Shaving can be the bane of all beauty tasks, but when you factor in a super lush shaving cream, things don’t seem so bad. All of a sudden, the mundane task feels more like a self-care activity, and the result is totally worth it (hello, silky limbs).
For an enjoyable shaving experience, board-certified dermatologist Yeeta Gadav, M.D. recommends seeking out products with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil. “These facilitate the glide of the razor, promote smoother skin, and soften the hair for a closer shave,” she explains. “You can also look for ingredients that soothe your skin, like aloe and oatmeal, for a more comfortable shave.”
We went to work researching and trying out 19 popular shaving creams and gels. We tested each in our Manhattan-based testing facility and at home, judging them on consistency, lather, efficacy, and skin feel post-shave. We then paired those insights with the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist to bring you a well-rounded list of shaving cream options.
Best Overall
Fur Shave Cream
Softens skin
Safe for intimate areas
Gently exfoliates using lemon peel oil
Can leave a film in your shower or tub
Shaving your bikini line and intimate areas can be tricky and leave skin, shall we say, less than perfect, but Fur’s Shave Cream is up to the task. Moisturizing and super creamy, the olive oil- and shea butter-infused formula prevents nicks, bumps, redness, and razor burn anywhere on the body, from your armpits to your legs (and anywhere in between).We love how creamy and lightweight the shaving cream is, almost like a hair conditioner. It left our skin the silkiest it's ever been.
The formula contains a lot of nourishing and beneficial ingredients, but one that stands out is lemon peel oil, a natural yet gentle exfoliator. When diluted and applied topically, it exfoliates dead skin cells and kills bacteria that may get trapped in hair follicles, smoothing the skin and preventing ingrown hairs from forming, all without causing irritation.
The only caveat: it can leave a film in your shower. It didn’t bother us too much—we simply wiped it away with a cloth—but it can make the surface slippery, so use caution when hopping out of the shower or tub.
Who It’s For
This ultra-creamy shaving cream nourishes and exfoliates skin while you shave. It’s our top recommendation for just about everyone.
Price at time of publish: $32
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Aloe vera, Shea butter, Hemp seed oil, Lemon peel oil | Packaging: Squeeze tube | Size: 5 oz
Best Budget
Skintimate Shave Gel
A little goes a long way
Most affordable option on our list
Hydrates with plant oils and glycerin
Easy to pump out too much product
Skintimate Shave Gel is a drugstore classic that’s beloved for a reason. The light gel shoots out of the canister and quickly turns into a foam upon contact with the skin and water. We found that a little bit goes a long way (all you really need is a quarter-sized dollop to cover both legs), and if you don’t use too much, it can last for months.
It contains loads of hydrating ingredients like sunflower seed oil, glycerin, and olive oil, so you can expect a close shave with minimal irritation. When we tried it, we noticed fewer ingrown hairs and we also enjoyed the clean, floral fragrance.
It practically flies out of the dispenser, so pump gently to avoid wasting any foamy goodness.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a good-value shaving cream that’s gentle on the skin this one will do the trick.
Price at time of publish: $4
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Glycerin, Olive oil | Packaging: Can | Size: 7 oz
Best Splurge
Oui The People Moisturizing Shave Gel-to-Milk
Moisturizes with marula oil
Brightens with vitamin C
Gel-to-milk formula creates a smooth shave
Thin consistency can slip
Though spending upwards of $60 on shaving cream might sound kinda crazy, remember that shaving is an act of self-care. OUI the People’s unique gel-to-milk formula helps provide a super smooth shave and is chock-full of nourishing ingredients that we think totally make it worth the splurge.
With marula oil to moisturize and vitamin C to brighten, the cream leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking brighter—before you even put a blade to it.The protective gel-to-milk primes skin for an effortless shave (aka helps give the razor a nice glide) free from cuts and nicks. Just keep in mind that since the formula transforms from a gel to milk, it can slip and drip when in contact with water. If this happens, try shaving outside of the shower (or in a spot of your shower that isn’t directly underneath the showerhead.)
Who It’s For
This luxe option with hydrating and skin-brightening properties will give you a spa-like experience every time you shower.
Price at time of publish: $64
Key Ingredients: Marula oil, Dandelion extract, Vitamin C | Packaging: Can | Size: 7 oz
Best Gel
Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel
Non-drying
Stays put, doesn’t drip or run
Thick, fluffy consistency
Can clog the razor
This Foaming Gel from Flamingo is like shaving on a cloud. It’s thick, fluffy, and never drippy—even when shaving in the shower. When we tested it, we loved that it has a rich consistency but is still easy to manipulate and spread across larger body parts. It has a gel-like base, so it stays in place. You can expect your razor to glide seamlessly across your skin, helping you achieve a close shave.
Because it’s so thick, we had to rinse our razors after almost every pass, but we didn’t mind since the result was so smooth. The lavender packaging looks super luxurious and is a welcome addition to any bathroom aesthetic. Plus, the fact that you can snag it for $6 feels like a major win.
Who It’s For
If you prefer a gel shaving cream, this thick, smooth formula is a perfect, affordable pick.
Price at time of publish: $6
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Allantoin | Packaging: Can | Size: 6.7 oz
Best Oil
Olio E Osso Lisica Shave Oil
Lubricating
Antioxidant-rich ingredients
Doubles as a body oil for dry skin
Leaves behind residue
Oils are a great choice if you want a close shave and nourished skin, all in one easy step. Hydrating, antioxidant-rich olive oil (or the “beauty secret of all Italian grandmothers”) is the star ingredient of this formula from Olio E Osso, a Portland-based women-owned company. The oil is rich but spreads easily and gives your razor some slip for an easier glide and a closer shave.
The formula is so gentle and lubricating that we noticed it protected our skin against irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burns throughout our two weeks of testing. It leaves skin soft and moisturized but not without a bit of residue left behind, so if you prefer something that dries down, this might not be for you.
Who It’s For
Want to feel moisturized all day just by shaving? You’ll love this shaving oil.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Meadowfoam, Grapeseed oil | Packaging: Glass bottle with pump | Size: 4 oz
Best Sensitive
Lather Almond Shave Crème
Whipped consistency
Nourishing blend of almond and coconut oil, and glycerin
No parabens, sulfates, mineral oil or synthetic fragrance
Housed in a tub
Contains nuts
If you have extremely sensitive skin, Lather Almond’s Shave Cream might be your new BFF. It’s formulated with almond oil—an ingredient rich in vitamin E, protein, and omega fatty acids which can help reduce irritation—as well as hydrating coconut oil and glycerin to help smooth and soften skin. Despite the name, this shaving cream doesn’t actually lather or bubble up. It does, however, spread nicely and evenly on the skin and feels more like a hydrating lotion. There’s a lot to love about this formula, but we especially appreciated the natural ingredients and how smooth our skin felt after shaving.
We love that it’s free from parabens (synthetic preservatives, which have been linked to cancer and infertility), sulfates (detergents that can exacerbate sensitive skin), mineral oil (a byproduct of petroleum that may be carcinogenic, according to the National Cancer Institute), and synthetic fragrance.
Who It’s For
This gentle formula (that’s free from irritating chemicals) will soothe as you shave, making it ideal for sensitive skin types—unless you're allergic to nuts—then we suggest skipping this one.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Almond oil, Coconut oil, Glycerin | Packaging: Glass bottle with pump | Size: 4 oz
Best Multipurpose
Gillette Cleanser + Shave Gel
Doubles as a body cleanser
Safe for intimate areas
pH-balanced formula for skin health
Doesn’t lather much
We’ve all used body wash or shower gel as a stand-in shaving cream now and then. Whether you’re trying to save some coin or hate the look of clutter, Gillette has answered your prayers. This two-in-one wash and shaving gel is light, foamy, and gently cleanses while ensuring a close, clean shave. The soap-free, pH-balanced formula is ideal for intimate parts and even helps prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. Plus, the colorless gel helps you see what you’re doing when you’re shaving delicate areas.
The only thing we didn’t love about the product was that it didn’t lather at all. But considering our skin was super soft and free from razor burn or ingrown hairs, that’s something we can overlook.
Who It’s For
This two-in-one body wash and shaving cream will save you an extra step in your shower routine.
Price at time of publish: $9
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Jojoba oil | Packaging: Plastic pump bottle | Size: 6.42 oz
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite shaving cream was the fur Shave Cream. Lightweight yet incredibly creamy, the formula is rich and sudsy, helping those prone to nicks and cuts get a smooth shave. Plus, it contains exfoliating lemon oil, which softens the skin and prevents ingrown hairs. We also loved our budget pick, the Skintimate Skin Therapy Dry Skin Women's Shave Gel, which requires only a quarter-sized dollop for both legs so it’ll last you a long time.
How We Tested
Byrdie editors did extensive research on popular shaving creams and gels, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 19 to test out first-hand. Our testers used the shaving creams at home for two weeks. Each formula was assessed based on consistency, lather, efficacy, and skin look and feel before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list.
What to Look for in a Shaving Cream
- Ingredients: Dr. Yeeta Gadav says that when shopping for shaving cream, you’ll want to look for nourishing ingredients that condition both the skin and the hair. Products like Lather Almond Shave Crème, which contains sweet almond oil, or Olio E Osso Lisica Shave Oil, which is packed with antioxidant-rich olive oil, will help soften the skin while providing slip for the razor, reducing the chance of irritation.
- Packaging: You should also pay attention to packaging. If a shaving cream comes in a squeeze bottle or an aerosol can, like the Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel, (rather than a jar or tub), you’ll likely have an easier time applying it in the shower. The nature of these containers also eliminates the likelihood of contamination or bacteria growth.
- Size: When considering the different options, check out how big each product is. Since you use shaving cream over large body areas, like the legs, size matters. The bigger it is, the more use you’ll get out of it (aka, more bang for your buck). The Oui The People Sugarcoat Moisturizing Shave Gel-to-Milk, for example, comes in a 7 oz container, which should last you a good long while.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers makeup, skincare, body care, and more. She has tried several shaving creams over the years from brands including fur, Gillette, and Skintimate.
Emily Algar scoured the web, tested and trialed, asked colleagues, and consulted an expert to bring you the very best edit of shaving creams and gels.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in December 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.
Our writers consulted an expert for insight on finding the best shaving cream for your skin:
- Yeeta Gadav, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, provided additional guidance.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough shaving creams from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.