If you’re someone who chooses to shave, you probably already know not. all shaving creams work just as well. (And some, like the shampoo you may have used out of desperation at one point, don’t work at all.) But you don’t have to look far — or spend more than $15 — to put the hand on a really good one. the best drugstore shaving creams are made with emollients like shea butter, vitamin E and vegetable oils that help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs while facilitating a close and smooth shave. These nourishing ingredients won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, so your skin will feel properly hydrated when you rinse off – not dry, tight or itchy. And since they’re from drugstore brands, they’re as gentle on your wallet as they are on your skin.
Using the right shaving cream is important, but there are a few other steps you can take to ensure an effective (and most importantly, safe) shave. If you’re going to shave, wait until after your shower or bath, as the heat helps soften the hair follicles, then exfoliate the area with a gentle body scrub or washcloth to remove dead skin cells. Also, be sure to replace your razor blade regularly. Dull blades tug on your skinrather than catching your hair, which can lead to irritation.
With these tips in mind, scroll down to buy the best shaving creams under $15, all readily available on Amazon.
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The best drugstore shaving cream
More than 13,000 Amazon reviewers agree: This eos cult shaving cream is the best you can get from a pharmacy. It’s also the only shaving cream I’ll use, if I can help it. It’s really a cream, not a lotion, so it’s like slathering on a decadent moisturizer – and even the driest skin will feel nourished when you rinse it off. However, it glides much better than body cream, so your razor easily passes through it for a really close shave. More to love: It’s cruelty-free and comes in three divine flavors: Pomegranate, Raspberry, Lavender, and Vanilla Bliss, which smells like homemade birthday cake. Each bottle is only $4 per soft drink.
This Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel is a perennial favorite among beauty editors and customers alike (see: its 9,800 five-star ratings on Amazon). It’s the only foaming formula on this list (it dispenses as a gel, but turns into a fluffy foam), but it won’t strip your skin or leave it uncomfortably dry. In fact, the fragrance-free formula is designed for dry, sensitive skin, so it’s fortified with ingredients like vitamin E, oat kernel extract, aloe, and allantoin (though it does contain parabens, in case you prefer to avoid). You also can’t beat the price.
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Ideal for extra-sensitive skin
Although eos and Aveeno shaving creams are suitable for sensitive skin, they contain certain ingredients that may trigger reactions in ultra-sensitive skin. If you belong to the latter category, this Vanicream shaving cream is your safest bet. As the label says, it’s free from common irritants like fragrances, dyes, lanolin, and parabens. Instead, this non-foaming formula is infused with purified water and skin-fortifying panthenol, which creates a protective barrier to help ward off razor burn and irritation. For best results, follow it up with the much-loved Vanicream moisturizer.
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Best Barber-Grade Cream
According to Amazon reviews, this Cremo Barber Grade Shaving Cream is tough enough to tackle unwanted hair anywhere on your body, including your legs, arms, armpits, face and scalp – but the formula, enriched with aloe, calendula and macadamia oil , helps protect even the most delicate skin from nicks, cuts, burns and ingrown hairs. It turns into a milky emulsion, rather than a cream or mousse, so it has a super smooth glide. Other Highlights: The translucency allows for a closer shave, and a little product goes a long way, so this two-pack will last a long time. Plus, it’s sold in five sophisticated scents, including Sage & Citrus and Silver Water & Birch.
If you’re a fan of shower oil, you’re probably a fan of shaving oil too – a relatively niche category, but Tree Hut has nailed it Moisturizing Shaving Oil. This gel-oil formula contains a blend of argan, grapeseed, sesame seed and jojoba oils to nourish, provide an ultra-smooth glide and protect your skin barrier against moisture loss – one recipe for your silkiest skin ever. It won’t clog your razor like a cream or foam would, so it’s conducive to quick shaves. Fans also love the coconut and lime scent, which is sweet and tropical without being overpowering.
