With many different options for shaving, relying on the traditional shave creams remain one of the most popular options for most men. Quality shave creams provide many benefits to the skin and make the overall shaving experience better.
We’ve done the legwork and put together this guide to help you compare the best shaving creams available. These creams offer the best combination of shaving experience and benefits to the underlying skin. We hope this guide provides you with the information you need to choose the shaving cream just right for you.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Barbasol Soothing Aloe Shave Cream |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Weight: 20 |
| Brush Needed: No |
| Designed for all skin types. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Cremo Original Shave Cream for Men |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Weight: 18 |
| Brush Needed: No |
| High-quality ingredients. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| D.R. Harris Arlington Shave Cream |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Weight: 5.3 |
| Brush Needed: Yes |
| A little product goes a long way. |
| Check Amazon |
Buying Guide
How did we come to these best shaving creams for men? There are several types of shave creams available, and it can be overwhelming to decide which cream offers the qualities that are just right for your shaving needs. We picked through many different shave creams and evaluated them based on the following criteria before choosing the best shave creams for men.
Quality Ingredients: All shave creams are not created equal and most of those differences can be found in the use of premium quality ingredients that provide only the best shaving experience possible. Inferior ingredients may increase the chance of skin irritation, even allergies.
We made sure to choose only cream with the best ingredients as well as shave creams that have withstood the test of time.
Brush/Brushless: Shave creams can be designed to be used with or without a brush. In general, brush shave creams need the addition of a small amount of warm water to achieve the perfect lather. Using a quality brush and pre-soaking it in warm water will help you achieve a better shave and shave experience, reminiscent of a professional barbershop shave.
Moisturizers: Premium shave creams will include moisturizers to help reduce irritation and hydrate the skin as well as provide added lubrication and glide. Although individuals with skin sensitivities should carefully examine ingredients for potential reactions, most moisturizers are hypoallergenic. Additionally, many of the best shave creams only use natural ingredients which reduce the risk of skin irritation as well.
Lubrication and Glide: Lubrication and glide refer to the shaving creams formula and how it helps your razor move across the skin. Creams with premium lubrication and glide will not cause razors to snag on hair and will help to protect the razor from collecting stray hairs that may clog the razor. There is a fine balance between these features and a clean rinsing formula.
Lather: The most important feature of shave creams for some individuals how easily the cream is to work into a lather. As mentioned above, thicker formulas are designed to be worked into a lather using a shave brush, while thinner formulas may lather easily between your hands.
The lather potential of shaving cream can be influenced by the temperature of the water or even application to wet skin. Most shave creams will recommend using warmer water to work into a lather. Additionally, individuals who deal with harder water may have a harder time working their shave cream into a rich lather.
Pro Tip: If you have really hard water, add a ½ teaspoon of baking powder to your shave bowl can help breakdown the minerals in hard water and help increase lather potential.
10 Best Shaving Creams for Men Comparison Table
| Product Name | Brush Needed? | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.R. Harris Arlington Shave Cream | Yes | 5.3 ounces | Check Price |
| Cremo Original Shave Cream | No | 18 ounces | Check Price |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street Shave Cream | Yes | 10.6 ounces | Check Price |
| Barbasol Soothing Aloe Shave Cream | No | 20 ounces | Check Price |
| Pacific Shaving Co. Shave Cream | No | 3.4 ounces | Check Price |
| The Art of Shaving Shave Cream | No | 5 ounces | Check Price |
| Knightsbridge Bergamot Shave Cream | Yes | 6 ounces | Check Price |
| Rocky Mountain Barber Co. Shave Cream | No | 5 ounces | Check Price |
| Jack Black Supreme Cream | Yes | 2.6 ounces | Check Price |
| Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream | No | 10.2 ounces | Check Price |
10 Best Shaving Creams for Men: Detailed Review
1. D.R. Harris Arlington Shave Cream (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
When you are looking for a luxury shaving cream, D.R. Harris Arlington Shave Cream will definitely come up at some point. This premium shaving cream is super concentrated. Designed to be used with or without a brush, this cream produces a luxuriously rich lather with only the slightest hint of citrus and fern.
This shave cream contains a proprietary blend of deep moisturizers to ensuring it will not dry out the skin. Gentle enough for shaving every day, this shave cream is great for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 5.3 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent lather |
| The gentle scent is not overpowering |
| Lubricates well for a smooth glide |
| A little product goes a long way |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Fragrance does not remain on the skin to add to overall cologne effect of other creams |
| More pricey option than other similar shave creams |
2. Cremo Original Shave Cream (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
Cremo is a well-known name in the shaving industry. This original shave cream is specially formulated to provide the ultimate in lubrication and glide to reduce nicks and skin irritation or razor burn. Developed specifically for men, this cream can also be used by anyone seeking a great shave experience at an affordable price.
This amazing 3-pack value can last up to a whopping 6 months. Cremo shave cream is formulated with only the highest quality ingredients. No weird trace ingredients here. This concentrated cream can be used with or without a brush, but a richer lather will likely be achieved with a brush and bowl.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 3 x 6 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| High-quality ingredients |
| 3-pack lasts up to 6 months for 1 user |
| High lubricating and glide |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The recently updated formula may irritate sensitive skin |
| Does not lather well without a brush |
| The strong scent may bother some |
3. Taylor of Old Bond Street Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
When you are looking for a nod to shaving creams of the past, Taylor of Old Bond Street shave cream may be worth consideration. This premium shave cream contains an intriguing blend of Sandalwood, Cedar, Lavender, Rosemary, and hints of Jasmine and Rose. While these may sound very feminine, the resulting scent is anything but feminine.
This shave cream mirrors classic shaving creams in thickness, texture, and lather potential with the modern benefits of beneficial moisturizers and oils to help the cream absorb deep into the skin to leave your skin soft and smooth after each shave.
This shave cream is designed to be used with a shave bowl and brush. Also, this formula is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 2 x 5.3oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Bonus Value 2-pack |
| Like classic shave cream formulas |
| A little goes a long way |
| Intense moisturizers |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Less lubrication than other brands |
| The smell may be unpleasant for some users |
| Not for use with sensitive skin |
4. Barbasol Soothing Aloe Shave Cream (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
Barbasol is probably a familiar name for most people that have ever seen anything about shaving creams. The giant in the shaving industry brings it Soothing Aloe shave cream specifically designed to provide the smoothest shave experience for even the most sensitive skin or novice shavers. Barbasol Shave cream is America’s number one shave cream for a reason. These shave creams provide a soothing rich lather and high lubrication and glide to achieve the best shave.
Barbasol is specifically formulated to be gentle on all skin and can help your shave through even the toughest hair thanks to their hair penetrating moisturizers that soften the hair making it easier to shave away.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 2 x 10 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Deep moisturizers including soothing aloe |
| Designed for all skin types |
| Works on all hair types |
| Great Lather without the need for a shave bowl and brush |
| #1 Shave cream in the USA |
| Made in the USA |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The strong scent may be unpleasant for some users |
| The formula requires using more product to achieve similar results as other creams |
5. Pacific Shaving Co. Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
We promise some creams with all-natural ingredients and that’s is what you get with Pacific Shaving Company’s shave cream. This proprietary blend of the purest plant-derived ingredients can be used to shave even the most sensitive areas. This cream provides ultimate skin protection, reduced razor burn, redness.
This formula has been certified organic and is vegan. Additionally, this shave cream meets all TSA travel regulations and is always produced without ever harming any animals. Pacific Shaving Company is committed to providing the best products in the industry. Their rich lathering concentrated formula can be used with or without a brush, is free of weird synthetic fragrances and always made in the USA.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 3.4 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Its certified organic and is vegan |
| It meets all TSA travel regulations |
| Made in the USA |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Hard to rinse away easily |
| The texture is not as smooth as other shave creams |
| Not for thick or coarse hair |
| May leave behind a sticky residue on the razor |
| Some may find the smell unpleasant |
6. The Art of Shaving Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Aptly named the Art of Shaving Shave cream is one of the best shave creams for a very good reason. This shave cream was the first shave cream that I was ever introduced. The butter soft formula adds a crazy amount of moisture to the skin, provide the best lubrication and glide of many comparable creams. The formula is designed to be used on all skin types, even fussy sensitive skin (that’s me!)
This shave cream easily lathers and can be used in or out of the shower. Made of high-quality essential oils and premium botanicals, this is a great shaving cream for anyone. Additionally, a little goes a long way with this cream. A smaller company by the standards set by many of the creams on this list you will not be disappointed in this great shave cream.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 5 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Buttery soft formula |
| Infused with Essential oils and botanicals |
| Great lather potential |
| Use with or without a shave brush |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The formula may have been changed |
| The thinner formula requires using more product to achieve the desired result |
| The smell may be unpleasant for some users |
| Reduced lubrication |
| May cause skin to become dry with regular use |
7. Knightsbridge Bergamot Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0
Knightsbridge produces their Bergamot shave cream as a nod to historical nobles of England. This cream is infused with Bergamot and amber and contains soothing eucalyptus along with hints of citrus, clove, and patchouli.
This shave cream is designed to provide an outstanding shave with a deeply moisturizing formula that will protect the skin while increasing lubrication and glide. Only the purest ingredients ensure that this shave cream is gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Knightsbridge is so convinced you will love their shave cream they back it with a 100% money back guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied to contact them and they will take care of you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 6 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Great Lather |
| Essential Oils |
| Deep moisturizers |
| Gentle enough for all skin types |
| Money back guarantee |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The strange medicinal scent is overpowering and may bother some users |
| The formula may irritate sensitive skin |
8. Rocky Mountain Barber Co. Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0
Another all-natural shave cream can be found in this, the Rocky Mountain Barber Company is made of only the purest, natural ingredients. Their shave cream contains soothing coconut oil and other deep moisturizers to ensure your skin will be super soft after each shave.
This shave cream is infused with pure essential oils and produced in small batches to guarantee the highest quality control. The natural shave cream produces a rich lather and may help to calm even the most irritated skin conditions, including rosacea and psoriasis. Check ingredients for allergies.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 5 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| All-natural formula |
| Made with pure Essential Oils |
| Can be used with or without a shave brush |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Does not lubricate well |
| The smell may be unpleasant for some users but does not linger |
| Hard to achieve a good lather, especially with hard water |
| May irritate sensitive skin |
9. Jack Black Supreme Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0
Jack Black slides in with their version of a premium shave cream or what they refer to as Supreme Cream. This shave cream is formulated to provide a luxury shave experience that helps to reduce ingrown hairs and result in healthier, smoother skin. This super hydrating shave cream includes three layers of protection and is back by Jack Black’s PureScience formulations.
Designed to provide a superior glide, this cream lathers well to help lift the hair for a closer shave each time. Additionally, like all Jack Black products this shave cream has been dermatologist tested, certified organic and has never been tested on animals.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 2.6 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Premium shave cream |
| Dermatologist tested |
| Layered moisturizers |
| Excellent lubrication and glide |
| Works best with a brush, but not required |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The formula is very thick and has a weird texture |
| The scent may be unpleasant for some and lingers |
| Low lather |
| Requires using more product to achieve desired results |
10. Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0
Neutrogena is no stranger to providing fantastic skin care products and that doesn’t stop with their Skin Clearing Shave Cream. This shave cream has been specifically formulated to tackle men’s unique skin issues. In addition to battling breakouts, this cream is enriched with deep moisturizers that many have come to expect from Neutrogena. This shave cream is a no-foam cream that remains thicker upon application than other shave creams.
Additionally, Neutrogena products are always dermatologist tested, and in this case, the results show a drastic reduction in acne, skin irritation, and overall skin health. This shave cream is also oil-free and non-comedogenic. You can use this cream with or without a brush.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Blade Count: 2 x 5.1 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Well-known skin care company |
| Deep moisturizers |
| Dermatologist tested |
| Oil-Free and Non-comedogenic |
| Proven to reduce acne and skin irritation |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Consistency closer to that of a gel |
| Thinner formula than other shave creams |
| Cream clogs razor easily |
| The scent may be unpleasant for some users |
| Does not lather as well as comparable creams |
| Not for thick or coarse hair removal |
Tips for Using Shaving Cream:
Now that we have provided you with ten of the best shave creams available, we wanted to give you a few tips to ensure you achieve the perfect shave you are after. These tips may or may not apply to every shave experience, but we hope they help you.
Using a Brush: Using a brush to lather and apply shaving cream can be a matter of personal preference, however, some creams are specifically designed to be used with a brush. These are typically the thicker formula shave creams designed to be worked into a lather with a small amount of water in a shaving bowl.
Investing in a well-made shaving brush will ensure the brush absorbs the proper amount of water to work the shaving cream into a rich lather. If you are struggling to reach the expected lather with your shave cream, it may be time for a new brush.
Application: Whether you choose to use a brush to apply your shave cream or not, it is important to lather the cream well and then apply against the direction of hair growth. This lifts the hair allowing for a more even distribution of the shaving cream around the entire hair. This will also help to remove hair closer to the skin surface for a smoother, longer lasting shave.
Skin Care: Proper skin care between shaves will help to achieve a smoother, cleaner shave. At a minimum, care should be taken to thoroughly clean and exfoliate the skin before shaving. This will help to prevent ingrown hairs as well as help your shave cream absorb into the skin better for increased razor glide.
Washing your Face: Even though a man’s skin may seem tougher than a woman’s, the skin on his face is sensitive and it’s important that it’s treated right. Make sure to wash your hands before washing your face to prevent adding extra dirt, grime, and oil to your skin. Look for cleansers specially formulated for men. Look for products that are oil-free to prevent clogging of pores.
Water Temperature: Using warm water to achieve a great lather is not the only way to improve your shaving experience. Just like a good old-fashioned barber would apply a moist, heated towel to your face prior to shaving will help to expand hair follicles allowing hair to be removed just below the skin surface for a longer lasting shave.
When you are finished shaving, and after all shaving cream has been removed, finish your shave with a splash of cool water, this will help to close the pores back up and lock in vital moisture.
Aftershave Products: Finishing your shave with a quality aftershave, shave balm or lotion helps to moisturize the skin to decrease razor burn and ingrown hairs. Make sure to avoid products with alcohol in them.
Conclusion
There you have it, everything you could ever need to know about the best shave creams available on the market as well as a few tips to help you achieve the perfect baby smooth shave. We hope this guide has helped you to understand the varied shave creams available and perhaps helped you choose the one just right for you. Good luck on a great shave!
Contents
- Buying Guide
- 10 Best Shaving Creams for Men Comparison Table
- 10 Best Shaving Creams for Men: Detailed Review
- 1. D.R. Harris Arlington Shave Cream (Top Pick)
- 2. Cremo Original Shave Cream (Best Value)
- 3. Taylor of Old Bond Street Shave Cream
- 4. Barbasol Soothing Aloe Shave Cream (Best Budget)
- 5. Pacific Shaving Co. Shave Cream
- 6. The Art of Shaving Shave Cream
- 7. Knightsbridge Bergamot Shave Cream
- 8. Rocky Mountain Barber Co. Shave Cream
- 9. Jack Black Supreme Shave Cream
- 10. Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream
- Tips for Using Shaving Cream:
