Are you struggling to get a close or comfortable shave? The chances are you aren’t taking time to prep your skin. This means cleansing with a facial wash, rinsing, and applying good shaving cream. My research has revealed that the best Gillette shaving creams are an ideal pre-shave product for first-time and serial shavers.
Shaving is a regular part of your skincare routine. Good quality shaving cream creates a protective barrier between a razor-sharp cartridge straight or safety blade, and your chin or skin! Lubricating your skin for a smooth shave avoids nicks, cuts, and burns.
“Shaving cream is important because it helps add a protective layer, or a buffer, to reduce the risk of injury by reducing friction and irritation from the blade,” explains New York board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo.
From unscented shaving creams to soaps, a vast selection of shaving products is available. So, it’s little wonder that finding the best shaving cream is a challenge.
Have you given your bathroom cabinet a spring clean and updated your grooming kit? Then, the next step is to sharpen your shaving kit with the best Gillette shaving creams, foams, or gels.
To find out which product works for your skin, check out the best Gillette shaving creams guys can get – here.
Key Takeaways
My quest for the best Gillette shaving creams has seen me dig into research, trawl reviews, and road-test products. The goal was to determine whether Gillette really is “the best a man can get.” After much deliberation, the verdict is in.
The best Gillette shaving creams minimize friction, ensure an even shave, and help prevent dreaded razor burn. For me, Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream is the crème de la crème. The aloe-infused, alcohol-free formula is a sensitive skin savior.
But the race for best overall pick was a close shave. Gillette Labs Rapid Foaming Shave Gel earns an honorary mention thanks to its luxury-feeling fragrance and moisturizing ingredients.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: If you’re yearning to achieve the ultimate smooth shave, then you need to invest in a Gillette shaving cream, like yesterday. Shaving cream softens wiry bristles, making them easier to cut. The less pressure you apply while shaving, the less risk of nicks and bumps.
Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream does this and more, all while boasting a formula free from skincare baddies like sulfates. I love the smooth, creamy texture and how it leaves my skin feeling soft.
Who is this for? Are you making an effort to be more conscious about what you slather on your skin? Then, you’ll appreciate that Gillette Pure Shaving Cream is free from alcohol, parabens, dyes, and sulfates.
If you’re feeling extra, squeeze the cream into a shaving bowl and apply it with a brush for a professional-grade groom. But don’t worry if you’re short on time. Gillette Pure Shaving Cream works just as effectively when applied with the fingers.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best Gillette shaving creams, bar none. However, I wish that Gillette had taken the extra step to make this shaving cream unscented. Luckily, the formula is gentle enough that even with a light fragrance, it doesn’t cause me any irritation.
Skin type: All | Benefit: Paraben, Alcohol, and Sulfate-Free| Form: Cream
Why it’s great: The best Gillette shaving creams are easily affordable. So, guys, even if you’re grooming on a budget, it’s possible to elevate your shaving experience. Shaving gel acts as a lubricant, helping your razor blades glide over the skin.
Reducing friction while shaving is key to banishing razor burns and rashes. The refreshing mint and lavender scent is the perfect finishing touch that leaves me raring to go for the day ahead.
Who is this for? Enriched with moisturizing vitamin E and shea butter, Gillette Skinguard Skin Protect Shave Gel is a must for dry skin. To use, splash your face with warm water. Apply a generous layer of the Gillette gel to areas that you plan to shave. Post-shave, rinse off with cold water to close the pores.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I experience a little more glide with my pricier Gillette shaving creams. Even still, the balance between quality and price makes Gillette Skinguard Skin Protect a worthy member of this roundup.
Skin type: Sensitive | Benefit: Moisturizing Ingredients | Form: Gel
Why it’s great: As a self-confessed cologne connoisseur, scent is very important to me, especially in a product that I’ll be applying right under my nose. So, when I first cracked open Gillette Labs Rapid Foaming Shave Gel and sniffed its warm, woody, orange peel aroma, it’s fair to say that I was impressed.
This is one of the best Gillette shaving creams. The texture is also top shelf. The cooling gel quickly transforms into a rich foam that rinses off easily with no sticky residue.
Who is this for? This pick is the Gillette Shaving Cream for men who enjoy the finer things in life. The refined scent and creamy lather have a premium feel and would never give away its drugstore price tag. Infused with sea kelp and vitamin B3, the gel offers an old-school cooling effect.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’m on my second can of this, and I’ve noticed that the nozzle can be a little unpredictable. Sometimes, it takes a very firm press to release the product.
Skin type: All | Benefit: Cooling and Soothing | Form: Foaming Gel
Why it’s great: From the hairs on your head to the ones down below, you’ll find a suitable Gillette shaver cream for all parts of your body. When manscaping, lubrication is key. You need a shaving cream whose formula is gentle and creates a protective layer between the blades and your skin.
Gillette Intimate contains aloe vera, which is soothing and cooling. The cream also doubles as a daily cleanser, making the product even better
Who is this for? When shaving around the crown jewels, shave upward. If you typically suffer from razor burn or in-growns, it’s important to shave in the direction that your hair grows. You’ll find it much easier if you continue applying more shaving cream as you go.
Once you’re happy with the result, rinse the area clean with warm water and gently pat dry before dressing.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best Gillette shaving creams. However, some guys may find the menthol fragrance a bit punchy and prefer an unscented cream.
Skin type: Delicate Skin | Benefit: For Pubic Shaving | Form: Cream
Why it’s great: Sensitive skin is part and parcel of my morning shaving routine. This Gillette foaming gel is my everyday go-to, helping to protect against nicks and cuts, redness, burning, and stinging. This foaming gel is one of the best Gillette shaving creams. you can get It’s menthol-free and only lightly fragranced, and it’s not as feisty on the skin as some others in the Gillette line-up.
Who is this for? The hydrating gel is nice and smooth. You need only a quarter-size amount to cover your chin and jaw. It lathers and spreads pretty quickly, too. Expect a pleasant cooling sensation on the skin.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I checked out reviews and found a few complaints that the nozzle drips foam after use, even after the cap is put back on. It’s not a problem I’ve had, so it’s likely to be an isolated batch issue.
Skin type: Sensitive | Benefit: Protects from Irritation | Form: Foaming Gel
Why it’s great: Sometimes, all you want is a regular, down-to-earth shaving product that does what it says on the tin. And here you have it. In Gillette’s own words, this shaving foam is simple, honest, and classic. In my words, it’s one of the best Gillette shaving creams out there.
What is extra about this foam, though, is its ultra-thick consistency. It lathers up instantly, and its thick, cloud-like texture means a little goes a long way.
Who is this for? Canned foam is often downed by shaving snobs who
But when I’m in a real hurry, I want a clean, comfortable shave without the fanfare. Gillette Foamy Regular Shave Foam gets the job done with a minimum of fuss.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This foam has an aquatic scent that some buyers feel is “persistent.”
Skin type: All | Benefit: Rich Creamy Lather | Form: Foam
Why it’s great: Do you have an intricate beard style? Achieving precision can be challenging when your facial hair is hidden behind a layer of lather. But I have a solution. Swap out Gillette shaver cream for the King C Gillette Transparent Shave Gel.
This innovative product has a clear formula so you can see the wood for the trees. The scent also warrants a shoutout. The blend of pink pepper, ginger, lavender, citrus, tonka beans, and wood could rival a top men’s cologne. Plan and simple, this is one of the best Gillette shaving creams you’ll find.
Who is this for? You’ll benefit from a transparent shaving gel if you like clean edges, sharp sideburns, and crisp lines. Like traditional Gillette shaver cream, this clear product provides a lubricating layer to minimize shaving friction.
Plus, the addition of white tea and aloe offers boosted protection. Apply a thin layer directly onto dry skin, get to work, then rinse off!
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Gel requires more rinsing than foam to remove all residue from the skin after shaving.
Skin type: All | Benefit: Transparent Formula | Form: Gel
Buying Considerations for The Best Gillette Shaving Creams
Texture
Which type of Gillette shaver cream you pick depends on your priorities. Classic foam, like Gillette Foamy Regular Shave Foam, is ultra-light and airy, rinsing away easily. It’s a fuss-free option for low-maintenance guys.
If your skin feels tight, dry, and shiny after shaving, then reach for a Gillette shaver cream like Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream. It’s gentle formula and creamy texture will leave your skin feeling moisturized.
Finally, if you’re particularly prone to razor rash, then consider a gel-based foam. Gel offers enhanced lubrication to help your razor glide over the skin, minimizing friction that leads to redness. Check out my luxe-feeling pick, Gillette Labs Rapid Foaming Shave Gel.
Skin Type
I have a friend who boasts that he’s used shampoo to wash his face for the last 10 years. Good for him, I guess, but that could never be me. I have only to look at the wrong product, and my skin becomes irritated. If you, too, have sensitive skin, then you need to pay more attention to skincare products than the average Joe.
Fortunately for us, Gillette shaving creams cater to reactive skin. Take, for instance, Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream, which is free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and dyes.
For guys with dry, parched-feeling skin, opt for Gillette shaving creams with moisturizing ingredients like Gillette Skinguard Skin Protect Shave Gel, Gillette Labs Rapid Foaming Shave Gel, and Gillette Series 3 Sensitive Shave Gel.
Use
Before choosing which Gillette shaver cream to add to your basket, consider where you’ll use it. For instance, if you’re shaving your head, then your safest bet will be a shaving foam.
A creamy foam with a thick lather, like Gillette Foamy Regular Shave Foam, will make it easy to keep track of where you’ve covered with your razor. This is helpful when shaving hard-to-reach areas.
When moving from your crowning glory to your crown jewels, Gillette Intimate 2in1 Pubic Shave Cream + Cleanser works best below the belt. For intricate facial hair styles, King C Gillette Transparent Shave Gel allows you full visibility to achieve a precision finish.
If you need a reliable option to make your daily shave more comfortable, then take a look at one of my favorite foaming gels, Gillette Series 3 Sensitive Shave Gel.
How We Chose
We’re so used to hearing “you get what you pay for” that we often overlook drugstore brands when purchasing quality grooming gear. So, when casting my critical eye over Gillette shaving creams, I searched for three key criteria.
I read feedback from like-minded gents, investigated ingredients, and put products to the test to determine whether the 7 best Gillette shaving creams are a worthy buy.
Peer Feedback: When it comes to shaving, we all have different preferences, skin types, and priorities. For example, I have sensitive skin and shave my stubble daily. What I need from Gillette shaver cream may be different from a guy manscaping or someone with dry skin.
It was only fair to consult a myriad of men to understand their shaving cream needs, too, to keep this list well-rounded.
Ingredients: With so many shaving creams on the market, I expect leading brands to go the extra mile to catch my attention. The top Gillette shaving creams do just that. A close inspection of their ingredients reveals a bevy of skincare heroes like vitamin E, shea butter, aloe vera, sea kelp, and vitamin B3.
First-hand Experience: If I wouldn’t spend my own money on a product and use it myself, I wouldn’t recommend it to FashionBeaners. It’s as simple as that. Wherever possible, I seize the opportunity to test run the products I recommend to provide my first-hand experience.
Why Trust Us?
As a regular FashionBeans fashion and grooming expert, Mal is continually on the lookout for the best men’s skincare, hair, and shaving products.
Whether he recommends a rotary shaver or the best hair dye for gray hair, you can bet your bottom dollar that he has scoured countless product comparisons, pored over customer reviews, and examined expert advice.
The same dedication to duty applied to Mal’s search for the Holy Grail of Gillette shaving creams, gels, and foams.
For this review, he asked a cross-section of 20 guys with various skin types to lather up and reach for their razors. He then gathered their feedback on the entire range of Gillette shaving products.
To narrow down the also-rans to the winners, the final pick was based on texture, ease of application, and overall quality and comfort of shave.
Mal always goes the extra mile to find the best products, so you can rely on him to bring you the cream of the crop.
Final Verdict
Do you dread your morning shave? Does it leave you with bumpy, irritated skin? It doesn’t have to be that way. Incorporating Gillette shaving creams into your grooming rotation can transform your post-shaven skin from sandpaper-sore to silky-smooth.
I don’t even reach for my electric razor until I’ve applied a layer of Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream. The cooling formula, Infused with soothing aloe, helps your razor or shaver glide across the skin for a friction-free shave.
FAQ
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Gillette shaving cream has been transforming a daily chore into a soothing and satisfying shave for several decades, so it isn’t good; it’s great! The cream is made using quality ingredients, and its thick consistency penetrates the hair follicles, leaving the skin feeling supple and moisturized.
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Both products do the same job equally well. Gillette gel is more moisturizing and lubricating and is great for first-timers as it offers more protection. Meanwhile, other guys find foam is easier and quicker to use because its light and airy texture provides a smooth, clean shave in a single stroke.
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