Which Shaving Cream Can I Use with a Straight Razor 2023 | Complete Guide
If you've ever asked yourself, which shaving cream can I use with a straight razor, then read on to find out all you need to know about the topic.
When it comes to using a straight razor, it's an absolute must that you use the perfect shaving cream so you can achieve that smooth, close shave you're so keen on getting.
The market is flooded with different types of shaving creams, but you need to pick the one that is designed specifically to be used with a straight razor.
So which shaving cream can I use with a straight razor?
Based on personal experience, the most effective shaving cream to use with a straight razor is the C.O. Bigelow Premium shave cream. It's lathers well and you don't require much for a single shave. Also, this cream is known to keep your skin feeling hydrated and moisturized, unlike most other shaving creams.
After trying out over 25 different shaving creams, the following stood out as some of the best in terms of effectiveness and moisturizing capabilities.
| Top 10 Best Shaving Creams to Use with Straight Razors | Reason to Buy |
| C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream | Overall Best for Straight Razors |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream | Skin Protection |
| Cremo Original Shave Cream | For Natural Ingredients |
| The Art of Shaving Shave Cream | Ideal for a Balanced Shave |
| Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream | Men with Reddened Skin |
| Proraso Pre-Shave Cream | Professional Use |
| JACK BLACK - Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather | Multipurpose Cream |
| American Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream for Men | Best Sandalwood Scented Cream |
| TCM Men’s irritation-free Shaving Cream | Excellent Value |
| Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shaving Cream for Men | For Men with Thick Hair and Sensitive Skin |
How did we test which shaving creams to use with straight razors?
The selection process for the top shaving creams for straight razors involved multiple rounds of testing and evaluation by a panel of experts and everyday users. The testing methods included the following steps:
- Product Analysis: These shaving creams were evaluated based on their ingredients, packaging, and overall quality.
- Blind Tests: Our team tested the shaving creams without knowing the brand or product name, to eliminate any bias.
- Real-World Testing: We used the shaving creams in our daily routines and shared feedback on the performance, comfort, and effectiveness of each cream.
The results of these tests were combined and analyzed to identify the top shaving creams for straight razors, taking into account factors such as lather quality, razor glide, skin comfort, and overall effectiveness.
Which Shaving Cream Can I Use with a Straight Razor
.The following are some of the most effective and safe to use shaving creams for straight razors.
C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream for Men
Our favorite shaving cream is easily Bigelow's Shave Cream formula. This revolutionary product makes shaving a breeze and it works well with most razors.
If you’re crunched for time, you’re going to want a traditional safety razor to make shaving that much faster, but other razors still work well with this product when you get the hang of how much you can cover at once.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
The highlight of this product is its use of eucalyptus oil, which provides a cooling feeling and a mild, pleasant aroma. Other shaving creams are likely to have stronger scents but they aren’t for everyone.
One flaw with this product is that it can clog up your razor so be sure to clean them regularly or consider using disposable razors for the sake of time!
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream
Overall Best Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
One of the oldest brands that are known for their high-quality shaving products is Taylor of Old Bond Street.
Considered to be the best shaving cream in the market, the Sandalwood Shaving Cream is quite gentle on the skin and is perfect for people with sensitive skin.
Though it's branded as a cream, it feels quite like lotion and would hardly take a couple of seconds for it to lather up so you achieve a close shave.
The botanical extracts in this formula keeps your skin moisturized and free from razor burns.
Best suited for straight razors and double-edged razors, this shaving cream comes in a smooth bowl that makes it easy to take out and considering the rate at which it lathers, you wouldn't need more than the size of a dime to have a good clean shave.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
Well, the first thing to consider here is that Taylor of Old Bond Street has been in business since 1854 and companies that have been around for that long focusing on a particular product will have something that delivers what it claims to be able to do.
Personally, the sandalwood aroma, the infused essential oils, the fact that it lasts longer than you'd image and that it comes with a long lasting moisturized feel are some of the main reasons why it is considered the best shaving cream for straight razors.
Cremo Original Shave Cream
Best All-Natural Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
Cremo is an all-natural shaving cream that is formulated with macadamia seed oil, calendula extract, papaya extract, Aloe Vera, and olive leaf extract to deliver an ultra-smooth shaving experience.
Thanks to these key ingredients in the Cremo, the pores on your face will open and loosen your hair, making it easy for the blade to simply glide over your skin.
Now, this shaving cream is concentrated so you shouldn't use more than a dime sized amount.
This amount is more than enough for your shave and will evenly lather all over the area you're going to shave.
Because it's barber grade shaving cream, you can rest assured that there will be almost no cuts, nicks or any razor burns allowing you to get a nice clean and close shave.
Also, the Cremo rinses off easily with water and can act as a natural antiseptic for your skin.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
Well, the major reason to consider this shaving cream is because it's barber grade, which means that it will always deliver amazing results and it even comes infused with organic and natural ingredients.
Since it's an all natural formula, the cream can be left on during your shave and you wouldn't have to worry about it drying up.
Also, it's pretty much the best value for money product available, so ultimately, you save money while getting first class results.
The Art of Shaving Shave Cream
Well Balanced Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
Here's another fine Sandalwood shaving cream that is well known for delivering a high quality shave. The Art oSf Shaving Sandalwood shaving cream provides you with the perfect balance of smoothness and comfort as you glide your straight razor through.
It's known to have a lotion like texture that lathers quite easily and saves the time spent in the bathroom.
It has been formulated to nourish and protect your skin during and after your shave. It even claims to have some anti-ageing properties that can make your skin look and feel younger.
The sandalwood oil helps in case you accidentally nick or cut yourself shaving and relieves any inflammation.
The main ingredients here are glycerin, coconut oil and other natural essential oils.
You wouldn't need a drop more than the size of your fingertip to lather up your whole face so you can get going.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
You should consider going in for the Art of Shaving Sandalwood cream mainly for the fact that it performs in 4 ways and not just one.
It starts by preparing your skin by opening the pores, then you lather it up to spread it around, it helps ease the glide of the straight razor and lastly it keeps your skin moisturized when you're done.
It's perfect for straight razors and is one to consider especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream
Pacific Shaving Company has just released a product that could be the next great innovation in men’s grooming. It’s a shaving cream made with caffeine and for many people it may seem like an unusual choice but we can assure you that this is one product that doesn’t bite!
This caffeine-based formula isn’t meant to caffeinate your skin - although if you need your fix it’s still there for the taking. However, what it does do is remove redness from shaving, leaving your skin looking noticeably fresher and healthier.
The other ingredients in this formula include amino acids, antioxidants and Shea butter to ensure that your skin is truly moisturized once dry.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
The Pacific Shaving Company caffeinated cream is much better for reddened skin than most others on this list. It's safe to use on sensitive skin and it contains aloe and spearmint that make you smell and feel fresh.
It's one of the most affordable and effective shaving creams to use with a straight razor that you should try today.
Proraso Pre-Shave Cream
Professional-Grade Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
The Proraso shaving cream is a professional grade cream that has been the go-to for many barbers and hairstylists across the world.
This pre-shave cream has been formulated with nearly 98% natural ingredients allowing you to have the perfect shave with no skin irritation or razor burns.
It has infused essential oils and eucalyptus oil along with glycerin and menthol as it's primary ingredients. It's helps protect your skin from razor burns by softening and keeping your skin moisturized.
Approved by dermatologists, the Proraso pre-shave cream does not contain any artificial colors, parabens, silicone, any ingredients derived from animals or SLS.
It's extremely easy to use and you would not need to rinse when you're done.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
This cream has been created to deliver the ultimate clean shave with a straight razor.
It's recommended because it helps revitalize your skin tone, is vegan-friendly and creates a rich and deep lather making it suitable for straight razors and double-edge safety razors.
Another reason to consider this shaving cream if you have sensitive or dry skin is because it's extremely gentle on your skin and does not cause any allergic reactions.
JACK BLACK - Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather
Best 3-in-1 Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
The Jack Black shaving cream is a three-in-one cream that provides you with three layers of moisturization when you shave creating a protective space between your straight razor and skin.
It helps bring your hair to the top by opening your pores making it easier to shave.
It contains all-natural ingredients such as macadamia nut oil, soybean oil and jojoba oil that have been extracted in a safe way and does not contain any artificial or synthetic fragrance.
Unlike most shaving creams, the Jack Black Supreme cream leaves your skin relaxed and moisturized when you're done with your shave. It shields your skin and keeps it hydrated so there are no razor burns.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
This shaving cream is great to use and recommended to those who are looking for a quick shave. It's all-natural which is a brilliant reason to consider buying it and it suitable for all skin types as it does not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
Another reason to consider this shaving cream to use with your straight razor is that it lathers up quite well so you wouldn't have to apply much to get the desired results.
American Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream for Men
Best for Sandalwood Scent
The American Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream is hands down one of the best products I've used for shaving. The scent of sandalwood is subtle yet invigorating, making each shave feel like a spa experience.
The cream lathers up nicely and spreads easily, ensuring an even coverage and minimizing the chance of any nicks or cuts. What's more, it leaves my skin feeling moisturized and smooth, without any tight or dry sensations. As someone who cares about animal welfare, I'm also happy to know that this product is cruelty-free.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
All in all, I'd highly recommend this shaving cream to anyone looking for a luxurious and effective product. It's perfect for both seasoned shavers and those who are new to the game, and makes a great gift for any man in your life. Give it a try, you won't regret it!
TCM Men’s irritation-free Shaving Cream
Excellent Value
I recently tried the TCM Men's Irritation-Free Shaving Cream and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. As someone with sensitive skin, finding a good shaving cream can be a struggle, but this one did not disappoint.
The cream lathers up nicely and provides a smooth, close shave without any irritation. I also appreciated that it didn't leave any residue or tight feeling on my skin after I was done shaving. The scent is light and fresh, not overpowering, making it perfect for everyday use.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
Overall, I would highly recommend this shaving cream to anyone looking for a high-quality, irritation-free option. The fact that it's also affordable makes it even more appealing. Whether you're a man with sensitive skin or just looking for a new, effective shaving cream, this one is definitely worth a try.
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shaving Cream for Men
For Men with Thick Hair and Sensitive Skin
The Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shaving Cream for Men is a high-quality product that offers a smooth and comfortable shave. The cream is made with natural ingredients, including aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil, which work together to hydrate the skin and protect it from irritation.
The creamy texture of the shaving cream makes it easy to apply and provides a rich lather that helps to lift the hair and prepare it for a close shave. The formula is also enriched with essential oils, such as tea tree oil and peppermint oil, which help to soothe and refresh the skin.
The shaving cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used with a brush or directly from the tube.
Why you should consider this shaving cream
Overall, the Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shaving Cream for Men is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, effective, and natural shaving cream.
How to Choose your Shaving Cream to Use with a Straight Razor
Buying the right shaving cream can be a tricky affair, especially if you don't know what you're looking for.
It's pretty important to first understand what type of hair and skin you have and whether you have any allergies to certain ingredients.
The following points will help you better understand the main factors to consider when buying shaving cream to use with your straight razor.
Skin Type
One of the most important things to consider or think about is type of skin you have.
There are different shaving creams for different types of skin; you have the glycerin based or natural oil based shaving creams for dry skin, chemical-free shaving cream for sensitive skin and so on.
Razor Type
Picking the right cream based on your skin type will help you in the long run by preventing and saving you from any harmful effects from using the wrong cream.
It's good to first know what kind of razor you're going to use since the cream you pick is dependent on the type of razor you have at home.
The shaving cream designed for straight razors develop a thick lather when applied that make it easier for the hair to get uprooted and therefore, you have a clean, safe shave.
Whereas, if you end up using either an electric razor or those with cartridges on the wrong shaving cream, chances are your blades would get clogged and you won't be able to have a clean shave
Application Method
As you would see in a barbers shop, shaving cream is normally applied using a brush and then lathered on your face. This is not the case every time.
Some people prefer to apply shaving cream using their hands while others prefer using a brush.
You need to first check and see whether the shaving cream requires any particular application method to be followed for the best lather, before buying one for yourself.
What Ingredients to look for When Buying Shaving Cream for Straight Razors?
Organic ingredients are important as they come naturally and carry beneficial properties that help sooth and revitalize the skin.
- Glycerin based creams provide a better moisturizing effect.
- Soybean oil, Jojoba, eucalyptus oil are some important natural oils that are full of antioxidants.
- Other extracts such as sandalwood, edelweiss would provide you with the ability to heal faster in case you cut yourself by accident.
What to Avoid When Buying Shaving Cream for Straight Razors
Since the product is going to be used on your body and face, it's best to go with something that does not contain artificial agents or preservatives as they can cause allergic reactions.
- Chemicals such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) in a shaving cream can actually do more harm than good as it takes away your skins natural oil and moisture.
- Avoid creams with SLES, artificial fragrances, color and petroleum based products.
How to Shave using a Straight Razor and Shaving Cream?
Whenever you shave using a straight razor there's a certain procedure you have to follow in order to have a safe shave.
- Prepare your face - The first and most important step to using a straight razor is to prepare your face. Using the right shaving cream is key to a smooth and comfortable shave. If you don't prep your face before you pick up the razor, then the chances of getting nicks and cuts increases.
- Hold the straight razor in the correct manner - The correct way to hold a straight razor is by resting your first three fingers on the shank of the blade. Place your pinky on the tang and the thumb near the middle. This way you will not only get a good grip over the blade, but your movements will be smooth and fluid.
- The shave - Hold the blade against your skin at a 30-degree angle and perform gentle but sharp strokes along the grain. Do not press down as you can end up cutting yourself.
- After care - If you use a good shaving cream then your after care will be minimal. However, if your shaving cream does not offer after-shave care, then you can protect your skin by applying a good natural moisturizer.
Takeaway
As a man, you're going to shave quite often and you are definitely going to need the right tools for the job.
Picking the right shaving cream would depend on a couple of factors that have been listed above.
I would recommend you to check out out buyers guide and what to consider before you buy a shaving cream to use with your straight razor.
I hope my reviews and suggestions have helped you make a decision on what shaving cream to buy for straight razors.
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