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American beauty standards when it comes to shaving for women kicked off in the early twentieth century. That's when manufacturers of safety razors, seeking to expand their market, promoted the idea that body hair on women is inherently masculine and indelicate, according to The Smithsonian Institution. Some of the best women's shaving cream soothes the skin while providing a close shave.
Cue Gillette introducing the first razor marketed specifically to women, called the “Milady Decollete,” in 1915, according to author Russell B. Adams Jr. in “King C. Gillette: The Man and His Wonderful Shaving Device.” Then, four years later, former MIT professor and chemical engineer, Frank Shields, invented the first shaving cream. Now, more than a century later, shaving is still a thing. So much so, that one study found many women would give up coffee or sex to live body hair-free as a Sphynx. Meow.
Shaving creams, essentially, work by softening unwanted hair fibers and lubricating skin. They're typically thicker than gels or foam. That means you have to really work up a lather. But for those with drier skin types, it's a labor of love. Some women even consider shaving cream an in-shower moisturizer. But they do way more than just foam up and ward off razor burn. They serve as a thin barrier between the razor and skin, allowing the blade to glide smoothly. This process ultimately reduces the likelihood of cuts, razor bumps and irritation.
Hygiene between men and women varies. A recent study reveals the average woman spends 10 hours showering, shaving, moisturizing, etc., while men spend nine hours doing the same. Maybe, with the right products on your shelf, you'll be able to cut down that time, but still achieve the same results.
History and habits aside, a quick jaunt down your supermarket's shaving aisle can overwhelm with countless options. So EdNews scoured the internet, visiting 15 of the leading expert websites to see which are the best women's shaving creams that will take skin from stubbly to silky. Our list is ranked based on the most-recommended products across these sites. Enjoy!
The List: Best Women's Shaving Cream, According to Experts
1. Eos Shea Better 24HR Moisture Shave Cream
This cream has a legion of dedicated fans. It came up time and time again in best of lists online. “Ever since I first learned how to shave my legs, I’ve been a grab-whatever-is closest-to-me kind of gal. That is, until I came across this shea butter shave cream that feels like a body lotion made for the shower (because that's exactly what it is). And now I'll never go back to the random bottle of hair conditioner/body wash/whatever ever again,” writes Cosmopolitan.
“It skips some of the lathering ingredients known to strip natural oils, leaving behind skin that's even softer post-sha,” writes Allure. Thousands of online reviews agree. Reviewers say this helps them achieve smooth, bump-free skin. It leaves skin hydrated, and the formula doesn’t clog up razors. The cream is formulated by adding shea butter and oil best for people with dry and dull skin.
“The pump bottle makes the plush foam easy to dispense, and it’s so moisturizing you can use it on wet or dry skin without getting razor bumps. The rich formula is packed with shea butter and vitamins C and E—and the pomegranate raspberry blend just so happens to smell amazing,” says Glamour, on their favorite scent.
2. Fur's Shave Cream
Bye bye bumps. “If ingrown hairs are a concern for you, try out Fur's Shave Cream. This moisturizing cream has a whipped consistency that glides everywhere and anywhere — even on pubic hair,” writes Allure.
Elle quotes Fur's co-founder and CEO Laura Schubert: “‘Our shaving cream is thick enough to provide a protective barrier, and improves skin health through hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients.'”
When diluted and applied topically, it can gently exfoliate dead skin cells and kill bacteria that may get trapped in hair follicles, according to Byrdie. “Nourishing and super creamy, the olive oil- and shea butter-infused formula prevents nicks, bumps, redness, and razor burn anywhere on the body, from your armpits to your legs (and anywhere in between). Our tester raved about how creamy and lightweight the shaving cream was, going as far as comparing it to a hair conditioner.”
This shaving cream is both dermatologist and gynecologist tested, too.
3. Vanicream
Good for people with sensitive skin since it's free from fragrance, dyes, and formaldehyde releasers. Simply put — it gets the job done as noted by Cosmopolitan.
It's ideal for women with very sensitive or allergy prone skin. Glamour seconds this, touting Vanicream's formula “that's gentle enough to be used on both face and body, this tube is a sensitive-skin favorite.”
“According to dermatologists, fragrances are the most common source of skin irritation. Vanicream Shave Cream eliminates any chance of that with its fragrance-free formula specifically designed for sensitive skin. Due to its lack of emollients that dehydrate, it doesn't strip away the skin's natural oils, either,” adds Allure.
Some reviewers even said they use it on their face, not just their bodies. No more shaving in the blind either. The brand claims its shave cream has a non-lathering formula, which means you’ll be able to see where you’re shaving.
4. Cremo French Lavender Moisturizing Shave Cream
A tiny amount of this shave cream goes a long way, according to Glamour. “It doesn’t lather, but the thinly concentrated layer creates the ideal surface for your razor. It also has plenty of moisturizing ingredients to further soften your skin: aloe, calendula, macadamia-seed oil, and olive-leaf extract.”
PopSugar points out: “It does take a little getting used to on the application front, as you're supposed to start by getting your skin wet with superhot water for 30 seconds before lathering on a very small amount of the cream onto your skin. As the packaging reads, it's ‘highly concentrated and water activated.' Less really is more, and while you won't get that same over-the-top lather as you do with a foam, it still works incredibly well.”
5. Truly Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter
With its blend of emollients like coconut oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil - this whipped cream blew up on TikTok. “There’s shave gel, shave cream, and shave oil—and then there’s shave butter. This ultra-hydrating blend of coconut oil, argan oil, and other botanical ingredients is popular among TikTokers who can’t help but show off their smooth skin after using it,” Glamour writes. We had to include in our list though because it popped up over and over online as one of the best shaving creams for women.
According to Cosmopolitan, it almost looks like it would taste good. “The whipped shave cream in this tub looks so good you could eat it (but please don't).”
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Sources:
- Allure
- Byrdie
- Cosmopolitan
- Elle
- Harper's Bazaar
- Glamour
- Marie Claire
- Miami Herald
- NBC
- New York Magazine
- PopSugar
- Shape
- Smithsonian
- Stylecraze
- Women's Wear Daily
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
