The 10 Best Shaving Creams for Men [2023]

Do you remember your first shave? How grown-up it felt to lather up a handful of Barbasol and glide a blade perilously over the contours of your adolescent face? It was thrilling to finally enter the ultra-masculine world of shaving. But by the time that can of shaving cream was empty, the novelty had worn off. And since then, shaving has been nothing more than a chore.

While shaving may never feel quite that thrilling again, there is still joy to be had. Switching up your shaving cream can give you something to look forward to each morning—and if you have specific skincare concerns, a quality shave cream can be a source of much-needed TLC.

But with so many products on the market, it’s easy to get decision fatigue. Fortunately for you, Derm For Dudes has put together this guide to the absolute best men’s shaving creams on the market in 2023. Whether you want a basic, no-frills shave or a full sensory experience, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find your new favorite shave product!

All shaving creams are not created equal. And it’s not enough to seek a recommendation from a buddy or read the reviews on Amazon—to make an informed decision, it’s important to think about your needs and preferences. Here are a things to consider as you shop around:

Lubrication

Shaving cream’s entire reason for being is, of course, lubrication—without it, you’d look like you shaved with a weedwacker. Your stubble creates a ton of friction on the blade, and in order to get a great shave, you need to create a slick surface for your razor to glide over. Quality shave cream provides ample lubrication so you can get a clean, close shave.

Nourishing Ingredients

If you’re going to slather a product all over your face each day, be sure to read the label. Your shave cream should have, at the very least, a few nourishing ingredients to help soothe, hydrate, and prevent razor burn: think aloe, vitamin E, and coconut oil. For guys with specific skin concerns, it’s crucial to read the label carefully before buying—the right shaving cream can be a saving grace while the wrong one could exacerbate your issues.

Texture

Depending on your hair and the type of razor you use, your textural preferences may vary. Thicker shaving creams can clog a cartridge razor, while thinner formulas may not be right for thick facial hair. What’s more, a shaving cream that’s too thick can make it hard to see what you’re doing—especially important if you need precision, as may be the case if you keep a mustache. It may take some trial and error to find a texture you like, but you can usually find info about the texture in a shaving cream’s product description.

Fragrance and Feel

Many men like the refreshing tingling sensation of menthol, others prefer the cologne-like scents of luxury shave creams, and some want purely functional shaving products without the bells and whistles. Be sure to read the label carefully to find out about the sensory features of your shave cream.

If you have specific skincare needs, you may need to be more discerning about your shaving cream’s ingredient list. Here's what to look for:

Oily

If you have oily skin, you may be tempted to look for shaving creams without many moisturizers. However, drying ingredients will cause your skin to overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness. Look for ingredients that hydrate and help balance oil production, such as:

• Aloe
• Glycerin
• Jojoba oil

Dry

If you have dry skin, you know just how brutal shaving can be. That’s why it’s critical to avoid drying ingredients like alcohol denat and witch hazel, which are present in many shaving creams—especially cheaper brands. Be sure to look for a high-quality shaving cream rich in moisturizers and hydrating ingredients, such as:

• Cocoa butter
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil

Sensitive

Without a quality shaving cream, shaving can seriously aggravate sensitive skin. If you’re prone to acne, rashes, or razor burn, make sure you steer clear of fragrance, alcohol, and harsh ingredients. Guys with sensitive skin should look for plenty of soothing, nourishing ingredients such as:

• Aloe
• Vitamin E
• Cucumber Extract

Acne-Prone

If you’re prone to pimples and breakouts, the word you’re looking for is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. In addition to a comprehensive pre- and post-shave skincare routine, check your shaving cream’s label for antiseptic ingredients such as:

• Witch hazel
• Peppermint oil
• Tea tree oil

Sure, you’ve been shaving for decades and could do it in your sleep. But when was the last time you thought about shaving as a skincare treatment? Here’s how you can step up your shaving game for healthier skin.

Cleanse Thoroughly

Without proper cleansing, any dirt and bacteria on your skin’s surface could end up deep in your pores, causing breakouts and blackheads. Cleanse your skin thoroughly using a quality cleanser and a washcloth or exfoliating pad. If you’re prone to breakouts, it might be worth cleansing your face after shaving, too, to rid your pores of debris and dead skin cells.

Use a Fresh Blade

A dull blade is a major no-no—not only are you more prone to cuts, nicks, and ingrown hairs, the jagged edges of a dull blade can create microscopic tears in your skin’s surface, leading to acne and textural irregularities. Be sure to change your blade every five to seven shaves. Pro tip: towards the end of a disposable blade’s life, strop it on an old pair of jeans to hone the blade before use.

Massage Well and Wait

Dry skin and brittle hair are the enemy of a good shave. So no matter which shaving cream you choose, massage it into your skin well using your fingers or, better yet, a shave brush. Then, wait for a couple of minutes. The goal is to soften your whiskers and allow your skin to absorb more of the shaving cream’s nourishing ingredients. This step is especially helpful if you’re prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs.

Use Quality Aftercare Products

There’s no way around it: shaving irritates your skin and, if you’re not careful, can introduce dirt and bacteria into your pores. That’s why aftercare is critical. When you’re done shaving, wash your skin once more with warm water. Use a gentle aftershave or alcohol-free toner to remove residue and close your pores. Finally, moisturize well and slather on some SPF to protect your skin.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Manscaping

While the booming women’s skincare market has put skincare basics like moisturizer and sunscreen top-of-mind for the skincare conscious, shaving cream is often left out in the rain when it comes to building a comprehensive skincare routine. But the right shaving cream can be absolutely transformative and even help manage pesky skin concerns like acne and dryness.

Now, you’re no doubt ready to choose the shaving cream that works for you—whether you want a bare-bones, purely functional shaving cream or a luxurious, fully-immersive barbershop experience. Whichever you choose, be sure to invest in a quality shave kit and stay on top of your daily and nightly skincare routine to maintain your clean shave for as long as possible.

As you curate your skincare regimen, Derm for Dudes can help answer your questions and address your pain points. Check out our product reviews for best-in-class, dude-approved skincare products!