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10 BEST SHAVING CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: SAY GOODBYE TO RAZOR BURN

Do you dream of a smooth, irritation-free shave but wake up to red bumps and razor burn? If you have sensitive skin, shaving can be a battle. But fear not! This guide will unveil the 10 best shaving creams for sensitive skin, formulated to soothe and protect your skin while delivering a close, comfortable shave. Get ready to ditch the discomfort and embrace the confidence of a shave that pampers!

WHAT SHAVING CREAM IS SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?

When you’re checking the ingredients in shave products for sensitive skin, it’s good to look for certain things. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a skin doctor in New York City and New Jersey, suggests looking for glycerin because it pulls moisture into the skin, and shea butter because it keeps moisture in and makes your skin softer. Also, it’s helpful to find ingredients like oatmeal or aloe that calm your skin and ingredients like jojoba oil that moisturize it.

Another skin doctor, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, also likes ingredients such as avocado butter and vitamin E because they are very good for your skin. He recommends using creams or thick gels because they protect sensitive skin from rubbing.

Dr. Garshick says that creams are better for dry or sensitive skin, while gels and foams are better for oily skin. But it also depends on what feels best for you, as foams are lighter and easier to wash off.

WHAT SHAVING CREAM TO AVOID WITH SENSITIVE SKIN

If you have sensitive skin, there are a few ingredients you should steer clear of when choosing a shaving cream:

  • Sulfates (SLS or SLES): These create a lather but can be harsh, stripping away natural oils and causing dryness and irritation.
  • Fragrances: Artificial fragrances are common irritants and can trigger allergic reactions. Opt for fragrance-free shaving creams.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol can be drying and exacerbate sensitivity. Look for alcohol-free formulas.
  • Propylene Glycol: This ingredient can irritate some people, so it’s best to avoid it if you have sensitive skin.

BEST SHAVING CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

AVEENO POSITIVELY SMOOTH SHAVE GEL

Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel is a great option for those with sensitive skin seeking a comfortable shave. This fragrance-free formula skips harsh ingredients like sulfates and alcohol, making it gentle on irritated skin. It contains soothing aloe and vitamin E to help prevent nicks, cuts, and razor bumps, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Users also report that the gel provides a good glide for a close shave. If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective shaving product, Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel is definitely worth a try.

BLU ATLAS SHAVE CREAM

Blu Atlas Shave Cream caters specifically to those seeking a natural and potentially irritation-reducing shaving experience. Formulated with 96-100% naturally-derived ingredients, it boasts a calming and soothing effect thanks to hydrating glycerin and nourishing oat bran extract. This shave cream is designed to be used without a brush, resulting in a thinner, lightweight lather. While some users find this lather effective, it might take some adjustment compared to thicker traditional creams. However, the focus on natural ingredients and potential for reduced irritation makes Blu Atlas Shave Cream an intriguing option for those with sensitive skin, especially if they don’t mind a different lather texture. 

FLAMINGO FOAMING SHAVE GEL

Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel promises a comfortable shave for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It boasts a luxurious gel-to-foam formula that transforms into a thick, pillow-y lather. This rich layer helps create a smooth glide for your razor, minimizing friction and irritation. Flamingo’s formula also contains aloe vera, known for its soothing properties, which can help calm and hydrate your skin during the shave. Another plus is that the gel is designed to stay put on wet legs while rinsing clean from your razor blades, making for a mess-free experience. While some users might prefer a fragrance-free option, Flamingo Foaming Shave Gel could be a good choice for those with sensitive skin who prioritize a comfortable shave and a luxurious feel.

GILLETTE SATIN CARE ULTRA SENSITIVE SHAVE GEL

Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel is a fragrance-free and dye-free option designed specifically for those with sensitive skin. This dermatologist-tested formula prioritizes minimizing irritation by omitting common triggers. The gel offers a lubricating layer to enhance razor glide, promoting a closer shave with less friction. Gillette Satin Care also aims to leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated, potentially reducing the appearance of razor bumps. If you’re familiar and comfortable with Gillette products and prioritize a fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested shave gel, then Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel could be a strong contender for your shaving routine.

VANICREAM SHAVE CREAM

Vanicream Shave Cream is a solid choice for those with sensitive skin seeking a fragrance-free and no-nonsense approach. It boasts a thick, moisturizing formula that spreads easily and creates a good barrier for your shave. This can be particularly helpful in reducing razor burn and irritation. Users report feeling a noticeable difference in post-shave dryness, with some even suggesting it feels like they’ve already applied lotion. While some reviewers find a faint, slightly off-putting odor, the lack of added fragrance makes it a good option for those with fragrance sensitivities. Keep in mind that the thick formula might require a bit more rinsing to ensure it doesn’t clog your razor blades. 

OUI THE PEOPLE MOISTURIZING SHAVE GEL-TO-MILK

Oui The People’s Sugarcoat Moisturizing Shave Gel-to-Milk offers a unique and potentially luxurious experience for those with sensitive skin seeking a close, comfortable shave. Unlike traditional creams, it starts as a gel and transforms into a milk during application. This innovative formula boasts a blend of nourishing oils, including argan, grapeseed, marula, and sunflower. These oils aim to provide deep hydration while allowing your razor to glide effortlessly, minimizing friction and irritation. The inclusion of Vitamin C adds a brightening boost, potentially leaving your skin looking radiant after the shave.  With its focus on natural ingredients and unique texture, Oui The People’s Sugarcoat Shave Gel-to-Milk might come at a higher price point compared to some drugstore options. However, it’s a good choice for those willing to invest in a potentially more luxurious and effective shaving experience for their sensitive skin.

THE ART OF SHAVING UNSCENTED SHAVING CREAM

If you have sensitive skin and crave a classic shaving routine, The Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream is a worthy contender. This fragrance-free formula caters to those who might be irritated by artificial scents. It delivers a rich, foamy lather that helps soften beard hair for a close, comfortable shave. The Art of Shaving prioritizes protecting your skin from irritation and razor burn, making it a good choice for those prone to shaving bumps. While some users might find it pricier than drugstore options, The Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream offers a potentially high-quality shaving experience formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

HARRY’S SHAVE CREAM 

Forget about cuts, bumps, or hair you don’t want; just smooth, clear skin without any hairy hair. We really like saying “hairy hair,” especially when we’re talking about Harry’s products.

Harry’s shaving cream uses natural stuff like cucumber and aloe to make your skin feel good while you shave. It makes lots of foam and feels really soft on your skin. It’s like spreading a fluffy cloud on your face that’s full of aloe to keep your skin happy. It also has oils to help with dryness after you shave. You’re supposed to use Harry’s Shave Cream on your face, but you can use it anywhere on your body to avoid cuts and bumps. Some people might find it irritating because it has things like eucalyptus and marula oil in it. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have any bad stuff like sulfates or parabens in it.

TRULY COCO CLOUD AFTER SHAVE MOISTURIZER

If you shave a lot, your skin might lose moisture. That’s why it’s good to use a moisturizing shave lotion like Truly Coco cloud. It smells really good, and we found that after just two times using the razor, our skin was smooth. The lotion feels thick when you first put it on, so it’s better to rub it between your hands before spreading it on your skin. It turns white and foamy, making it easy to see where you’ve put it. If you put too much on, you might need to shave over it again. But after shaving, your skin feels smooth and smells nice. This lotion is great if you shave every day because it keeps your skin really hydrated.

PACIFIC SHAVING COMPANY CLEAN SHAVE CREAM

This shaving cream has good stuff like shea butter, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil that make your skin feel really nice. It helps protect your skin from getting hurt by the razor and also makes it feel hydrated. The shaving cream makes lots of foam that feels smooth on your skin and keeps it safe. It comes in versions with no smell and a little smell for anyone to use.

HOW TO SHAVE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN

Here are some easy steps to help you get a good shave if you have sensitive skin:

  • Make sure your skin is wet before you start shaving to avoid irritation.
  • Use a razor made for sensitive skin.
  • Put enough shaving gel or cream on your skin before you shave.
  • Be gentle and take your time, especially in sensitive areas.
  • Shave in the same direction your hair grows, not against it.
  • Wash and moisturize your skin well afterward to keep it healthy.
  • Test a small area of your skin with the shaving product before using it all over.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it, folks! Say goodbye to shaving worries. Along with the fundamental rules for shave down there, these top 10 shaving creams can help you avoid razor burn and achieve smooth, irritation-free skin. Keep in mind to choose a cream that matches what you like – whether it’s fragrance-free, lathers up nicely, or uses natural ingredients. Armed with the perfect product, you can confidently tackle your reflection and embrace the day with skin as stunning as it feels.

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

  • Basic HA Gel Recipe:
    • 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
    • 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
      Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

  • Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
    • 100 ml distilled water
      Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

  • How to Use:
    Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

  • 30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
  • Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
  • Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
    Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

  • Oily or Combination Skin:
    Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
  • Normal Skin:
    Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
  • Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
    Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
  • Dry Skin:
    Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
  • Mature Skin:
    Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!