created by the Speick German company. This company was founded in 1928 when the original partners realized all of the medicinal benefits and uses of Speick extract.
With a focus on all-natural and environmentally-friendly products, this company works to create sustainable cosmetics that will help consumers find a natural alternative to their current options and provide less harmful beauty products.
Made in Germany, this pre-electric shave lotion is made from natural ingredients and includes the Speick extract. This extract helps the skin to heal better after a shave and also provides a mild scent that lingers after use.
The addition of lavender oil strengthens the aroma of the lotion by adding a sweet layer on top of the Speick extract. This oil will help your skin to relax so there is less chance of nicking or cutting your skin, and it helps you to relax with the aromatic scent.
This natural alternative is known for what it doesn’t contain, just as much as it is known for what it does contain. As an option that is gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan, those with sensitive skin and moral convictions to animal products can still use this lotion.
Made with mineral oil-based ingredients, this lotion leaves your skin feeling soft and prevents irritation caused by shaving. This lotion formula is not thick and will not cause your electric razor to clog. This keeps your shaving routine short so you can get out of the house quickly in the morning.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Size: 3.4 ounces of product |
| Includes: Speick extract and lavender oil, All-natural ingredients, Creamy texture for moisturizing |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Made with sustainability in mind |
| All-natural alternative |
| Contains Speick extract |
| Contains lavender oil |
| Has sweet fragrance |
| Mineral oil-based lotion |
| Won’t clog razor |
| Not thick or heavy |
| Ideal for sensitive skin |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not designed for use after shaving as well |
| Fragrance may be too strong for some customers |
