Best Shaving Gels for That Smooth Skin Feeling
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Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel -
Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel -
The Art of Shaving Pre Shaving Gel -
Gillette Venus with Olay UltraMoisture Violet Swirl Women’s 6oz Shave Gel -
Skintimate PX-564 Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel -
Gillette Fusion Proglide Sensitive Ocean Breeze Shave Gel -
Nivea Men Energy Shaving Gel Q10 -
Neutrogena Rain bath Moisturizing Body Wash and Shaving Gel -
Edge Extra Moisturizing Shave Gel -
Gillette Body Men's Shave Gel -
Buyer's Guide
Shave gel is a refreshing way to get a good close shave. You will find some formulas have a great scent that will also add a little something extra to the mundane task of shaving. These help get the job done quickly with less nicks and scrapes. Gel is a great tool to help you see where you have already shaved so you are sure not to miss a spot. Everyone will find a product to meet their skin care needs. Some are scent free or extra hydrating, but all are designed with one goal in mind; to help you get the most out of your shave. Check out our list of the best shaving gels in 2022.
Compare The Best Shaving Gels Of 2022
Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel - Best Shaving Gel Overall
Idea for use on sensitive skin, this fragrance-free shave gel delivers a close shave while providing superior protection against razor bumps and cuts. It's a rich formula which lubricates skin with a special blend of moisturizing agents which includes potent colloidal oatmeal. This nourishing active ingredient helps fortify natural moisture barriers, protects against moisture loss, and restore the skin's pH levels to normal. Users claim Aveeno Active Naturals Therapeutic Shave Gel provides the best protection against razor bumps and irritation while consistently delivering a smooth shave.
Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel - Runner Up
Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel utilizes soy as a main ingredient, making it a safe an natural option for use on sensitive skin. Its rich emollients immediately soften and condition hairs so you'll always receives a smooth shave. With continued use this product allows for closer shaves each time, making it possible to reduce your need to shave as frequently. Made with a clean-rinsing formula, this gel moisturizes the skin while keeping it hydrated and thus preventing nicks and razor burn. As a nice bonus, this formula has a deliciously fresh and natural scent.
The Art of Shaving Pre Shaving Gel - Honorable Mention
Prepare your skin for a fantastic shave with Ocean Kelp Pre-Shave Gel. Formulated with a special blend of natural oils derived from lemon peel, ginseng root extract, lavender, rosemary, bitter orange flower, and lime, this hydrating formula softens your hair while delivering an extremely close, comfortable shave. This gel promotes a smooth razor glide, thus protecting your skin against razor burn and irritation. Free of alcohol and synthetic dyes, this shave gel is suitable for use on even sensitive skin. Satisfied users claim this formula feels like a cool breeze on your skin.
Gillette Venus with Olay UltraMoisture Violet Swirl Women’s 6oz Shave Gel - Consider
Experience a flawless shave with this Gillette shave gel. Venus with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel Violet Swirl hydrates and protects your skin against moisture loss and razor burn while you shave. It evenly coats and lubricates the skin, allowing your razor to pass over with ease. Made with nourishing shea butter extract, this rich shave gel is sure to leave your skin feeling smooth as silk. Users claim a small amount of this gel goes a long way and provides a close, smooth shave. Like some of our other picks, this shaving gel has a wonderful scent to charm your senses.
Skintimate PX-564 Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel - Best Shaving Gel for Women
This raspberry-scented shaving gel conditions the skin during use which helps provide a closer, smoother shave. This lotion-like gel has been formulated with olive butter and pro-vitamin B5 in order to moisturize sensitive skin while lowering the possibility of painful nicks and cuts while shaving. Rich in beneficial vitamin E and potent antioxidants, continual use of this gel can potentially lead to noticeably softer skin, as well as contributing to a more comfortable shave. This shave gel foams into a creamy texture, making it easy to apply to your skin. Additionally, the rich lather texture also helps reduce the appearance of dry skin over time.
Gillette Fusion Proglide Sensitive Ocean Breeze Shave Gel - Best Shaving Gel for Men
Protect your skin while shaving with Gillette Fusion Proglide Sensitive Shave Gel + Skin Care 2-In-1 product. This shaving gels hydrating formula softens and prepares stubble for the ultimate in close shaves. This gel allows your razor to glide smoothly and comfortably across your skin, greatly reducing the chance of potential nicks and irritation. Users claim this two-in-one formula feels great on skin and love the fresh, masculine scent. As an added bonus, the rust-proof canister won't leave an ugly ring in your shower or tub.
Nivea Men Energy Shaving Gel Q10 - Best Shaving Gel for Men
This shaving gel is a high performance product that energizes and invigorates while you're shaving. Made with Taurine and coenzyme Q10, this shaving gel revitalizes the skin, helping to get your day started out right. The product's rich lather completely covers the desired area while conditioning facial hair that's going to be trimmed. This product ensures the face is well-lubricated so you can easily shave against the grain without fear of any painful nicking. The close shave offered by this shaving gel is accompanied by a pleasant (but not too fragrant) scent which leaves you smelling as fresh as you feel.
Neutrogena Rain bath Moisturizing Body Wash and Shaving Gel - Best Shaving Gel for Men
Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shave Gel goes beyond most shaving gels making your skin more resistant to razor bumps and irritation. It also protects skin against cuts and irritation like a traditional shave gel as well. Rich in glycerin, this rich formula soothes and conditions skin for a smooth, irritation-free shave every day. It's formulated without oils and dyes which helps prevent your pores from becoming clogged. Users appreciate the lubricating qualities of this shave gel and claim it leaves their skin feeling soft.
Edge Extra Moisturizing Shave Gel - Best Shaving Gel for Men
This shaving gel utilizes a patented blend of conditioners to sooth the skin while you're shaving. Formulated with a high level of vitamin E, this enriching shaving gel offers you a smoother shave and the benefit of softer skin afterwards. The refreshing formula conditions the skin and helps to prevent the breakout of razor burn by cooling the skin during and after your shave. A small squirt of this product goes a long way, offering extreme coverage with every use. Great for use on sensitive skin, this hydrating product leaves men feeling fresh, smooth and moisturized after every use.
Gillette Body Men's Shave Gel - Best Shaving Gel for Men
If you're wanting an versatile shaving gel for your entire body, look no further than Gillette Body Non-Foaming Shave Gel. Ideal for use in the shower, this rich gel lubricates your skin and prepares it for a smooth, comfortable shave. Your razor will glide effortlessly over your skin with ease, even when used on really hairy areas like your chest. Since it's not a foam, this gel goes on thick and stays smooth throughout the shaving process. Users report this gel actually remains on skin while showering and delivers a close shave.
Buyer's Guide
Whether you are a woman shaving her legs or a man shaving his beard, everybody loves that silky smooth feeling after a clean shave. However, if you need to shave regularly, you may find that it irritates your skin, developing a shaving rash. You need to shave with more than just water and a blade to combat this problem. You need to use shaving gel. But with so many shaving gels on the market, how do you choose the best one?
To answer this question, we have compiled a list of things you ought to consider when looking for the perfect shaving gel.
Continue reading to see our recommendations.
What are the benefits of using shaving gel?
There are several reasons why using shaving gel is advantageous when shaving. These include:
Lubrication
A razor works better if the place it is shaving is lubricated. Without this lubrication, the blade cannot glide as quickly over the areas you shave.
Reduce razor rash
Using shaving gel reduces the risk of razor bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. It adds a protective layer between your skin and the blade.
Moisturizing
Shaving damages the top layer of skin, making it dry and uncomfortable. Shaving gels contain moisturizing oils that will put moisture back into the skin and vitamins that fight against aging and keep your skin looking fresh.
Things to consider when buying shaving gel
Shaving gels fundamentally do the same thing, but none of them are identical. They all have different scents and ingredients. To find the best shaving gel, you will need to consider the following factors:
Anti-aging
If you are worried about looking a little more wrinkled and worn out than usual, there are plenty of shaving gels with anti-aging properties on the market.
Look for shaving gels containing vitamin E as these are high in antioxidants and effective at fighting the signs of aging. Shaving gels containing olive butter is a great example. Olive butter contains vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Look for hyaluronic acid, as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It helps your skin retain moisture causing smoother and plumper skin cells.
Acne or spotty skin
If you suffer from acne and find that many of the moisturizing agents in shaving gel make it worse, opt for shaving gel containing chamomile or aloe as they soothe your skin and protects against breakouts. Witch Hazel is another ingredient to look for as it has astringent properties meaning it will tighten and shrink your pores in time.
Dry skin
Even if you have dry to normal skin, you will need a shaving gel that contains a lot of moisturizers. Look for the ingredients to get an idea about the moisturizing qualities of your shaving gel. The more natural ingredients, the better it is for your skin. Ingredients like slippery elm extract, aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive butter moisturize and condition the skin. Cucumber and chamomile will soothe the skin, which is much needed after shaving.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragranced shaving gel and dyes. These are known allergens and could cause you to have a reaction or exacerbate existing skin conditions. If you have your heart set on fragranced shaving gel, despite our advice, opt for a shaving gel that uses natural essential oils and never synthetic fragrances.
Do you have limited access to water?
If you come from a large family and share one bathroom, sometimes, it feels like an impossible task to use the bathroom for as long as you need to for a shave, and more importantly, use it when you need to. With oil-based shaving gel, you only need to fill a bowl with water so you can shake off the hair from the razor as you shave.
The oil itself acts as lubrication without foaming up. Many oils are very moisturizing and will leave your face feeling ultra-smooth. You can also use oil-based shaving gel on your legs and elsewhere, but it is a product that is predominantly aimed for use on the face.
Clear-formula shaving gel
If you have cuts, tattoos, or any kind of skin flare-ups you want to avoid when shaving, a clear-formula shaving gel will help you effectively avoid certain areas more efficiently than a non-clear foaming gel.
Super-cooling
If you love that tingly fresh feeling you get after using some shaving gels, opt for a super-cooling shaving gel.
Razor burn
If you often suffer from razor burn, opt for shaving gel with antibacterial properties to reduce the chances of getting it again.
Non-rusting containers
Non-rusting containers don’t stain when you leave them on wet bathroom surfaces. You can buy these in metal cans like traditional shaving gel canisters or buy a container with a plastic bottom half for the same effect.
Extra features
There are a couple of extra features that are worth mentioning. Some products possess lock caps to prevent the shaving gel from oozing out of the container after use. Another feature we liked was the gauge on the side of the shaving gel container so you can see how much shaving gel you have left.
Ingredients to avoid
Methylisothiazolinone is a popular preservative that can cause allergic reactions. Studies also suggest that methylisothiazolinone is likely to be neurotoxic.
Triethanolamine (TEA) is an alkaline substance used as a surfactant (an agent used to spread detergent and lotions evenly) and a pH adjusting chemical. It’s a known respiratory and immune toxicant and allergen.
Isobutane is a hydrocarbon gas used as a propellant in aerosolized products. It has long been known that it is an immune toxicant, respiratory toxicant, and an allergen.
Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of shave gels. Parabens can act as hormone system disruptors by mimicking estrogen.
According to data from an FDA study, retinyl palmitate may speed up the development of lesions and skin tumors when applied to the skin in sunlight.
Synthetic fragrances are typically a secret formula that companies are not required to disclose to the public and may contain as many as 4,000 different ingredients. However, it can still be listed on a label just once as a “fragrance.”
Recommended by dermatologists
Whatever your skin type, you should use a shaving gel recommended by dermatologists - a general rule of thumb for any product you apply to your skin.
Shaving gel price range
Shaving gel varies in price from around $2 up to $70 if you buy in bulk. The price is usually dictated by brand, ingredients, and any unique properties.
FAQ
Does shaving gel “go off”?
Shaving gel does have a date you should use it by. Once you have opened the product, it can last usually last up to one year before you need to replace it. If your shaving gel separates, changes color, or smells weird, it has expired.
How long does a bottle of shaving gel last?
A bottle of shaving gel should last about three months if you shave your face every day.
