UNLESS YOU’RE SHAVING with a top-notch wet or dry electric razor, you’ll need to first apply a product to prep the skin. There are really only two options: pre-shave oil and shaving cream. For the smoothest, most irritation-free shave, opt for both in order. However, the latter is a non-negotiable, unless a red, sliced-up face is the look you’re going for. No judgment? Best Shaving Creams for Men Best Overall Shaving Cream: Best Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin: Best Shave Butter: Dr. Squatch Easy Glide Shave Butter Most Luxurious Shaving Cream: Best Shaving Cream for Razor Bumps: The truth is, your shave is only as good as the cream you use because the right shaving cream cushions the skin, reduces irritation, and locks in moisture for added comfort afterwards. It also helps the razor glide smoothly, preventing nicks and tugging. Most importantly, it turns a tedious routine into a clean, refreshing experience. But not all shaving creams are created equal-some barely protect or soothe at all. To save your skin the abuse (and potential scars), I’ve rounded up the best options worth trying. What to Consider Type Shaving cream is often used as a catchall term for several products that prep and protect your skin while you shave. There are three main types, and the right one depends on your razor, your skin type, and your personal preference. Shaving Cream: This is the classic option. Shaving cream whips into a rich, foamy lather that cushions the skin and protects against razor burn with maximum glide. It’s the right choice for traditional wet shaving, offering comfort and protection that works best with safety or cartridge razors. Shave Butter: Shave butter pairs well with cartridge or electric razors, providing a creamier, sometimes clear texture that allows for precise shaving and better visibility. It offers deeper hydration and a smooth glide to help minimize friction and irritation. Shave Gel: Shave gel is ideal for cartridge razors, forming a slick, light layer that enhances the razor’s glide and control. Its more translucent, often cooling formula delivers a quicker, clean shave. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may benefit from using a shave butter, as these tend to be more moisturizing than traditional creams. Key Ingredients If your shave is only as good as the cream you use, then the cream is only as good as its ingredients. Shaving creams often include soothing ingredients like aloe vera, which calms irritation and helps the skin stay hydrated before and after shaving. Shea butter is another popular one, as it provides rich moisture that softens hair and improves razor glide, reducing friction during the shave. Many formulas also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that nourishes the skin and supports repair after shaving. Then there is a slew of natural oils and other vitamins to keep an eye on, like vitamin B5, vitamin C, argan oil, and coconut oil that hydrate, soothe, and prevent post-shave irritation. Size How often do you shave? That’s the most important question to ask yourself when considering the size of your cream. A larger tube offers better value and lasts longer, especially for daily shavers. Smaller sizes, on the other hand, are ideal for travel or testing a new formula before committing. You’ll also want to consider what you shave. I rock a beard most of the time, so I only shave for touch-ups on my neck and cheeks. Plus, I rarely shave body hair and stick to trimming. Because of this, I can often get away with a smaller tube. But if you’re clean-cut or shave large parts of your body, you’ll want to look to larger options. How We Selected We’ve been testing razors since 2018, and naturally, every swipe meant testing the shaving creams that make them glide, too. For this update, I considered old favorites and new offerings from brands I trust to find the best-performing creams on the market. After over a year of testing (and plenty of shaves), I narrowed dozens down to 15 top contenders. I then evaluated or reevaluated each formula for cushion, glide, price, and how well it prevented irritation. After all that lathering, these seven shaving creams earned the title of best in 2025.
https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g26024495/best-shaving-creams-gels/
7 Best Shaving Creams for Men in 2025, According to a Grooming Expert
