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There are two kinds of dudes: those who shave a whole lot, and those that don't. Either way, with too much scruff or scruff you adamantly maintain, you may look in the mirror and think: goddamn, I need to shave.
When that moment comes, you're going to want a good shaving cream on hand. Because the right shaving cream can be a game-changer, transforming a ritual you used to put off for as long as possible into one that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. With a really good shaving cream, you might even start looking forward to it.
So whether you've sworn off shaving for the foreseeable future or are more committed to the grind than ever before, we've rounded up some of the best options available, from the real fancy shit to the trusty go-to options you can pick up at your local drugstore in a pinch. Trust us: your face will thank you for it.
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Pros
- Luxurious formula
Cons
- High price tag
It should come as no surprise that the grooming gods at Le Labo are also responsible for one of the best-smelling shaving creams on the market. The perfumery of choice for aspiring aesthetes of a certain type makes a plant-based cream that incorporates chamomile and sage for a calming, creamy lather complete with mild hints of lavender. Shaving never smelled so luxe.
Pros
- Tried and trusted formula
Cons
- Some users are sensitive to the strong scent
Proraso is legendary among barbers and amateur grooming enthusiasts alike (that's you!) for its 100-plus years of shaving expertise. The Italian brand has been in the game for a minute, and its signature shaving cream, featuring a mix of ingredients like glycerin and lactic acid, is still a perennial fan favorite—and the gold-standard—after all these years.
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Pros
- Very hydrating formula
Cons
- Might be too rich for oily skin types
Bevel's rich shave cream is heavy on aloe vera, shea butter, and comfrey extract—all ingredients designed to moisturize and protect your skin. That layer of protection means you'll be safe from cuts and razor bumps, which is a huge thing. And, bonus: It also ensures your face will feel great after your shave.
Pros
- Affordable AF
Cons
- Formula not as thick or rich as other shave creams
Bulldog's shaving cream helps prevent razor burn and reduce the chances of irritation through a carefully-selected mix of natural ingredients—including aloe and camelina oil—that help to soothe the skin pre-shave.
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Pros
- Comes in a trio, so you'll never run out
Cons
- Thin consistency that doesn't foam
Gillette didn't become one of the biggest names in the grooming game overnight. The brand slowly built out its empire by consistently providing products that check all the boxes without breaking the bank. Its aloe-infused Pure shaving cream is completely paraben-free and is specially designed to protect sensitive skin against irritation, leaving your face feeling super soft post-shave.
Pros
- High quality ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
We love this shaving cream so much, we named it the Best Shaving Cream in our 2023 Grooming Awards. Unlike many shaving creams, this one goes on clear, so you can actually see the hair that you're cleaning up underneath.
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Pros
- Smells delicious
Cons
- Users report quick drying time on face
Clinique is one of the biggest beauty brands in the world for a reason—their products do the damn job. You've probably seen your wife or girlfriend's makeup kit littered with their products, and it's time to add one to your arsenal, too. This shave cream is rich and soothing, and moisturizes your skin during your shave.
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Pros
- Clean, soothing ingredients
Cons
- Doesn't have any scent
Kiehl's has become a grooming go-to for savvy guys relatively new to the game, but the brand has been around for well over a century and its expertise shows. Its unscented shaving cream was specifically designed for dudes with sensitive skin in mind, and it delivers as smooth a shave as possible sans any unnecessary irritation.
Pros
- Original citrusy scent
Cons
- Users report it needs a lot of water to stay moist
If you're looking for a shaving cream that's going to be widely available wherever you are, Cremo's variety of options are a good place to start. At this point the brand sells more than a few different types, each incorporating slightly different ingredients, but the OG formula is still one of the best.
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Pros
- Packed with nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Formula might be too rich for some preferences
It's no exaggeration to say Barbasol is a bona fide American icon. It's right there in the brand's bold, unabashed red, white, and blue branding, and in its legacy as a go-to shaving label for generations of newly hirsute men. Your father probably used Barbasol's shaving cream at some point, as did his father before him. Sure, the brand's products might not be the fanciest out there, but they're still here, still made in the USA, and still unfuckwittable.
Pros
- Great for skin prep and aftercare
Cons
- Not the best for oily skin types
Jack Black's shaving cream guarantees your skin some much-needed cushioning to minimize irritation and reduce any accidental nicks and cuts mid-shave. The brand's blend of natural oils helps keep your skin hydrated and soothed while you shave, all while locking in moisture for optimal results.
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Pros
- Strong, delicious scent
Cons
- Users report it leaves a white residue
The aptly named Art of Shaving elevates the everyday grooming regimens of guys around the world to an art form, and it's shaving cream is no exception. This one is slightly pricier than others included on the list, but it'll last—it's super thick and lathers easily, so you should be set using a small amount each time you shave. It also incorporates a mix of ingredients like glycerin and coconut acid to hydrate the skin (and the subtle scent of sandalwood for good measure).
Pros
- Ultra-hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Not good for those who don't like gels
Unsure of whether to spring for a shaving cream or invest in its slightly lesser-known cousin, the shaving gel? Boy, have I got the product for you. Vaughn splits the difference in the form of a gel/cream hybrid that incorporates the best of both worlds to great effect. Its Hydrating Gel Cream provides a rich lather and a comfortable shave by nourishing your skin with vitamin E and your nostrils with the refreshing scent of basil, lime, and eucalyptus.