This article was published in partnership with Blu Atlas.
Let’s face it: a healthy complexion is essential to looking your best. However, studies show that nearly two-thirds of men experience skin irritation from shaving, including cuts, redness and razor bumps. The delicate skin on the face and neck can easily become inflamed, leading not only to discomfort, but also to lasting scarring and discoloration.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent skin damage and perfect the art of shaving. Experts agree that choosing the right shaving cream is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your skin and ensure a clean shave. This is especially true for men with sensitive skin, who need targeted anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe and prevent irritation.
Although it can be difficult to choose a product that meets your needs, you have come to the right place. To streamline the process, we polled all the top beauty brands and picked out the best shaving creams for sensitive skin in 2022. Put your best face forward with these fail-safe options.
FAQ: Best shaving creams for sensitive skin
While we’re sure you’d like one of the 14 best shaving creams for sensitive skin listed above, you might still have questions about your skin type or how to choose the best product for you. If so, feel free to review some of the questions we often come across about shaving creams for sensitive skin.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
Before you go out and buy a shaving cream designed for sensitive skin, you’ll want to determine if you actually have the condition. There are a number of signs that can help you determine how sensitive your skin is. These may include the following symptoms or conditions:
• Dry skin
• Redness
• Inflamed patches
• Tenderness
• Sealing
• Pain
• Itching
• Burn or sting
• Sun sensitivity
• Bad reactions to brand name skin care products
• Acne
If you’re experiencing even a quarter of these signs, chances are your skin is sensitive. If so, it’s time to shift gears and start looking for products designed for your skin type. After all, no man wants a shave that leaves him red in the face, sensitive to nicks, or feeling sensitive or itchy.
Is shaving cream good for sensitive skin?
If formulated well, shaving cream can be beneficial for sensitive skin. When a product is made specifically for sensitive skin, it likely includes skin-friendly ingredients. With shaving products, the goal is not to overwhelm the skin but to provide relief during and after shaving.
Natural products generally work best for sensitive skin because they don’t contain artificial ingredients. Natural formulas usually focus on using anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe the skin. The Blu Atlas shaving cream, for example, contains coconut caprylate and vitamin E, which are ideal for men with sensitive skin.
How do I shave my face if I have sensitive skin?
Shaving sensitive skin is easy once you have the right product and tools to shave effortlessly.
For starters, you’re going to want to find a suitable razor. Make sure the blades are sharp and the razor has enough of them to properly handle your facial hair. A bad razor will negatively affect your skin, leading to nicks, cuts, and irritation.
Before you begin, dampen your face with lukewarm water. The best time to shave is after showering, but if that’s not possible, hot water alone will work just fine. This step aims to relax and soften your facial hair to create the best shaving scenario possible.
Apply your shaving cream and don’t be shy. Lather it up and apply it to all corners of the shaving area. Before you start shaving, remember that shaving is not meant to be a rushed process. You want to make firm, calculated movements, moving in the direction of your facial hair. For maximum protection against nicks and cuts, use your free fingers to hold your skin in place.
Be sure to use a specialized aftershave or facial moisturizer to further soothe your skin after shaving. A product that can rehydrate your skin will work very well. Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and rose water to get the job done.
Is shaving cream worth it?
If you have skin prone to irritation and need a more beneficial shaving method, shaving cream is definitely a product worth adding to your shaving routine. It softens the hairs, creating the best surface for your razor to glide easily, without irritating, damaging or cutting your skin.
When it comes to cost, shaving creams are about the cheapest grooming products a man can get. Even if you’re aiming for the higher end of the market, expect to pay no less than $30 for a hefty deal.
What makes shaving cream good for sensitive skin?
When looking for a shaving cream for sensitive skin, check that the product meets the following three criteria:
1. Formulated for sensitive skin.
2. No artificial colors or fragrances.
3. Contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
Fortunately, there are now many products that have all three going for them. Let’s take a closer look at each of the three criteria.
Formulated for sensitive skin
The clearest sign that a product might be ideal for your sensitive skin is if the manufacturers state that it is formulated for your skin type. Brands will never miss an opportunity to let you know that their product will work for you. Some products will be specifically designed for sensitive skin, while others might be suitable for everyone, including people with sensitive skin.
No artificial colors or fragrances
You can tell a lot about a product from its formula. If your skin is sensitive, avoid ingredients that can easily irritate it. For example, artificial colors and fragrances are commonly found in shaving products. These can easily cause spotty, itchy, dry or uncomfortable skin.
A reputable company will disclose whether their shaving cream is all-natural, as well as providing an ingredient list that can help you understand what’s in it.
Soothing and moisturizing ingredients
There are a number of natural ingredients that can help soothe and hydrate your skin. For example, you can look for shaving creams that contain aloe vera or vitamin E. Both of these ingredients are known to reduce inflammation and irritation and promote soft, calm, and hydrated skin.
Which shaving foam, shaving gel or shaving cream is best for sensitive skin?
Whether it’s a shaving cream, foam, or gel, each type of product likely has the same desired function to make shaving easier and more comfortable. All three types of products form a layer between your skin and the razor creating a slippery, moist surface. This helps reduce friction between your skin and the razor itself. The most significant differences between a shaving gel, cream and foam are their respective textures and care capabilities.
Shaving foams come in lather form and are usually somewhat airy and light. Shaving gels are smoother and heavier. Once you rub a shaving gel on your face, you will find that it does not lather as much as shaving foam. Gels generally provide more lubrication which makes them easier to shave as the razor glides easily over the skin. Shaving creams are a whole different ball game. These are more hydrating and have a richer, creamier texture.
Can I be allergic to my shaving cream?
The short answer is yes, you can be allergic to your shaving cream. However, avoiding this should not be a difficult task. Your shaving cream should contain a complete list of ingredients, allowing you to determine in advance if it contains anything to which you are allergic.
Will a shaving cream moisturize or dry out my skin?
The right shaving cream will moisturize your skin. The ingredients found in most shaving creams help in this department. All-natural ingredients like aloe vera and jojoba oil do an exceptional job of moisturizing and nourishing the skin, and you’ll see a difference in the quality of your skin with continued use. If you notice a drop in your skin’s hydration, consider switching products.
What ingredients should I look for in a shaving cream?
In our opinion, the best shaving cream for sensitive skin will be an all-natural product. Ingredients you should look for in a 100% natural shaving cream include aloe, coconut by-product, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. Basically, look for ingredients known to have anti-inflammatory abilities.
How to choose a shaving cream?
To decide if a shaving cream is right for you, you will need to consider a variety of factors. You can consider things like price, ingredients, customer reviews, and availability. You generally want a product that is optimally priced and readily available. But, perhaps more importantly, it must have good reviews and contain the right ingredients.
Once you’ve purchased your shaving cream of choice, you’ll need to consider how easy it is to use, how it performs, how it smells, and how you look after shaving. You want a product that gives you a clean shave with little to no irritation, has a pleasant scent, and is not painful to use. It should lather well and provide adequate layering. Often the only way to be sure something will work for you is to try it out, so don’t be afraid to experiment with new brands and new types of products.
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