Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a shaving cream?
Figure out where you want to shave. A rich cream can provide plenty of cushion and moisture across larger areas like the legs, while lightweight or translucent gels make it easier to see what you’re doing around the bikini line and pubic area. Shaving oils offer lots of slip with less bulk, making them useful for smaller areas and touch-ups.
Factor in your skin type. “If your skin is drier, then go for something thicker and moisturizing, with less ingredients that may cause irritation,” says Richard Bottiglione, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Those with oily or acne-prone skin can look for noncomedogenic formulas, while Dr. Greenfield recommends avoiding strong fragrance and potentially irritating ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Moisturizing and soothing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, and allantoin are also worth looking for.
Can you use shaving cream on your pubic area?
Yes—and it’s especially important when shaving the pubic area and bikini line, where skin can be more prone to irritation. “In general, it’s best to use a sharp razor blade and shaving cream on all areas of your body to obtain the closest shave,” says board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, FAAD. “This is particularly important for sensitive skin, such as the underarms and bikini line, as these areas can develop irritation with shaving if proper care isn’t taken.” Look for a gentle cream or gel that gives your razor plenty of glide; translucent formulas can also make it easier to see where you’re shaving.
How do you use shaving cream?
Start by dampening your skin with warm water, then apply enough shaving cream to evenly coat the area without completely burying the hair. Using a clean, sharp razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, which Dr. Bottiglione recommends to reduce the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs. Rinse the blade between passes as needed, then wash away any remaining product and follow with a gentle moisturizer. If you’re particularly prone to bumps or ingrowns, use a leg or bikini-line exfoliator to help keep them at bay.
Glamour editors tested more than 15 shaving creams, gels, and oils on areas including the legs, underarms, and bikini line, using them with regular and electric razors and bikini trimmers. We evaluated how easily each formula spread, how much cushion and glide it provided, whether it stayed in place or clogged our razors, and how smoothly the blades moved across the skin. We also paid close attention to how our skin looked and felt afterward, including any dryness, irritation, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs.
