The Best Shaving Gels for Men
A good shave can make or break a man’s confidence for the day. If you wake up to go to work and begin the day with a painful shave, that’s a pretty rough start. But a close, cut-free shave can help you look professional and put-together. The right choice of shaving gel can be the secret weapon to a great shave, and it can leave your skin feeling even better than before, too. But the world of shaving can be an intimidating land of pushy ads and false claims. We’re here to help you sort through the trash and find the treasure, so we put together a list of some of the best shaving gels on the market today.
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
Skin in the game
Shaving isn’t just about facial hair; it’s also about the skin underneath. When you get rid of what’s on top, you have to protect what’s been there all along. That’s why if you value healthy, moisturized skin, Aveeno may be the brand for you. This lubricating shave gel is made with oatmeal and vitamin E, which could help keep your skin hydrated. There’s no added fragrance, so there’s less chance of irritating your skin with unnecessary chemicals.
Aveeno is serious about skin, and this gel is designed to be lubricated for a smooth shave to prevent nicks and cuts. This brand is dermatologist-trusted, so you know you’re only settling for the best.
Pros:
- Great price
- Made with moisturizing lubricants
- No added fragrance
Cons:
- Doesn’t lather very much
Edge Sensitive Skin Shave Gel
Live on the edge
Sometimes it’s best to show your sensitive side, but if you have sensitive skin that might not be the best idea. Shaving can irritate even the toughest of skin, so it can be extra difficult for those who are easily affected. Lucky for you, Edge designed this gel with you in mind. This shave gel is specifically meant for those with sensitive skin and has moisturizing elements that may help with post-shave irritation. It contains aloe to soothe your face, and the cooling sensation can be sweet relief if you’re prone to razor burn.
The gel was also intentionally formulated to have a smooth glide. A smoother glide means fewer snags, which can mean fewer nicks and cuts. All of this depends on your shaving style and if you have a steady hand, but it’s nice to know that Edge does some of the legwork for us.
Pros:
- Great price
- Cooling effect to relieve face from razor burn
- Smooth gliding
Cons:
- No added luxuries
Harry’s Shave Gel With Aloe
Sweet relief
How important are ingredients to you? Well, being that you’re putting this gel directly on your face, they should be pretty important. That’s why Harry’s makes their shave gel with natural ingredients like aloe and cucumber to help nourish the skin. It’s also completely free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes. If you’re someone who likes to keep things “au naturel,” then it’s best to buy from a company that cares about ingredients as much as you do.
This shave gel has a very rich lather, so a little goes a long way. This comes in a pack of three cans, and although the price tag is a bit steep, the quality of ingredients is what you pay for.
Pros:
- Contains natural ingredients
- Rich lather
- Moisturizes skin
- Boasts a brand-wide quality guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey
Elegance Shaving Gel
Go big or go home
If you’re the type of guy who shaves every day and doesn’t want to worry about running out of shaving gel, then this may be just what you need. This whopping two-liter bottle of shaving gel is meant to be extremely long-lasting. Whether you’re a thrifty bulk-buyer or a doomsday prepper with an underground bunker, this deal is one for the books.
This bottle isn’t pressurized like typical cans of shaving gel, so it won’t foam or lather naturally after dispensing. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially since a lot of users have become accustomed to the naturally foaming gels of the 21st century, but you may find that you like it. It may take some getting used to, but if you buy this bottle, then you’ll have plenty of gel to go through.
Pros:
- Great price per ounce
- Clear gel for visibility
- Large quantity
- Several fragrances to choose from
Cons:
- Difficult to lather
- Not a pressurized can
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shave Gel
As its name suggests, this brand is designed for the outdoorsman in all of us. This gel is meant to get your shave done quickly so you have more time to focus on your next adventure. The gel goes on clear and lets you see through to your skin, so you’ll know exactly where you’re shaving. This could provide more visibility for the precision-based shaving styles you were too nervous to try before. Now might be the time to branch out and give that chinstrap a shot.
This bottle is designed like a normal shampoo or lotion bottle, so it’s not pressurized. This means it won’t foam automatically upon release like other canisters. The gel is thin for easy application, but some users may find that they need to use more of it. Since it isn’t as thick as other options, it may feel more like a lotion or shower gel than shaving gel. But if you value the visibility of your gel, then this is just about as clear as it gets.
Pros:
- Clear gel for superior visibility
- Great scent
- Smooth glide
Cons:
- Costly, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shave gel different than shaving cream?
Yes. Though they perform the same basic function, gels and creams are slightly different. The main difference is texture and consistency. Creams are more fluffy, while gels have more of a liquid consistency. The gels tend to add more of a lubricating layer than the creams, making for a smoother shave. Results vary, and it’s best to pick what works for your skin.
Do I need a lathering shave gel?
No, though most gels on the market lather for use. Everyone has their own preference, but many people prefer creams and gels that lather because it stimulates the hair and provides a smooth base for your shave. Gels that don’t lather can feel more like a lotion. The advantage to a clear, non-lathering gel is that it’s easier to see through to where you’re shaving. Some men don’t need to see exactly where they’re shaving, but some like the precision control. Feel free to try both and pick what works best for your needs.
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.