Best Shaving Gels for Men

With additions by Barret Wertz. Today’s man wants nothing more than the smooth and soft feel of a shave without undertaking any pain. Much of that is dependent on the shaving agent they use as part of their morning routine. Many prefer a good shaving cream. Others keep things traditional with a shaving soap. Then comes the skincare-conscious crowd that plays it smart by using a shaving gel to get the job done. RELATED: Best Razors for Men You’re only doing your skin a disservice by not applying the right skincare treatments, especially when practicing hair removal. Shaving creams are known to dry out skin faster. Same applies for soaps. So there’s even more reason for guys to lean towards a shaving gel or facial oil. Besides moisturizing and sanitizing skin, they facilitate the shaving experience in numerous ways. Let us break down the facts. Shaving Creams vs. Shaving Gels Which is the best for achieving the ultimate shave? Both can deliver the most comfortable shave possible. Experts might be quick to sell you on personal preference, but in the grander scheme of things, shaving gels are proven to be the more potent grooming solution. Some of the best reasons are: Better for thick hair: Certain formulas do a sharper job of lifting whiskers off the face than creams. Faster removal: It softens skin and makes it easier to raise and remove hair. Glide action: Blades are much smoother to run across your face. Less application: Whereas creams require a heavy amount of volume, gels are more effective when applied in smaller amounts.   Shaving transparency: It’s easier to see where the blades from your razor are passing through. Skin protection: A layer is created between the blade and your skin, shielding it from cuts, nicks, and most importantly, razor burns. The benefits are nothing short of amazing if you ask us. But as with all high-quality shaving products, a shaving gel is only as good as its ingredients. Knowing what’s good and bad for your mug will only guide, better yet glide you on the right path to a flawless shave. Ingredients to Avoid Labels are deceptive. A company can sell you on the perks of its products, yet fail to inform you on the potential harms they can cause. Might want to self-educate yourself on the proper ingredients to protect your health. How about we start by touching on the absolute nots. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): A chemical linked to hormone disruption, plus eye, lung, and skin irritation. Fragrance: One of the more common allergens that can expose you to over 200 unknown chemicals.   Glycols: Chemicals that retain and absorb moisture, though can potentially result in dermatitis and rashes. Isopentane: A solvent that can lead to dry skin, dizziness, and nose irritation. Palmitic acid: This emulsifier is reported to create allergic reactions when in contact with skin. Plytetrafluoroethylne: The same chemical used to create Teflon that could cause health problems such as breast cancer and heart disease. Sulfates: Skin-destructive elements normally associated with dermatitis, irritations, and impaired hair growth. Triethanolamine: Often found in foam substances, the additive causes hormone disruption. Ingredients to Look For Avoid these skincare abusers at all costs, if possible. And make sure to keep your eyes peeled when looking over the ingredients list. Now let’s focus on the good stuff. Allantoin: This chemical compound relieves irritation and heals damaged skin. Aloe Vera: A popular plant designed to moisturize and soothe skin. Essential oils: Popular ones such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, jojoba, and jasmine oil may balance hormones and reduce wrinkles. Glycerin: Known as a humectant, it seals in moisture to combat dryness. Oatmeal: Hulled oat grains that stave off eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. Shea butter: A triglyceride acting as a moisturizer to nourish skin. Vitamin A/C/E: Antioxidants protecting skin from environmental hazards. Other botanical and herbal extracts like chamomile, cucumber peel, green tea, and olive leaf can work wonders on the body’s outer layer as well. To simplify the selection process, we compiled a collection of elite options based on customer feedback, expert reviews, and hands-on tests. Upgrade your shaving routine with these smooth operators. King C. Gillette Transparent Shave Gel The all new shave gel from King C. Gillette — the new range from the shaving juggernaut named for its founder, King Camp Gillette — is formulated with plant-based ingredients including argan oil, avocado oil, coconut water, aloe vera, white tea extract, cocoa butter, and more.  The clear gel, designed to be perfect for edging, provides a protective anti-friction layer that allows your favorite razor blade to cut close while helping to minimize the risk of skin irritation. All this, and the entire new King C. Gillette collection features a new signature scent of cardamom and ginger, with hints of lavender, bourbon, and sandalwood. $6.90 at Amazon.com  Recipe for Men Clear Shaving Gel A foam-less texture combined with maximum comfort, Recipe for Men creates an amazing shave gel designed for cooling and lifting hair in seamless style. Its translucent appearance makes for a manscaping must, giving guys a clearer path to tackle their lower extremities. Then comes its sleekness that delivers flawless razor action to help reach difficult spots with accuracy. The inclusion of sebustop, an astringent popular for reducing pore size, controls acne outbursts to reduce skin oiliness, which in turn prevents bacterial attacks and excess sebum. Lastly, comes Aloe Vera and lemon extract to satisfy pores with a moisturizing and refreshing tingle that remains existent after clean ups for one of the cleanest, smoothest, and most hydrated moneymaker possible. $26 at RecipeForMen.com Clarins Smooth Shave Foaming Gel We love the easy application and visible results of the Clarins Smooth Shave Foaming Gel. A small dollop covers a wide swath of your face, prepping your skin for the closest possible shave, while bison grass and gymnema extracts energize and invigorate your skin. Finally, a finish of organic blackcurrant extract moistens and softens your skin for a more comfortable, less irritated post-shave feel. $25 at Amazon.com Shea Moisture Hi-Def Foamless Shave Gel This is the best bang for any beard busters buck thanks to the efficacious ingredients packed in the affordable cruelty-free, foamless shave gel from Certified B Corporation Shea Moisture. Protective tea tree oil and conditioning shea butter are sustainably sourced and join forces to help keep pores clean and moisturized, keeping the chances of nicks, ingrowns, and irritation to a minimum. The subtle fragrance won’t get in the way of your day and since a little goes a long way, you don’t need to over do it to get great results. $27.95 at Amazon.com Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel This top seller remains a favorite for all the right reasons. The seven ounce canister comes loaded with natural colloidal oatmeal, an incredibly underrated skincare ingredient made to protect skin from razor bumps. It creates a lubricated barrier giving way to a gentler shaving canvas, increasing blade glide across the skin to avoid unwanted nicks. Applying in down under can also provide longer exfoliation time for manscaping needs. Its special blend of moisturizing lubricants works to relieve dryness and flaking, therefore keeping skin refreshed throughout the day. $5.90 at Amazon.com Harry’s Foaming Shaving Gel Our favorite grooming subscription box service doesn’t just offer a grade-A razor at a great. Harry’s shaving gel is just as impressive, highlighted by an all-natural ingredient list that shows the company’s commitment to superior skincare. When rubbed, it transforms from a gel to a velvety foam that bears a slick feel to it. The licorice root extract relaxes the face, letting the mixture of aloe and cucumber act as a cooling agent for your skin. Attractive, practical, and super-hygienic, it’s a fitting selection for all males cherishing the value of a remarkable shave on the cheap. $6 at Harrys.com Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel This high-performance gel is praised for creating an extremely comforting lather that molds perfectly on the face to lock in hydration, plus cushion it from any blade slip ups. Spreading it across leaves a cooling sensation to help eliminate nasty razor (or aftershave) burn for an irritation-free feel. No more than a nickel-sized amount is required to soften hair, but any guy sporting a grizzlier look can take on a bit extra to ensure no strand goes un-moistened. Packed with a rich mixture of oak bark, witch hazel, and aloe vera, it features all the right ingredients to manage every face type. $40 at Amazon.com   Dollar Shave Club Shave Butter No one knows exactly what a shave butter is. What we do know is this Dollar Shave Club exclusive serves as a gel-oil composite that easily rinses off blades and eliminates clogging –creating a buttery smooth effect to shave through the coarsest fuzz. Macadamia nut and grape seed oil are pleasures to sniff and deliver a sigh of relief on the skin. Ingrown hairs and razor burns are tamed with anti-irritants. In addition, the Shave Butter works well with the company’s other high-quality grooming products including the Post Shave Cream and Repair Serum, two stellar performers that are guaranteed to save the face from common skincare issues. $8 at DollarShaveClub.com There’s your crash course in proper skincare etiquette. Now you’re primed to select the best shaving gel for your needs. You Might Also Dig: Best Shaving Creams Best Straight Razors for Men Best Shower Gels For Men