The 8 Best Shaving Creams of 2019

There are so many positive qualities to this shave cream, it’s hard to know where to start. First and foremost, it’s insanely hydrating, thanks to the addition of shea butter and vitamin E. So much so, that the non-foaming formula can be used on wet or even dry skin. It also contains vitamin C, which is not only a great antioxidant for skin protection purposes, but also helps to brighten and even skin tone (and who wouldn’t want that?).

There’s also soothing aloe and oat extract to help minimize nicks and razor bumps. Paraben- and phthalate-free, it comes in four equally delicious scents, too. Take your pick from vanilla bliss, pomegranate raspberry, lavender jasmine, or tropical fruit—good luck choosing your favorite. But perhaps the best part is that it’s housed in a plastic, not metal, bottle, which won’t leave a rust ring in your shower. 

Whether you’re shaving every day or just on special occasions, it’s worth having a good shaving cream on hand; it truly can make all the difference between ending up with smooth skin, or red, irritated skin covered in nicks and cuts. This option most definitely falls into that ‘good shaving cream’ category.

A trio of hydrating glycerin, jojoba, and macadamia nut oils condition skin, while creating an extra layer of cushion and protection between your skin and the razor blade. But it doesn’t stop there: Rosemary and calendula extract calm razor burn and balance pH levels—a key element in warding off irritation. Also nice: It applies and spreads as easily with your fingertips as it does a shaving brush.   

Extra thick and creamy, this is choice for the sensitive set both because of what is in it, and what isn’t. What it does contain: Aloe, a top-notch skin soother, along with sodium PCA for hydration and fast-absorbing sesame oil to soften skin without leaving a greasy residue. What it doesn’t contain: Fragrance. One of the most common skin irritants out there, added fragrance, is found in a lot of shaving cream formulas; it’s why they smell so good, after all. The fact that this one doesn’t have a fragrance is not only what makes it such a good option for sensitive skin, but also means it’s totally gender neutral. Leave it in your bathroom and everyone can have at it.

True to its name, this earns the top spot for shaving your bikini area, where ingrown hairs are a common—and pesky—problem. The key to avoiding them? Getting the closest shave possible, plus regular exfoliation to help keep hair follicles clear. This formula checks both of those boxes. Vitamins A and E lubricate the skin so you can get a super close shave, while microbeads buff off dead cells. It’s extra gentle and has soothing botanicals, too, important when you’re shaving this sensitive area, and because the gel is clear, you can always see exactly where and what you’re shaving, helpful when it comes to avoiding nix and cuts.

It’s a well-known fact that it’s important to moisturize your legs immediately post-shaving if you want to keep skin soft and smooth. (After all, shaving is a type of exfoliation, so it’s important to add hydration back in there right away.) But when that extra step feels like just way too much of a hassle, reach for this multi-tasker. Not only does it go on like a lotion, it acts like a lotion, too. Apply a thin layer of the non-foaming formula, shave, then simply rub in any excess—there’s not even any need to rinse. Shea butter and soy protein go to town, delivering moisture that lasts for an impressive 24 hours. It’s also paraben-free and has a tropical coconut scent that will instantly make you feel like you’re lounging on a Caribbean beach, which is never a bad thing.

Prefer to keep your beauty routine as chemical-free as possible? The ingredient list on this pick is about as minimal as it can get, touting organic oils (coconut, olive, hemp, jojoba, to be specific) for hydration and organic shikaki powder, used in India for centuries to cleanse hair and skin. This also contains organic sugar, which not only gently exfoliates, but actually delivers moisture, too. All of these goods are blended with the brand’s original and beloved castile soap, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a natural shaving cream, or just minimalists or purists. And yes, it works equally well for men and women, on any and every part of the body and face.

This formula is the polar opposite of a thick foam; the very thin consistency contains a layer of unique molecules that become super slick when mixed with water. This calls for a slightly different shaving technique than you may be used to. Start by rubbing skin with hot water for 30 seconds, then coating skin with an almond-size dollop of the cream; you don’t need much more, because it’s highly concentrated. Mix that with plenty of water until it becomes nice and slippery, so that your razor can glide right across your skin, without the risk of any bumps, nicks, or cuts. The subtle citrus scent is just a nice added bonus.