After several hours of research, intense scrutiny on shave performance, lathering ability, scent, and ultimate results, we found that the Billy Jealousy Super-Slick Shave Cream was the best shave cream currently available on the market.
In this guide, we have an in-depth write-up on all the shave creams we reviewed, what exactly makes a shaving cream good, different types of razors commonly used with certain types of shave creams, along with tips on how to generate the perfect lather every time you go to shave.
Let’s take a look:
Comparing Several Shaving Creams
| NAME | DOMINATE SCENT | SHAVE CREAM TYPE | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | LATHERS | SHAVE BRUSH REQUIRED? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Shave Cream | Peppermint | Latherless | USA | ✗ | ✗ |
| Aveeno Shave Gel | Unscented | Gel | USA | ✔ | ✗ |
| Barbasol Shave Cream | Sandalwood | Foam | Thailand | ✔ | ✗ |
| Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream | Clean/Unisex | Latherless | USA | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cremo Shave Cream | Citrus | Latherless | USA | ✗ | ✗ |
| Jack Black Beard Lube | Relatively Unscented | Latherless | Canada | ✗ | ✗ |
| Nivea Men Shaving Gel | Sandalwood / Fresh | Gel | Thailand | ✔ | ✗ |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream | Sandalwood | Traditional | England | ✔ | ✔ |
| The Art of Shaving Oud Shaving Cream | Woodsy | Traditional | USA | ✔ | ✔ |
| V76 by Vaughn Clean Shave Gel | Fresh / Crisp | Gel | USA | ✔ | ✗ |
Why We Are Qualified To Recommend the Best Shaving Cream
We take our research and review process seriously.
Frequent readers understand this as it was demonstrated in our roundup of the best razors for men, our in-depth review of Huckberry (a growing online men’s clothing retailer), and even when we dissected Harry’s subscription shave service and gave it a mediocre rating.
We want to deliver the absolute best information to you.
Without your trust, Tools of Men wouldn’t be the site it is today, nor would we have such a passionate subscriber base that relies on our keen insight when researching the best men’s products.
Therefore, with every one of the reviews listed below, you can rest assured that we aren’t secretly being paid by a company to say good things about them.
If a product isn’t good, we will tell you.
Secondly, unlike many of the other ‘best shaving cream’ articles listed online, we own the products, post actual pictures, and have an actual review process.
The Best Shaving Creams Reviewed
1. Best Overall Shave Cream: Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream
For men looking for the perfect shave cream, it really doesn’t get much better than this one from Billy Jealousy.
Known for their award-winning products, Billy Jealousy is quickly setting the gold standard across the men’s grooming world by making stellar beard oils, face cleansers, face moisturizers, and more.
After profusely testing their Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream, it was undoubtedly one of the best shave creams we ever tested.
Not only did it provide an incredibly close and comfortable shave, but its excellently balanced ingredient profile will allow for great-looking skin once you are done shaving as well.
While the latherless nature will undoubtedly be a barrier for some men coming from more traditional shave cream backgrounds, after one use you will see why this cream will be your new favorite going forward.
The latherless cream will not only make the shaving process much cleaner, but it will allow you to easily navigate the contours of your face without the problem of having shave cream build up on your razor head or handle.
Now on to scent:
Just like the beard oil we recently reviewed, the scent is again top-notch. Delivering a subtle orange scent (due to the inclusion of natural orange peel oil), you will feel invigorated when applying this to your face in the morning.
It’s one of those rare products that you will actually look forward to shaving rather than dreading the process.
As great as this shave cream is, there still is one major downside:
The price.
While costing a bit more than more popular brands like Cremo or Nivea Men, Billy Jealousy will be a bit tougher buy for some men who are on a tight budget.
However, to quell those fears a bit, rest assured that in the 8oz bottle you will be able to get several months of shaving.
But if you are a man that not only wants to look good but values a quality performing shave cream, then you will want to go with this.
The results are reliable and your skin will thank you.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Where is this shave cream made?
USA. Billy Jealousy is based out of Dallas, TX.
Is it all-natural?
No. There are some chemically derived ingredients.
What razor is this shave cream best suited for?
Cartridge and disposable razors. Although the slick lubricating properties will make it great for men who shave with safety razors as well.
Pros:
- Super slick and latherless
- Balanced ingredient profile
- Best overall shave cream
Cons:
- Expensive (but worth it)
What You Need To Know
It’s one of the best shave creams on the market. While we wish the price were a bit lower, you really get the quality you pay for out of this shave cream.
2. Best Traditional Shave Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street
The defacto standard when it comes to shaving creams, Taylor of Old Bond Street is typically the go-to shaving cream for many men taking their first step into the wet shaving realm, and with good reason.
With its near lotion-like consistency yet impressive ability to whip up a luxurious lather, Taylor of Old Bond Street simply sets the standard when it comes to high-quality shaving creams.
Established back in 1854 in the fashionable section of West End London by Jeremiah Taylor, Taylor of Old Bond Street was your grandfathers shaving cream.
To some, sandalwood is a “manly” scent giving a very earthy tone close to cedar with perhaps a light after note of vanilla.
If the scent of sandalwood is not your thing, don’t worry you’re in luck. Taylor of Old Bond Street also makes the shaving cream in the following scents:
- Almond
- Coconut
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Lemon & Lime
- Peppermint
- Rose
Scents aside, the performance of this shaving cream will leave a trademark lather that is extremely rich without feeling too airy.
In addition, the texture of the cream when lathered properly will feel extremely slick.
When applied to your face you should have an ample cushion that will deliver a comfortable shave that will leave your skin feeling well moisturized and extremely smooth.
The smoothness of your skin is amplified in this shaving cream due to the addition of glycerin in the ingredients. Glycerin is a simple sugar alcohol compound that is a humectant (provide moisture) that is primarily used for folks with dryer skin or skin that is easily irritated and found in many luxury shaving creams.
One of the required products for this shaving cream will be a shaving brush.
While there might be some men who try to scoop out about a dime-sized amount and rub it in their hands to create a lather, this simply won’t deliver the high performance that you are expecting and will deliver relatively flat results.
While the price point of this shaving cream may seem a bit on the higher side at $15, the long-term value is well worth it.
With some men reporting that they were able to make a bowl last for nearly 6 months, you won’t be left feeling like you wasted your money on this shaving cream.
While this shaving cream can be used on cartridge and wet electric shavers, it’s really reserved for double edge safety razors and straight edge razors.
Related: Taylor of Old Bond Street Review
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Where is Taylor of Old Bond Street made?
England.
Do you need a separate bowl or mug when using this shave cream?
Yes. Unlike shave soaps that can be lathered in the same bowl, given the softer consistency, you will need to use a mug with this shave cream.
Is the fragrance light or heavy?
It comes across as strong at first but quickly subsides.
Is this only for safety razors?
It can be used with any razor, however, men who rely on cartridge razors may not like the additional work in the morning of prepping a shave cream.
Pros:
- Old school shave cream
- Perfect for traditional razor systems
- Requires shave brush for best results
Cons:
Lengthy prep time
What You Need To Know
A well-rounded shave cream that serves its purpose extraordinarily well. We previously awarded this shave cream best overall, however, we now recommend this to men using straight or double edge safety razors. The prep required to use this shave cream may be a turn-off to some who shave regularly with a cartridge, disposable, or electric razor.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Nivea Men Shaving Gel
Like the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel, we reviewed, this offering by Nivea Men focuses on serving men who have severely sensitive skin.
However, unlike the colloidal oatmeal that was used in Aveeno’s shave cream, Nivea Men uses a completely different set of ingredients to produce great (and highly effective) results.
The key standouts of this shave gel will undoubtedly be the chamomile, vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), and witch hazel.
Also, earning the top rank of best overall aftershave balm, it’s clear to see that Nivea Men knows a thing or two when it comes to shaving comfort.
First off, the chamomile found within the gel is a terrific anti-inflammatory ingredient. Men with sensitive skin or even acne won’t exhibit that familiar burning sensation when using this shave cream.
Secondly, chamomile also doubles as a natural anti-fungal ingredient as well. Therefore, if you have any residual bacterial resting on your face once you are done shaving, the chamomile coupled with the witch hazel will ensure that there will be complete comfort.
Speaking of witch hazel, a common ingredient in quality aftershave balms displays key astringent properties.
Why does this matter?
While your pores don’t open and close (a common myth), the astringent property will provide relief from general skin irritation by constricting the blood vessels.
Again, it’s through this use of key ingredients on why so many men with sensitive skin love Nivea Men. It simply guarantees a much more comfortable shave.
When it comes to the consistency and performance of the Nivea men shave gel is a bit misleading given the blue gel on the front label.
Instead, the gel is more at a consistency of Aveeno’s and is more of an off-white in color.
But what really makes this shave gel unique from others is that when you being to rub it into a lather, it takes on a ‘wetter’ consistency.
This will make it adhere to your skin easily (which is great if you are shaving in the shower), but will also ensure that the shaving cream stays on so you ultimately get a much closer and comfortable shave.
Adding all of this up, Nivea Men walks away with being the best overall shave cream for men with sensitive skin. It’s the perfect marriage of ingredients and form that will ensure total comfort every time the blade touches your skin.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Is the Nivea can rust-proof?
Yes. Like the Aveeno Therapeutic shave gel, Nivea’s can has a rounded-off bottom with no creases. This will prevent water from beading up would otherwise form rust.
Is this shave cream fragrance-free?
No. There is the inclusion of fragrance in the can (last ingredient). The scent is more of a ‘classic’ sandalwood barbershop scent.
Where is the shaving cream made?
The can we reviewed was made in Thailand. Nivea is a German-based company.
Who would you recommend this shaving cream for?
Men with sensitive skin. In particular, those who deal with acne, prone to razor bumps, and men who have severe skin irritation after shaving.
Pros:
- Perfect for men with sensitive skin
- Works on most razor types
- Extremely affordable given the performance
Cons:
- Large can not travel friendly
- Does include a fragrance
What You Need To Know
One of the best shaving creams for sensitive skin, Nivea does it again when it comes to shaving comfort.
4. Best For Head Shaving: Cremo Shave Cream
Cremo Shave Cream is a renegade compared to the other popular shave creams we reviewed.
With its solution designed to not create a thick foamy lather nor require a shaving brush for application, it’s breaking a long-standing tradition that wet shaving enthusiasts have adhered to for several years.
Primarily applied to your skin with just your hands, it’s an extraordinarily slick shave cream that helps to provide a comfortable shave that leaves your skin free of irritation and razor bumps.
Regarding the scent of the Cremo Shaving Cream, it comes in three main varieties:
- Original
- Cooling
- Sandalwood
Both the Original and Cooling scents are gender-neutral, while the Sandalwood scent is perfect for the men who crave that classic barbershop smell when shaving.
Although the bottle of the shaving cream may be a bit smaller in its 6fl oz. packaging, a little will go a long way. If you are accustomed to spraying out an ample amount of canned shaving cream into your hand currently you may have trouble restraining yourself with Cremo.
Per Cremo’s advice, an almond size amount of shaving cream should be more than enough to serve your entire shave.
One tube of the shaving cream should last you about 90 shaves (or about 4 months if you shave every business day).
Should you be using a cartridge or disposable razor, this shaving cream shouldn’t cause any clogging issues that would hinder the performance of the blade. Therefore, you can and should use this cream if you are looking to replace a canned razor that you have sitting within the medicine cabinet.
With the inclusion of aloe and some key oils contained within the cream, your skin should stay well moisturized long after your morning shave.
Men who shave their heads (or entire body) regularly will love this shave cream.
Given its moisturizing base, those who shave daily won’t experience any flaking of the skin as you might otherwise experience with shave gels that have nasty drying alcohols.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Where is this shave cream made?
USA. Cremo is based out of Laguna Beach, CA.
Can this be shared with a significant other?
Yes. Both the ‘Original’ and ‘Cooling’ scents are unisex.
Pros:
- Wickedly latherless
- Provides a super close shave
- Best budget-friendly shave cream
Cons:
- May be a bit too thin of a layer for some
What You Need To Know
It’s an affordable shave cream that can be easily used on any part of your body. The slick formula ensures total comfort and a close shave. Rivals Barbasol to being the workhorse shaving cream of the 21st century.
5. Made Naturally: Jack Black Beard Lube
If there was one company that sets the standard for being both a luxury grooming and natural leaning product company, 9 times out of 10 men would say Jack Black.
Their Beard Lube that we reviewed perfectly carries on the Jack Black legacy.
Flipping over the tube you will see some stellar standout ingredients which include the following:
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Macadamia Nut Oil
- Jojoba Oil (also known as Simmondsia Chinesis oil)
The key ingredients not only help to invigorate your whiskers but will also deliver a rich splash of moisture and nourishment to your skin after you are done shaving.
Given that this is a latherless shave cream, unlike the more traditional gels and creams we reviewed, you will be able to see the areas that you need to shave when making the passes across your face.
The latherless solution itself is extremely slick. While you could technically use this with a safety razor given its slick base, we still feel it’s better suited for men who use cartridge or disposable razors.
When it comes to natural shaving creams, it really doesn’t get much better than Jack Black. When compared to all the others we researched, we were unable to find a cream that displayed nearly the same level of quality ingredients.
Sure, the price of this Beard Lube may be a bit higher than some men’s budget, but the quality you get for the amount paid truly does make this a worthwhile investment.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
What does this Beard Lube smell like?
Very light notes of peppermint.
Where is this shave cream made?
USA. Jack Black is based out of Carrollton, TX.
Who would you recommend this shave cream for?
Perfect for men who prefer a more natural shave cream.
Pros:
- Made from natural ingredients
- Moisturizes skin for greater comfort
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Premium price point can be a dealbreaker
What You Need To Know
Jack Black sets the gold standard when it comes to high-end men’s grooming products. If you want a latherless shave cream that relies on the essentials, it doesn’t get any better than this.
6. Anthony Shave Gel
Like V76 by Vaughn, Anthony is a relatively new entrant to the men’s grooming world and was founded in 2000 by Anthony Sosnick.
Based out of New Brunswick, NJ, Anthony delivers a new take on the shave gel.
Fully embracing the ‘gel’ aspects, the thin and clear solution is a non-foaming agent and will give you total visual control over the shaving process.
Perfect for men who don’t like dealing with large clumps of foam temporarily clogging their sink, this shave gel by Anthony will allow you to see every whisker you missed while shaving.
While consistency is one key aspect of this shave gel the other will be the ingredient profile.
Much like Jack Black’s Beard Lube, this shave gel by Anthony largely contains natural ingredients that will do more for your skin than just provide a close shave.
Flipping over the tube you will find all sorts of good stuff like aloe vera leaf juice, agar, carrageenan extract, orange peel oil, cornmint oil, and so many others.
The end result is not only a guaranteed close shave time and time again but also a well-nourished skin once you are done shaving.
Secondly, for the men who are a bit more conscious of their labels, you will find that Anthony’s shave gel is also absent of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, petrochemicals, animal-derived ingredients, triclosan, DEA, and GMOs.
The scent for this shave gel is just as invigorating as Cremo’s.
Emitting bright spearmint notes, you will quickly awaken when you put this on in the morning.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Who would you recommend this shave gel for?
Definitely aimed at the men who prefer natural ingredients or tend to have sensitive skin. The clear consistency of the product is a nice change (and perfect for those who don’t like foaming agents).
Can this be a unisex shave cream?
Yes. The spearmint scent is gender-neutral.
Where is this shave gel made?
USA. Anthony is based out of New Brunswick, NJ.
What You Need To Know
The fresh and bright tones of Anthony are second to none. Absent of a lot of nasty ingredients yet still delivers great performance.
7. Aveeno Shave Gel
Containing natural colloidal oatmeal, Aveeno’s shave gel is a great solution for the men out there that are looking for consistent results from a big-name manufacturer.
The colloidal oatmeal found within this can will help men who have overly sensitive skin.
So, how does the oatmeal help to provide a more comfortable shave?
This key ingredient helps to provide additional moisture to the skin.
While this might not sound like much, but when you take a cartridge razor across the surface of your skin, it does quite a number to the skin and will dry it out and make it feel quite irritated.
But beyond increasing shave comfort, the colloidal oatmeal will also help to ward off dry skin post-shave by making you look a bit more vibrant and youthful.
Beyond oatmeal, another great aspect of this shave cream is the absence of fragrance.
The fragrance has been known to cause quite a bit of discomfort for many men, and the lack of this ingredient is welcomed by those with sensitive skin.
Of course, given that this shave gel from Aveeno is mass-produced by a large conglomerate (Johnson & Johnson), there are parabens found within the shaving cream itself including:
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Ethylparaben
But as we covered later in this article, parabens are used as preservatives and aren’t a known carcinogen per the FDA.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Is A Shave Brush Required?
No. Like most canned creams, you can get great results using your hands.
Shave Cream Consistency
This shave cream comes in gel form. However, unlike most gels, when applied with your hands, it does generate a rich lather as opposed to foam.
Rust Problems?
The can itself has a rust-proof design. As evident in our month-long test, there was no rust build-up on the edges of the can (edges are smooth and don’t feature any creases or weld points).
What You Need To Know
If you are looking for a great (yet affordable) shave cream designed for sensitive skin, then the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel will provide great results. Perfect for men who are on a tight budget but want non-irritating results.
8. Barbasol Shave Cream
The workhorse of shave creams, Barbasol has been around for nearly a century.
This USA-made shave cream has been (and continues to be) a staple in men’s medicine cabinets all over the world.
But does it withstand the test of time?
It really depends on who you ask.
Men who use a double edge safety razor may find that the performance of Barbasol to be quite a bit lacking.
Given that this is a foam that is highly aerated, the Barbasol shave cream just doesn’t deliver enough moisture for some men to get a comfortable and close shave should they be using a safety razor.
However, for the men out there that use a cartridge or disposable razor, the thickness of the Barbasol foam, even if it is a bit dryer compared to the traditional soaps and creams, still does do a great job at providing effective results.
Containing only a fraction of the ingredients (8 total), compared to most other shave creams Barbasol is a value cream without all the extra bells and whistles.
Don’t expect to find chamomile extract, colloidal oatmeal, vitamin e, or any other moisturizing or nourishing ingredients.
But the chemically derived fragrance sure does smell good!
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Who should buy this shave cream?
Men on a budget. Typically costing under a couple of bucks, it provides an acceptable foam for the price.
Will the can rust?
Unlike the classic Barbasol of yesteryear, they have improved upon the design to make it rust-proof.
Where is Barbasol made?
Dublin, Ohio.
What does Barbasol smell like?
Classic barbershop scent (i.e. Sandalwood).
What You Need To Know
If you are a man on a restricted budget then Barbasol can work. While not rich in the moisturizer category, it’s a workhorse shave cream that can help get the job done.
9. Proraso Shaving Cream
Developed in Florence, Italy in 1908, Proraso is a traditional shave cream that has been serving men for over a century.
They offer up stellar shave creams for highly specific uses:
- Sensitive skin (white label)
- Moisturizing and nourishing (red label)
- Protective and moisturizing (blue label)
- General use (green label)
In this review, we are concentrating on their most popular label, general use.
Best suited for men who shave through traditional means (straight or safety razor), Proraso shave creams rely on a traditional shaving brush in order to whip up a rich and luxurious lather.
But when you peel apart the nuances and history of this shave cream, performance will be the most important feature to consider.
Like most traditional shave creams, the Proraso general use shave cream not only will provide you will an incredibly comfortable shave (assuming you whip up the perfect lather), but it will also provide ample cushion for the razor to glide along.
Now technically there is nothing stopping you from using this with a cartridge or disposable razor, however, you will truly see the benefits of this shave cream when using a double edge safety razor or straight razor.
Performance aside, the Proraso shave cream continues to compete with much more modern shave creams of today by providing a product that contains none of the following:
- Parabens
- Silicones
- Mineral Oils
- SLS
- Artificial Colors
If there is one suspect ingredient that does stand out on the list of their ingredients it’s the inclusion of parfum (fragrance). As stated over on the EWG website, the term “Fragrance” on the side of skin and beauty products can actually contain over 3,100 different types of chemicals.
Touching on scents a bit more, when you first squeeze this shaving cream out of the tube and begin to generate your lather, one of the first things you will notice is the smell of menthol.
The addition of menthol to this product will deliver what seems like a strong scent at first, however, during our testing we found it to dissipate after an hour or so. Therefore, if you regularly wear cologne, you shouldn’t have any clashing of fragrances when using this shaving cream.
Related: Proraso Shave Experience
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Where is this shave cream made?
Italy. The company is based in Fiesole, Italy (just outside of Florence).
Can this shave cream be shared between men and women?
Yes. Menthol is a fairly gender-neutral scent.
Can you use this without a shave brush?
Not really. Results won’t be nearly as good, also will lead to excess waste.
What You Need To Know
It’s a great and affordable shave cream perfect for men who shave with either safety or straight razor. The wide lineup of offerings will allow any man to find their perfect shave cream variant.
10. The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
While still relatively a newcomer (founded in 1996) to the wet shaving field, Art of Shaving is quickly making inroads through the world of luxury shaving.
Acquired by Procter & Gamble (who also owns Gillette) in 2009, Art of Shaving is likely one of the most familiar names on this list.
While many wet shaving fanatics may give a lot of flak to Gillette, P&G’s Art of Shaving brand is an entirely different beast.
If there is one common complaint about the Art of Shaving products that many wet shavers share, it’s going to be the costs of their products.
Weighing in at a hefty price tag of $23, it’s double the price of the Proraso Shaving Cream and substantially higher than the price of Taylor of Old Bond Street’s flagship Sandalwood shaving cream ($15) for about the same amount of volume.
However, on the flipside to the price of this shaving cream is that it’s one of the most easily accessible products you can obtain within the USA.
Unlike the other brands mentioned earlier, Art of Shaving has impressive clout when it comes to availability. With currently over 70 stores across the country, you may be able to find one within driving distance (usually located at larger malls).
Accessibility aside, the ingredients found in the shaving cream are pretty standard of most luxury shaving creams. Regarding scents, Art of Shaving offers the following lineup:
- Unscented
- Sandalwood
- Lavender
- Ocean Kelp
- Lemon
- Oud
If you aren’t familiar with Oud, it’s a natural ingredient that smells very woodsy and gives off an old familiar scent.
Scent aside, oud does provide some great skincare benefits as well. Some of the stand out properties of oud:
- Natural antiseptic agent
- Helps to heal scars and skin spots
- Contains natural anti-aging properties to help tighten and smooth your skin
- Provides relief from inflammation
Another key point of consideration on this product is that it’s dubbed as being both a brushless and shave brush-capable shaving cream.
Given all of the great exfoliation benefits that are realized when using a shaving brush, we would only recommend that you use this product with a proper badger hair brush for maximum performance.
Like most traditional shaving creams, with this cream, a little will go a very long way.
Although this shaving cream is priced considerably higher than similar products in this arena, it should last you several months – even if you shave daily.
This brings us to the next point, performance.
From the initial loading to the peaks that you experience when testing out the lather on this shaving cream, it does perform just as well when compared to the other heavyweights in this industry.
Most importantly the glycerin contained within this product will help provide a slick lubricant that will help retain the moisture in your skin when you go to make the appropriate passes with your razor of choice.
In addition to the lubrication, the cushion of this product when lathered properly is what you come to expect when using luxury shaving cream products and doesn’t fall short.
This shaving cream can be used with cartridges, double edge safety razors, and straight razors.
Both the cushion and the lubrication provided by this cream will allow for repeatedly comfortable shaves even if you do multiple passes in one shaving session.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Is this really worth the money?
Yes, especially if you convert to traditional wet shaving.
Where is this shaving cream made?
USA. P&G is based in Cincinnati, OH.
Would this make a good gift?
Given the luxury association with this brand, any man should be happy to get their hands on this shave cream.
What You Need To Know
Art of Shaving provides a terrific shaving cream. However, the price commanded for it can be a bit too much for some men to swallow. But don’t be deterred by the price alone as a single tub can outlast several cans of shave gel or foam.
11. V76 by Vaughn Clean Shave Gel
V76 by Vaughn is quickly making its name known in the men’s grooming circle by delivering top-notch products.
Developed by Vaughn Acord, a famed men’s grooming expert that has served the likes of Tom Brady, Ashton Kutcher, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few, it’s safe to say that V76 by Vaughn knows a thing or two when it comes to styling.
Formulated to not rely on parabens, sulfates, mineral oil or petroleum, all V76 products are going to be vegan/vegetarian (i.e. not relying on tallow), and are manufactured in a cruelty-free manner.
So, what makes this shave gel special and worthy of the elevated price tag?
First off, the reliance on some great ingredients.
When flipping over the muted-green can you will find the inclusion of rich moisturizers like aloe vera leaf juice along with vitamin E to ensure that your skin not only stays smooth throughout the shave process but remains smooth and well moisturized once you leave the house.
Given that this is classified as a shave gel, the consistency coming out of the can will be a bit gooey/slimy at first but will generate a thicker lather that will coat your skin and whiskers perfectly.
This thick consistency makes it perfect for not only cartridge razors, but even some men who use safety razors daily loved this shave cream as well.
Lastly, the scent.
Like their beard oil, the scent in this shave gel is downright amazing.
Unlike so many that heavily depend on that classic barbershop scent, V76’s shave gel is more akin to a refreshing and crisp scent.
It’s a luxury shave cream that feels and smells like one as well.
Common Questions That Came Up In Our Research
Is a shave brush required to use this shave gel?
No. Using your hands will be enough to generate a lather.
Could you use this with a safety razor?
While most gels are made for cartridge or disposable razor use, the moisture that V76 delivers in this cream will make it also work incredibly well with safety razors.
Where is the shave gel made?
USA. V76 is based out of Miami, Fl.
What You Need To Know
Marketed as a ‘Professional’ shave cream and used by celebrities, V76 has a top-notch cream that equally has a top-notch price tag. If you are looking to splurge and shave just like the pros, then you will want to check this one out.
Shaving Creams Come In Many Different Forms
Shaving creams are available in various forms, including gels, foams, soaps, creams, and latherless. If you want to learn more about their fundamental differences, we wrote a comprehensive guide on the types of shaving creams along with their key advantages and disadvantages.
What Type Of Razor You Use May Determine Preference
When it comes to razors selection, men really have no shortage of options.
From the 5 different types of razors you have at your disposal (straight razor, double edge safety razor, cartridge razor, disposable razor, or electric razor), you may want to pick one shaving cream over another.
While we won’t dive into the nuances of each razor system as it goes beyond the scope of this article, here’s a quick run-down:
For men using a cartridge or disposable razor, the biggest issue that you will have to deal with will be clogging.
Therefore, you may want to steer clear of some of the thicker creams on our list. Instead, you will want to go with gels, foams, or better yet, latherless shaving creams.
However, if you are using a safety razor, some of the more traditional (and thicker) creams like Taylor of Old Bond Street or The Art of Shaving will be better for your blade.
Not only will these traditional creams provide a well-insulated layer on your skin, but will ensure that your skin bends to the safety razor blade in order to ensure a smooth and close shave.
For the straight razor-wielding men out there you are likely better off going with a shaving soap as you have more control over the lubricating properties of the shaving cream and can strike that delicate balance. Of course, traditional shave cream can work just fine, but in most cases, men using straight razors like the results of shave soaps more despite their lengthy setup process.
Lastly, the electric razor. For men who shave daily with an electric razor, your best bet is to go with much thinner shaving cream. In particular, the latherless options by Jack Black or Cremo will be great picks.
The thinner consistency of these shave creams will ensure optimal performance from either your rotary or foil electric razor.
How To Lather Any Shaving Cream
Want some tips on how to whip up the perfect lather with any shaving cream? Then be sure to check out our detailed lather picture guide.
