Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (2024)

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

The aisles of beauty stores and drugstores alike are jam-packed with shaving creams and gels, razors, and trimmers—and with seemingly endless hair removal options, it can seem overwhelming. Shaving is one of the simplest methods for removing unwanted hair, but choosing the right products can be quite the task. That’s where the best shaving creams for women come into play, and luckily we’ve gathered a slew of expert-backed picks to choose from for your smoothest shave ever.

“When it comes to shaving, we need a little bit of friction and lubrication to allow the blade and the razor to swipe nicely on the skin,” explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board certified adult pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist affiliated with Northwell Dermatology in New York. “When we don’t have that type of friction, that's when people get nicks, scars, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, infections, you name it. So, shaving gels and creams are extremely important, making the hair softer to help the shaving process be smoother and easier.”

Shaving creams, gels, and lotions are extremely important, but “not all are created equal,” notes Robert Finney, M.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Entière Dermatology. “Look for ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and vitamin E, as these will help to restore the barrier that you are actively traumatizing with your razor.” Additionally, Dr. Finney notes that those with sensitive skin should search for a cream formula, which tends to be more hydrating than gels and foams, as well as look for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products.

Whether you’re searching for the best shaving cream for sensitive skin and skin prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, or the best shaving gels for the bikini area or legs, we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of products for every skin type, concern, and preference. Ahead, find top-rated, expert-approved, and editor-tested shaving creams for women.

How we chose the best shaving creams for women

We consulted Dr. Lal and Dr. Finney, countless customer reviews, and conducted our own research to find the best shaving creams for women available.

Our top picks

1

Best Overall Shaving Cream

Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (8)

Now 28% Off

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (9)Expert-approved
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (10)Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (11)Some reviewers say formula could be more moisturizing

Not only does this shave gel have over 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, but it’s also a favorite of Dr. Finney and Dr. Lal. “It’s my go-to for a lot of patients because it’s so gentle,” Dr. Lal explains. “I really like this shave gel because it has no added fragrance, and it has soothing oats and vitamin E for moisture.” It’s also “great for people with sensitive or normal skin,” Dr. Finney notes.

2

Best Value Shaving Cream

Smartly Summertime Shaving Foam

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (12)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (13)Affordable
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (14)Moisturizes and soothes
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (15)Fragrance may not be suitable for all skin types

This shave foam is a Target best-seller for its effective formula and affordable price point. It has over 1,400 ratings with an average of 4.6 stars for its light fragrance and rich, soothing texture. “This is my favorite shaving cream,” writes one reviewer. “It’s the perfect price, smells amazing, is perfectly creamy and easy to apply, and eliminates razor burn! It’s a constant repurchase for me.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

Best for Sensitive Skin

eos Shea Better Extra Dry Skin Shaving Cream

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (16)

Now 25% Off

Dr. Finney recommends this shaving cream for patients with sensitive skin, “as it has multiple hydrating ingredients to protect and restore the skin barrier.” These ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin which provide ultimate moisture and nourishment. Even better, this formula is also hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

4

Best Fragrance-Free

Vanicream Shave Cream

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (20)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (21)Suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin types
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (22)Provides a smooth, close shave
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (23)Some users report product leaves residue on the razor

Say hello to smooth skin and goodbye to irritation with this fragrance-free shave cream from Vanciream. Dr. Finney recommends this product for those with “very sensitive or allergy prone skin,” as the entire product line aims to “eliminate as many potential allergens as possible.” Additionally, the formula is free from fragrance, dyes, and formaldehyde releasers, Dr. Lal notes, making it his “go-to for people who have super super sensitive skin and those who really can't tolerate anything else.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best for Dry Skin

Truly Happy Hairless Shave Butter

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (24)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (25)Luxurious feel
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (26)Hydrating and moisturizing
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (27)Contains fragrance

For a shaving product that provides intense moisture (and feels super luxurious), you’ll want to reach for this shave butter by Truly. Dr. Lal enjoys shave butters, which are thicker than gels, creams, and lotions, for those with dry skin as “they’re hydrating and soothing” with coconut and vitamin E. While this whipped shave butter is full of amazing ingredients and will look amazing in your shower caddy, it does contain fragrance—so it might not be for everyone, explains Dr. Lal.

6

Best for Razor Bumps

ELEMIS Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (28)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (29)Soothes and nourishes skin with aloe vera
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (30)Combats razor bumps with witch hazel
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (31)Pricey

This close-shave foaming gel is a great pick “if you suffer from razor bumps,” Dr. Finney explains. “It has some soothing ingredients, but also those such as witch hazel which help to combat the bumps.” The product is marketed toward men, but reviewers of all genders rave about the soothing formula and close shave: “I’ve also used on my legs, too,” one Amazon user wrote. “Such a clean, perfect shave for the ladies as well.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Editor-Approved

Brazilian Bare Shave Syrup

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (32)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (33)Rinses clean
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (34)Doesn’t clog the razor
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (35)A little on the pricey side

Brazilian Bare’s shave syrup features a concentrated, botanically-infused formula to help provide the smoothest, most luxurious shave imaginable. This product has been a long-time favorite of mine for the amazing vanilla scent (free from synthetic fragrances!) and the ability to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs, which I am painfully predisposed to. Also nice: this shave syrup rinses clean with zero icky residue left behind—only moisture.

8

Best for All Skin Types

Clarins Smooth Shave

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (36)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (37)Thick, nourishing lather
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (38)Great for all skin types
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (39)Pricey

This shave cream is “also one of my favorites,” Dr. Finney notes. “There are some hydrating and soothing ingredients packed in there—so it is great for all skin types.” The alcohol-free formula, natural plant extracts like aloe vera, and rich lather win over shoppers who call it “superior” and rave about the “smooth, nick-free shave” it provides.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

Best for Bikini Area

Completely Bare Completely Smooth Moisturizing No-Bump Shave Gel

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (40)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (41)Suitable for sensitive areas
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (42)Soothes and prevents bumps
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (43)Some users dislike the scent

Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and the ability to keep bumps at bay are some of this shave gel’s main draws. The dermatologist-tested formula protects from irritation and hydrates and soothes with every swipe of the razor. It’s also great for the bikini area, which is prone to bumps and ingrowns. “When it comes to the bikini area, I really like people to use a good lubricating gel as opposed to lotion, which may be too thin for this area,” Dr. Lal explains. Reviewers love it too: “I love this completely smooth no bump shave gel,” one user wrote. “It works great and leaves your skin bump-free, soft, and smooth.”

10

Best for Legs

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (44)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (45)Creamy, nourishing formula
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (46)Prevents razor bumps and burn
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (47)Some users say it tends to clog the razor

This lavender-scented (also available in a fragrance-free formula) was also tried and tested by yours truly. The verdict? This product is perfect for those looking for an ultra-creamy shave cream that leaves skin soft, smooth, and moisturized enough that there is no need for body lotion post-shower. Other reviewers agree, too: “My legs feel like silk after using this,” writes one user. “I’ll use this until I die,” another review reads. “It makes shaving a pleasure, not a chore.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11

Best Shave Oil

Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (48)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (49)Nourishing, lightweight formula
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (50)Rinses clean
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (51)Some users dislike the scent

Another editor-approved shave product, this gel-to-oil formula is ultra-nourishing and truly checks all boxes. “It smells divine and gives a really close shave,” explains writer Kayla Blanton. “And somehow the oil keeps the hair from clogging the razor, so it’s super easy to rinse!” Formulated with various oils, shea butter, and vitamin E, you can expect smooth, soft skin, and a great shave with every use.

12

Best Scented

Eos Shea Better Shaving Cream

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (52)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (53)Moisturizes with shea butter
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (54)Affordable
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (55)Contains fragrance

This shave cream is both expert and editor-approved, and with a 4.6 star rating on Amazon and over 20,000 reviews, we think you’ll like it, too! “It has a 24-hour moisturizer,” Dr. Lal explains. It also has shea butter in it,” which is nourishing on the skin. Despite the fragrance, Dr. Lal also notes it’s still a “good, gentle product” for those who can tolerate it. It’s also a favorite of Prevention’s assistant editor, Madeleine Haase who explains: “The lotion has shea butter which makes it super smooth but it's still thin enough to give a really close shave. Affordable too!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

Best for Ingrown Hairs

Fur Moisturizing Shave Cream

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (56)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (57)Soothes and nourishes skin
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (58)Suitable for sensitive areas
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (59)Pricey

Fur’s moisturizing shave cream is a favorite among reviewers, boasting a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Ulta. It’s fragrance-free and full of nourishing ingredients like olive oil, aloe, and glycerin to protect skin while providing an ultra-close shave. “This is literally the best shaving product I've ever used,” writes one user. “It smells good, is highly moisturizing, and the packaging is minimal and luxe…you will notice the level of quality with one use.”

14

Best Soothing

Gillette PURE Soothing Shaving Cream with Aloe

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (60)

Now 14% Off

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (61)Alcohol-, paraben-, and dye-free
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (62)Soothing and nourishing formula
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (63)Contains fragrance

Another must-have for sensitive skin, this formula by renowned shaving brand, Gillette, is full of the good stuff and free from the bad. The product has a remarkably short ingredient list and contains aloe to soothe easily-irritated skin. “My legs have never felt more smooth,” writes one user. “Got the job done and now I will never use another shave gel again.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

15

Billie Whipped Shave Cream

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (64)

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (65)Hydrates and moisturizes skin
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (66)Rinses clean
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (67)Some users report packaging issues

This dermatologist-approved formula is made with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to seal in moisture and soothe skin with every shave. The ultra-gentle, whipped texture is also highly-effective at preventing razor burn and bumps. “My legs have never felt this soft after shaving before! Truly! And the shave is very close,” writes one five-star reviewer. “No stinging or burning. Never going back to the other stuff.”

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (68)

Shannen Zitz

Assistant Editor

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 6288

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.