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As old school shaving continues to make a comeback I continue to fall more in love with synthetic shaving brushes, beard oils and beard shampoos.
Unlike beard waxes and balms it is very easy to find great quality vegan shaving creams. The absence of beeswax is a large contributing factor here. And I have had the pleasure of trying out a number of them over the last two years.
Creams that provide a smooth, cut-free shaving experience, without increasing oily residue buildup are surprisingly common too.
What Makes a Good Shaving Cream?
There are a few contributing factors (in my humble opinion) that make a quality shaving cream:
- It must make shaving nick-free – this is a non-negotiable
- Equally the product can’t dry out your skin. Moisture, moisture, moisture
- Ideally it should have healing and / or antibacterial properties
Now that you know what I think, let’s get into the list!
The 8 Best Cruelty-Free Shaving Creams
Andalou Naturals Shaving Cream – best overall
Andalou Naturals Shaving Cream is the only hemp-based shave cream on the list. The hemp stem cell formulation is designed for an ultra-smooth shave.
Rich in aloe, vegetable glycerin, jojoba seed oil and cannabis sativa hemp oil, Andalou’s shaving cream is full of ultra-moisturising, skin-sensitive ingredients.
- £17.77
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin
- Rich in sativa (hemp) seed oil
Glycerin is a humectant, encouraging moisture absorption by the skin. And the addition of cannabis seed oil – free-from THC – moisturises, moderates oil production, reducing acne buildup and can even sooth irritation and inflammation.
Harry’s Shaving Cream – best quality
Harry’s Shaving Cream is a rich conditioning cream made for a smooth, skin-softening shave.
Like all Harry’s products it’s thick and long-lasting. And – as arguably my favourite product on the list – it provides the best shave. Close, clean cut and nick-free.
- £7
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Rich in eucalyptus, marula and mint essential oils
Marula oil is an easily absorbed essential oil that’s rich in amino acids and antioxidants, making it perfect for a skin-conditioning shave.
And eucalyptus oil is super at disinfecting wounds, even cleaning cold sores. Perfect if you suffer from acne or spot breakouts.
Read our cruelty-free review of Harry’s here.
Cremo Shaving Cream – best scent
Cremo Shaving Cream is another rich shaving cream that makes nicking your skin incredibly tough. Even if you’re as poor with a razor as I am.
Whisper it carefully – and don’t try this on my behalf – but rumour would have it you can even shave against the grain. Really living on the edge.
- £11.02
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Contains macadamia seed oil, aloe, calendula extract, lemon extract, papaya extract, and olive leaf extract
Rich in high quality, moisturising ingredients and with a varied mix of scents – think coconut mango or menthol and tea tree oil – this foam-free lather is long-lasting.
Jack Black’s Beard Lube – best nick-free
Jack Black’s Beard Lube is a conditioning pre-shave oil that is ultra-soothing and smooth. It works by softening your facial hair without clogging your razor.
For longer beard hairs, if you leave the lube on your skin for a little longer it makes the shave even easier.
- £19
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Rich in macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, glycerin and phospholids, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus
The menthol, eucalyptus and peppermint gives a pleasant, clean scent. And macadamia nut oil can remove scars and prevent acne. When combined with ultra-moisturising, antioxidant rich jojoba, you’re getting an all-in-one, skin-safe shave.
Heath London Shaving Cream – best for sensitive skin
Heath London Shaving Cream is supremely kind to sensitive skin. A blend of 9 hard and soft soaps that’s rich in healing and moisturising properties.
- £8
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- 97% natural ingredients
- Humectant
The inclusion of Tasmanian pepper and tea tree helps soothe skin from the harsh effects of shaving. Providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties.
And any product that’s rich in glycerin – the vegetable kind of course – has strong moisturising properties as it is a humectant. A substance that encourages moisture retention by the skin.
Herban Cowboy Premium Shaving Cream – best non-lathering
Herban Cowboy Premium Shaving Cream is a non-lathering, terrific smelling shaving cream containing a blend of moisturising and anti-bacterial ingredients.
It’s a little thinner than other products on the list, so whilst it smells terrific, if you suffer from razor nicks or burns you’ll be better off with Harry’s Shaving Cream for example.
- £8.99
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Rich in organic aloe, lavender and peppermint
- Formulated by chemists
- Paraben and phthalatae-free
- Recyclable packaging
As featured in GQ, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, The Telegraph… Herban Cowboy has been a real go-getter in the art of male grooming.
The Body Shop Maca Root & Aloe Shaving Cream – most unique
The Body Shop Shaving Cream is made with Fair Trade Peruvian maca root and Mexican aloe. A proper South American shave if there ever was one!
- £11.05
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free
- Fair trade ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Maca itself has multiple benefits related to energy levels, libido and even cognitive function. Skin related benefits are less widely known, but it has the potential to speed up wound healing and minimise UV damage.
When combined with aloe – which has exceptional wound healing, inflammation mitigation and dry skin treatment properties – Body Shop’s softening shave cream is a unique shaving creme.
Read our cruelty-free review of The Body Shop here.
The Best Cruelty-Free Shaving Gels
Sukin for Men Shaving Gel
A cruelty-free, paraben-free shave gel that’s soft on your skin and perfect if you have a penchant for nicking your face with razors.
And as someone who has had their fair share of ingrown hairs and facial snicks, I have long since invested in decent shave gels.
A spicy, soothing gel that will give some much needed relief to your post-shave skin.
- 225ml
- £7.95
- Packed with Tasmanian pepper and baobab extract for a spicy start
- With chamomile and sesame oil to smooth and soothe at the end
- Paraben-free
- Ultra-hydrating formula
- That nourishes effectively
A cracking Australian brand that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Whilst it sells online in China, that doesn’t requirement compliance with physical product animal testing.
Green People Organic 2 Soothing Shave Gel
Green People’s 2-in-1 Active Face Wash and Shave Gel s another lovely, soothing shaving gel.
A natural, primarily organic gel containing aloe vera, grapefruit and orange that provides a smooth, beautifully scented shave.
- £16
- 100ml
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben, phthalate, artificial fragrance, petrochemical and alcohol free
- Soothing, citrussy scent
Aloe – the primarily soothing ingredient – is beautifully complemented by the sharp, citrussy notes of orange and grapefruit.
The inclusion of seaweed is an interesting, rather unique choice too.
But it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-microbial properties are absolutely perfect for pre and post shave care.
Read our cruelty-free review of Green People here.
Harry’s Shaving Gel
Harry’s Shaving Gel is another rich, silky smooth product from a super brand. The foamy formula is hydrating and refreshing
The aloe-enriched gel enables razor blades to slide seamlessly across your skin. And the addition of cucumber helps rejuvenate and soothe damaged skin. Even mitigating against damage from acne.
- Certified cruelty-free
- Vegan
- £5 – great value for a longer-lasting product
- Rich in aloe and cucumber
- Paraben and sulfate-free
FAQs
Yes men should use shaving cream. Whilst shaving cream isn’t essential, if you use a razor on your face with only water for lubrication you’re at far greater risk of redness, cuts, ingrown hairs and infections. Shaving cream offers a lubricating, protective barrier that water simply cannot.
Is it better to shave with shaving cream?
Yes it is better to shave with shaving cream. Shaving cream lubricates your skin and applies gentle oils and skin softening ingredients that ensure your skin remains irritation-free. Creating conditions where a closer, more effective shave is possible, reducing friction and redness.
Is it OK not to use shaving cream?
It is OK to shave without shaving cream, but you put yourself at risk of skin irritation, soreness, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can be particularly sore and almost completely avoided when you use shaving cream. Shaving cream acts as a lubricant, mitigating soreness and skin sensitivity.
Is it better to shave with oil or shaving cream?
It is better to shave with shaving cream than with oil. Whilst oil does offer a protective, lubricating barrier, it is not specifically designed for shaving and penetrates far deeper into your skin. Shaving cream is specifically designed to superficially lubricate your skin, ensuring a close, nick-free shave.
Is it OK to use shaving cream on pubes?
Shaving cream is not particularly effective at helping your shave your pubic region because it is designed to lubricate the surface layer of your skin to ensure a close shave. Pubes tend to be much longer than facial hair and – given the sensitivity of the region – should really be trimmed with a specific grooming device instead of a razor and shaving cream.
Should I use shaving cream or gel?
Both shaving creams and gels are effective. Shaving gel is easier to use as a beginner. The transparent, absorbent nature of the gels don’t lather, so you can clearly see what you’re shaving and how well things are working for a cleaner finish. Shaving creams tend to provide a better quality, closer shave, but are a little trickier to use.
