The 10 best shaving creams for smooth skin, according to dermatologists and reviews

Shaving may be one of the oldest methods of body hair removal, but it's popular for a reason: It's a fairly simple, cheap, and effective way to remove hair from your armpits, legs, bikini line, or a combination of the three (and above). 

While a sharp, fresh razor is the most important factor in a safe, smooth shave, shaving cream still plays a supporting role. “The main job of shaving cream is to create a protective barrier between the skin and the razor blade,” says board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD. 

"The second benefit is skin care so your skin isn't dry and dehydrated after shaving." Think back to when you were unprepared for whatever reason, and you probably remember the bruises, irritation, and little red bumps that followed. 

That said, applying cream when shaving isn't a step you should skip, and there's no shortage of products claiming to keep skin silky and soft after shaving. But how many of them actually deliver on their promises? That's where this list comes into play. 

From affordable products to more luxurious, favorite lotions, these shaving creams make scrapes, cuts and razor burn a thing of the past. Plus, if you're looking to remove facial or body hair, perfect your technique with some shaving tips from dermatologists to achieve the softest skin ever. 

1. Billie's Cream: Enriched with pore-clearing tea tree oil and redness-soothing witch hazel, Billie Whipped Shave Cream creates a soft barrier between your skin and the shaver for close coverage even on the most ingrown areas of skin , scratch-free shaving effect. 

Many reviewers have commented on how moisturizing the creamy formula is. Billie's foam may seem a little light if you're used to a lot of foam, but trust it will give you the lubrication you need for silky-soft legs, underarms, and beyond. 

Rave Reviews: "Good value for money. I usually get ingrown hairs when I shave my legs, but that doesn't happen with this product." 

2. Skintimate Skin Therapy Women’s Sensitive Skin Shave Gel: When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, you can't go wrong with this formula, and at just over $4 a jar, it should last you a while even if you shave every day. 

Lanolin and vitamin E in this foaming gel fight dryness so your skin doesn't feel tired after showering and shaving. 

Rave Reviews: "The only shaving cream that works for my sensitive, razor rash-prone skin. I can't use anything else." 

3.Eos shaving cream: EOS's foam-free facial cream is formulated with sustainably sourced shea butter and colloidal oatmeal for sensitive skin, including the delicate bikini range. It also contains shea butter and aloe vera to prevent post-shave redness and irritation. 

Because this product isn't gel-like, you don't have to worry about rinsing off any residue—it's designed to lock in moisture like a lotion. 

Rave Reviews: "I've been suffering from strawberry legs for years and was on the verge of giving up after trying a few products, but this definitely changed my mind. I generally use it after peeling and there's no sign of redness or swelling! It Makes me feel as soft as a baby and I haven’t hurt myself yet.” 

4. Flamingo Women’s Foaming Shave Gel: This lightweight gel-foam formula magically transforms into a vibrant lather on the skin and rinses off easily, making razor gunk a thing of the past. Flamingo users say even a small amount can go a long way. 

So keep this in mind when applying to your legs or armpits. Using more product doesn't necessarily mean more moisture after shaving. You'll notice this scent, but with hints of iris, Sicilian lemon and suede, it's more fitting for a Capri beach vacation - rather than a sad fruit salad. 

Rave Reviews: "This is by far the best shaving gel I've ever used. It smells lovely and leaves my armpits and legs moisturized and soft. I've tried a lot of gels over the years, but I There are still little scratches on my legs." Otherwise my armpits would burn, but not with this shaving gel. 

5. Treehouse Moisturizing Shave Oil: Tree Hut Hydrating Shave Oil comes in a variety of scents, so there's something for everyone who likes gourmet or tropical scents. The gel oil formula is packed with hydrating ingredients, including everything from shea butter, argan oil, vitamin E and jojoba oil. 

Apply to damp skin and you'll get a wonderful, close shave that feels as smooth as a dolphin. 

Warm review: "I recently started using it with the accompanying exfoliator. It smells great and gives a very close, smooth shave. Leaves skin soft!" 

6. Gillette Venus 2-in-1 Facial Cleanser and Shaving Gel Get the best glide ever on your tummy area with this dermal and gynecologically tested gel. 

The formula contains no fragrance or dyes and is completely transparent, so you can actually see exactly where the razor is moving as it removes fuzz from your most sensitive areas. It also works as a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser and contains no nasty parabens or silicones. 

Rave Reviews: "This is my new favorite product. It's absolutely amazing! I don't have any bumps. I have very sensitive skin and this helps me so much! I love it." 

7. Aveeno Oatmeal & Vitamin E Therapeutic Shave Gel When you see the Aveeno brand name, you know gentle products will follow, and this therapeutic shaving gel is no exception. Oatmeal and vitamin E work together to soothe and soften post-shave skin, naturally reducing irritation. Reviewers report that it's also great for sensitive skin, especially during the dry, colder months. 

Rave Reviews: "I've been using this product for over a year and it's by far the best shaving gel I've ever used in my life, and I'll be turning 70 in a few weeks. Gentle and soothing without some of the Mint tingling sensation." Similar products. 

8. Moisturizing Fur Shaving Cream Fur has gained something of a cult following for its luxurious pubic and body hair oils, so it's no surprise that the brand is also at the forefront of body hair removal. This ultra-light, foam-free formula is infused with olive oil and aloe vera, and with just one shot you can get a close, soft shave almost anywhere on the body, even in the South. Users rave about the formula's lemon peel oil's gentle exfoliation and its creamy spreadability. The only drawback? The price is a little high, but probably worth it during the months when you’re shaving the most. 

Warm review: "I used it for about two months. Then I bought another brand for about half the price. After using the other brand for a week, I bought more furs. When I used the furs, I shaved twice The duration between them can be extended at least three times. This is not the case with any other brand. The price is worth it!” 

9. Luna Daily Everywhere pH Balancing Wash Sometimes you just need the ability to multitask in the shower and your entire body, and Luna Daily's The Everywhere Wash definitely has you covered. Not only is this cleanser packed with beneficial ingredients like probiotics, vitamins C and E, and pH-balanced thermal water, but it also lathers gently enough to cleanse and shave all areas of skin, including the vulva. 

Try the original or look for two other versions: a hydrating formula perfect for perimenopausal and menopausal skin, and a fragrance-free version for especially sensitive types, allergy sufferers and women during pregnancy or postpartum. 

Warm review: "I don't like soapy/foamy body washes because they make my skin feel dry. This is the perfect combination and feels like my skin is cleansed but not drying out. I also love that it works in any Everywhere is safe to use.” 

10. Good Time Moisturizing Shave Stick Good Time is committed to reducing plastic waste, so you won't find bottles in the brand's range of personal care products. Instead, the brand developed space-saving, greener soap bars that can do everything from shampoo to hair care to body cleansing. 

Moisturizing shaving sticks get high marks for the creamy lather they create when you add water and let it flow over your skin. If you like strong musky scents, you'll love the "Canyon Drive" scent, which is a blend of sensual bergamot and magnolia. Benefits of using shaving cream Although shaving cream isn't 100 percent necessary, says Dr. Mraz Robinson thinks this could benefit just about everyone. 

To use most formulas, "first wet your skin with warm water, then wash with soap to remove surface bacteria and irritants," she says. "Next, exfoliate with a gentle fine-grained body scrub, then lather and shave. Be sure to rinse your razor regularly as shaving cream can build up in the blades, so it may take longer than shaving without shaving cream. Flush more frequently when necessary.” For best results, she also recommends getting new blades about every three to four shaves.