For many people who shave, a shaving cream seems like an unnecessary addition to your shower routine. However, the right shaving cream can actually make your legs, armpits, or wherever else you choose to shave feel smoother and more hydrated long after you’ve finished shaving. We turned to dermatologist Dr. Heather D. Rogers for her thoughts on the best shaving cream for women, from the ingredients she looks for to a few of her favorites. So whether you’re just trying to maintain your appearance between laser hair removal appointments or just need a quick fix, leave this list of shaving creams, shaving gels and shaving bars help you find your favorite.
Let me be the first to say that shaving your legs or shaving your bikini line is by no means a necessary task. But if you do choose to shave your hair no matter where it is, be sure to use the best and safest products to do so. That means finding the best razors, the best bikini trimmers, and more. And stocking up on the best tools includes finding the best shaving cream formula for you. (PS: The editors at Marie Claire have written the definitive guide on how to shave your legs if you’re a beginner looking for advice.)
Should I use shaving cream?
Dr. Heather D. Rogers, Founder and CEO, Doctor Rogers Skin Care and co-founder of Modern dermatology, notes that while shaving creams aren’t necessary to get the closest shave, you do “need a product to limit friction between the skin of your legs and the razor.” It can be a creamy shower gel, body lotion or body oil, but reducing friction is key.
What should I look for in a shaving cream?
There’s so much more to the market than your typical whipped shaving foam. Butters, bars, gels and more are all popular options right now. However, everyone has different shaving needs and different formulations suit different preferences.
“As a dermatologist, I have to say that perfume does nothing good for the skin, so I avoid it and advise my patients to avoid it as well,” says Dr. Rogers. Additionally, she recommends looking for a product that can do double duty in your shower: “I want something I can use as a body wash and for shaving; which is cream-based and does not dry out my skin; something that is safe for me to cover my body as well as safe to go down the drain.
Shop Dr. Heather Rogers’ Picks
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Dr. Rogers RESTORE Shower Gel
One of the only products that meets all of its requirements for the best shaving product? Dr. Heather Rogers body wash. This cleanser contains 100% plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and includes oils for hydration.
OMOROVICZA Soothing Shaving Cream
This soothing shaving cream is “formulated with squalane, a skin moisturizer and conditioner that replenishes fatty acids and antioxidants, and glycerin which can help restore normal skin barrier function,” says Dr. Rogers.
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Dr. Rogers recommends this choice of FUR “because it’s free of phthalates, parabens, silicones, and artificial colors or fragrances.”
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Dr. Rogers says this Joanna Vargas shave bar “lathers well with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and shea butter to help moisturize dry skin.”
Shop Marie Claire’s Editors’ Favorite Shaving Creams
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SUGARCOAT Moisturizing Shave Gel-to-Milk
“Anyone who loves a light, gel to milky texture needs this shaving gel in their rotation. It’s made for those summer days when a lotion or cream texture feels too heavy, but honestly, it’s perfect for at any time of the year you need your razor to glide over your skin. The ingredients are equally thoughtful, with notes of dandelion root extract and organ oil that soothe and revitalize all skin types.”—Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
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Dollar Shave Club Shaving Butter
“I constantly steal it from my boyfriend, it’s so amazing. It feels like thick body butter and leaves my skin so soft and smooth that I (almost) don’t need to apply body lotion afterwards. Plus, you can sign up for a subscription so you never run out.”—Julia Marzovilla, eCommerce Writer
Shop the Internet’s Favorite Shaving Creams
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Eos Shea Better 24 Hour Moisturizing Shave Cream
At just $6, this affordable shaving cream from EOS includes ingredients like shea oil, shea butter, and aloe for long-lasting 24-hour hydration. Your skin will be glowing in no time.
Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel for Dry Skin with Lanolin and Olive Butter
Stock up on this three-pack of affordable shaving creams (and get them the next day thanks to Amazon Prime). The formula includes ingredients like vitamin E and lanolin, so it’s worth having on your shelf in case you run out.
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Ball Whipped Shaving Cream
This fan-favorite cream is only $8 and has the most plush texture that evenly coats your skin in an even layer of moisture to protect it from your razor. Key ingredients include aloe and coconut oil, both known for their soothing and moisturizing properties.
eos Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream for Women
The skin around your bikini line is super sensitive. Take care of it with this clinically tested $5 shaving cream from eos that contains soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal.
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This body wash comes in a jar and is available in three delicious grown-up scents: White Tea, Grapefruit, and Orange Neroli. One rave reviewer even wrote, “This stuff is amazing! It’s great as a cleanser and works great for shaving.”
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This American-made shaving cream from Athena Club (who make some of the best women’s razors on the market) is considered one of the gentlest creams on the market. It’s also scented with notes of rose, sage, lime, vanilla, and cedarwood, so it’ll turn your entire shower into a spa.
Pillowy Refreshing Shave Cream
The lemon extract in this Refreshments shave cream promises to brighten your skin over time. The inclusion of shea butter and olive oil, however, keeps your body smooth.
Meet the expert:
Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD, founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care, sees patients full-time at her dermatology practice, Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington. Known as “the doctor who can stop time”, Dr. Rogers’ long waiting list is due to his exceptional results, but also to his dedication to helping his patients truly understand the nature of their skin. Having treated tens of thousands of patients with skin in all health conditions, Dr. Rogers knows how to help each person achieve their skin goals, while supporting, rather than hindering, coping skills. natural to our skin. Empowering people with the knowledge to see what their skin needs at every moment and delivering high quality products to meet those needs has been the foundation of his successful practice – and is now the foundation of Doctor Rogers Skin Care.
