If like many men, you don't relish the thought of having to shave because of the uncomfortable and itchy rash that often follows, you might want to consider switching to shaving cream. While they may appear to be a little more expensive than gels or an electric razor, you'll be surprised by how long they last and the smooth, irritation-free feeling you'll have afterwards.
That said, choosing the right shaving cream isn't easy, so we've put together this buying guide to help you make an educated decision. We've also included a list of the 10 best shaving creams for men, from popular brands like Gillette, Nivea, and Liz Earle available at Amazon, Boots, and Tesco. Whether you need something for sensitive skin, a cream you can apply with a brush or a product that only uses natural ingredients, we've got just the thing.
Quick List - Top Shaving Creams for Men
Taylor of Old Bond Street
A Luxurious Shave Made in the UK for Those Who Have Sensitive Skin
Liz Earle
A Cream Suitable for All Skin Types Containing Natural Botanical Ingredients
Jack Black
A Light, Liquid, All-In-One Formula Filled With Natural Ingredients That Soothe and Soften
Nivea
A Neutral-Scented Shaving Cream Enriched With Hemp Oil and Perfect for Sensitive Skin
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Whatever your skin type, it's often hard to avoid razor burn when shaving, so if you're particularly sensitive to skin irritation, it's good to look out for certain key ingredients that can help keep your skin moisturised.
Glycerin is a very popular ingredient used in shaving creams as it locks in moisture, preventing acne and ingrown hairs. Aloe vera, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are also used to cool and reduce inflammation, so keep an eye out for these if you suffer from rashes.
Why not try an Aloe Vera gel if you're suffering from irritation in other places?
The ingredients in a shaving cream aren't just for skincare purposes, they often also include a scent that you'll want to make sure matches with any aftershaves, deodorants, or colognes that you use.
Popular shaving cream fragrances include menthol and eucalyptus, which aren't particularly overwhelming and provide a fresh smell that works well with other scents. You may find more earthy aromas like sandalwood and ginseng, or floral and citrus notes like lavender and bergamot can clash with non-similar fragrances.
Use a moisturiser for men alongside your after-shave to help soothe your skin!
Broadly speaking, you can split skin types into two categories: dry and oily. Shaving creams are generally more suited to those with dry skin as they often contain glycerin and coconut oil which helps moisturise dry skin.
That said, those with oily skin will also benefit from shaving cream but will probably achieve better results with those that contain peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus. This will provide a fresher feeling, especially when combined with a post-shave astringent.
Make sure you're using a quality razor for men while shaving to avoid cuts and nicks.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin | ![]() | A Luxurious Shave Made in the UK for Those Who Have Sensitive Skin | |
2 | Liz Earle Men's Sensitive Shaving Cream | ![]() | A Cream Suitable for All Skin Types Containing Natural Botanical Ingredients | |
3 | Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave | ![]() | A Light, Liquid, All-In-One Formula Filled With Natural Ingredients That Soothe and Soften | |
4 | Nivea Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Shaving Cream | ![]() | A Neutral-Scented Shaving Cream Enriched With Hemp Oil and Perfect for Sensitive Skin | |
5 | Gillette Ultra Sensitive Shaving Cream | ![]() | An Affordable Option That’s Lightly Scented and Great for Those With Dry Skin | |
6 | Cremo Cooling Shave Cream | ![]() | A Cooling Cream That’s Suitable for All Skin Types, Including Oily Skin! | |
7 | Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream | ![]() | A High-End Smooth and Creamy Product With a Classic Sandalwood Fragrance | |
8 | Gentleman's Face Care Club Caribbean Lime Shaving Cream | ![]() | A Unique Lime Scented Cream for All Skin Types With a Money Back Guarantee | |
9 | Gentleman's Face Care Club Bergamot & Neroli Shaving Cream for Men | ![]() | A Citrus Scent that's Vegan Friendly | |
10 | Hawkins & Brimble Elemi & Ginseng Shaving Cream | ![]() | A Quality Shaving Cream for Oily Skin With a Unique Scent of Earthy, Woody Notes |
Made in the UK, Taylor of Old Bond Street has created some of the best shaving creams in the world since the 19th century. This specially made, allergen-free formula has been specifically designed for those with sensitive skin.
The slight lavender and amber scent is pleasant without being overwhelming, which is hard to achieve with more floral notes, and the aloe vera helps cool your skin while you shave. If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a little luxury, you've found it!
If you're looking for a cream made from natural ingredients, then this offering from Liz Earle is the pick of the bunch. It's infused with clary sage and shave grass to soothe and calm your skin.
The uplifting and natural fragrance combined with the smooth foaming texture makes this well worth the price of admission. It's also cruelty-free and certified by the Leaping Bunny Program, an organisation that campaigns against animal testing.
Jack Black Beard Lube is an all-in-one formula that acts as a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and after-shave conditioner. The light liquid cream allows you to easily navigate around sideburns, moustaches, and beards, as well as keeping those rogue hairs in check.
It's packed full of natural ingredients, including macadamia nut oil, jojoba, and eucalyptus, which all help cool and soften your skin. If you find it difficult to maintain your beard or goatee, then this is a definite must-buy!
This affordable and sustainable option from Nivea has been dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. It also makes a great choice for those with dry skin, thanks to the inclusion of 100% organic hemp seed oil.
The liquid cream moisturises the skin while softening facial hair and is both vegan-friendly and microplastic-free. If you suffer from dry and itchy skin, this is a game-changer - and all at a bargain price!
While it provides an affordable option for those with sensitive skin, we think that the Gillette Ultra Sensitive Shaving Cream is better suited to those with dry skin as it contains parfum, which can act as an irritant.
It is lightly scented with menthol, making it a great neutral choice for those that aren't fond of floral or earthy fragrances. You can also apply directly to your skin without a brush, so it's perfect for those looking for an effective but quick morning shave.
For those with oily skin, some shaving creams can feel overly slimy when used but this offering from Cremo will leave your skin feeling fresh thanks to its cooling mix of peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
You only need to use a small amount, so this 177 ml bottle should easily last you three months. If you're looking for a refreshing option that leaves your skin feeling tingly and smooth, it's well worth trying out, but some may not enjoy the sensation!
Shaving can be an almost meditative, ritualistic experience and for those who like to apply their shaving cream with a brush and take their time in front of the mirror, this Sandalwood Shaving Cream is the perfect fit.
The smell and feel will transport you to a traditional UK barber and the smooth and creamy lather is the best of the best. Sandalwood isn't to everyone's tastes, but is worth trying at least once to see if it suits you!
If you're looking for a unique fragrance, this option from Gentleman's Face Care Club provides a refreshing scent without being overwhelming. It moisturises and rehydrates your skin, providing a rich and creamy lather with only the smallest amount needed.
The scent can be something of an acquired taste, but it can be extremely rewarding if you find it suits you. Gentleman's Face Care Club also offer a money-back guarantee if you experience any shaving rash or razor burn.
This Bergamot and Neroli scented shaving cream from Gentleman's Face Care Club is both vegan and climate pledge friendly, meaning that it uses sustainable products and no animal testing was used in it's creation.
The large 150 ml pot will easily last a couple of months, so it represents good value for money. It's worth noting, however, that the citrus fragrance may not be to everyone's tastes and can leave some skin feeling irritated.
The Elemi & Ginseng Shaving Cream offers a unique fragrance, rich in earthy and woody notes with hints of coffee, lavender, and musk. There is something of a love it or hate it feeling with this scent, but worth trying out at least once.
It offers a smooth shave and is free from parabens, colourants, or animal testing. It isn't the most moisturising option on the market, but that does make it a good choice for those with oily skin.
Written and researched by David Sexton
No. 1: Taylor of Old Bond Street|Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin
No. 2: Liz Earle|Men's Sensitive Shaving Cream
No. 3: Jack Black|Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
No. 4: Nivea|Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Shaving Cream
No. 5: Gillette |Ultra Sensitive Shaving Cream
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