The 7 Best Shaving Creams

I’ve tested my fair share of shaving creams, and let me tell you, most of them are a letdown. They either smell weird, disappear in seconds, or leave my face feeling tight and dry. Finding a great shave gel feels like a huge win.

A good cream is the foundation of a good shave. It’s supposed to create a protective barrier that lets the razor glide without turning your skin into a battlefield of nicks and razor burn. It shouldn’t be that complicated, but it often is.

So after trying dozens, I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that actually deliver on their promises. These are the shaving creams and gels that I’d recommend to a friend without hesitation.

 

 

The 7 Best Shaving Creams

Cremo Original Concentrated Shave Cream

At around $8.99, this stuff is a steal because it’s so concentrated. You just need a tiny dab, add water, and it creates this incredibly slick surface. I was genuinely surprised by how well my razor glided.

It gave me a super close shave without any irritation, which is all I can really ask for. The scent is a light citrus that’s fresh and doesn’t linger. It definitely outperforms those cheap aerosol cans.

The Downside: The lather isn’t thick and foamy. It can become a bit transparent after a minute, so you can’t let it sit for too long before you start shaving.

 

 

Jackfir The Classic Shave Cream

This one costs a bit more at $28, but my sensitive skin loved it. The ingredients are clean, with things like aloe and cucumber that feel amazing. It creates a rich, creamy lather that really cushions the skin from the blade.

I got one of the closest shaves I’ve had in a while with this cream, and my skin felt hydrated afterward, not stripped. The woodsy scent is a nice touch, too—it feels very premium.

The Downside: The price is definitely on the higher end, making it more of a splurge than a daily driver for some.

 

 

Harry’s Shave Cream

For just $8, Harry’s is a fantastic option you can find almost anywhere. It’s my go-to for a quick, no-fuss shave, especially on days when my skin feels a little raw.

The formula with aloe and eucalyptus is genuinely soothing. It whips up into a thick lather that protects the skin well, and I never have issues with irritation when I use it.

The Downside: If you’re someone who loves a strong, fragrant shaving cream, you might find the scent here a little too subtle.

 

 

Dr. Squatch Easy Glide Shave Butter

I was curious to try a shave “butter,” and this one from Dr. Squatch, priced at $13, didn’t disappoint. It’s thick and doesn’t really lather, but it coats the skin in a protective layer of shea and murumuru butter.

The razor glide is awesome, and it left my skin feeling really moisturized. It’s great at preventing razor burn, and the natural, masculine scents are a big plus.

The Downside: The container feels a bit small for the price, so you might go through it faster than other creams.

 

 

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream

Ringing up at $35, this is definitely a luxury experience. If you use a shaving brush and want to make your shave a relaxing ritual, this is the one. The warm sandalwood scent is incredible.

It creates a thick, protective lather that feels like a classic barbershop shave. My skin felt smooth and completely free of irritation after using it.

The Downside: It’s expensive. This is not your everyday drugstore cream, and the price reflects that.

 

 

Proraso Protective Shaving Cream

At only $10, this Italian classic is a bargain for how well it performs. It’s fantastic for guys with coarse beards or sensitive skin because of ingredients like shea butter and green tea extract.

It makes a soft, sudsy layer that lets the razor move smoothly without catching. I found it gave me a very comfortable shave with a clean, subtle scent.

The Downside: To get that really rich lather, you pretty much have to use a shaving brush.

 

 

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream

This classic shaving cream costs around $25 and is a favorite among traditional wet shavers for a reason. The formula has been around forever and just works.

It easily creates a fantastic lather that provides plenty of cushion and glide for a comfortable shave. The sandalwood scent is top-notch, and it feels like a high-end product through and through.

The Downside: Like Proraso, you really get the best results by using it with a shaving brush.

At the end of the day, the best shave gel is the one that works for your skin and your budget. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to get a great shave.

Whether you grab a tube of Cremo for under ten bucks or treat yourself to The Art of Shaving, any of these will be a massive step up from that rusty can of foam under your sink.