10 Best Shaving Cream For Straight Razor 2025 (Smooth Shave)

When the shaving cream straightens and softens your beard, the razor glides over it, cutting as close to the skin as possible.

But...

What if the shaving cream you've chosen doesn't create an even surface for the razor?

You'll have nasty cuts that'll make you dread shaving.

So we've rounded up the best shaving creams, giving you a variety that's inclusive of shaving butter and gel. And the EZ Blade Shaving Gel made it on top of our list as the best shaving cream for a straight razor.

In just a few, you’ll find out why.

Product	Details
1. EZ Blade Shaving Gel	Editor's Choice	Clear Gel Form Close Shave Minty Feel Prevents Breakout Unclogs Pores Softens Beard	Check Current Price
2. Rocky Mountain Barbershop Shaving Cream	Best Organic	Natural Extracts All Skin Types Cooling Effect Antimicrobial Hydrating	Check Current Price
3. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Cream	Best For Sensitive Skin	Softening Cream No Irritating Dyes Thick Lather Smooth Consistency No Alcohol Content	Check Current Price
4. Viking Revolution Shaving Cream	Best Budget Buy	Silky Soft Effect Economical Highly Concentrated Manly Scent Hydrating	Check Current Price
5. Cremo Barber Grade Shave Cream	Best Hydrating	Fights Breakouts Close Shave Rich Formulation Mild Citrus Scent Rinses Off Fast	Check Current Price
6. Brickell Smooth Brushless	Best Unscented	Vegan Very Hydrating Non-Lathering Sensitive Skin-Safe Close Shave	Check Current Price
7. Taylor Of Old Bond Street Peppermint	Peppermint Scent	Cooling Effect Highly Absorbent Moisturizing Lasts Long Pricey	Check Current Price
8. Proraso Shaving Cream	Renowned Brand	Nourishing Very Mild Scent Great Quality Soothing Leaves No Residue	Check Current Price
9. The Henna Guys Natural Shaving Butter	Best Shaving Butter	Any Skin Type Organic Ingredients No-Lather Formulation Non-Irritating Moisturizing	Check Current Price
10. Taylor Old Bond Street Cream Bowl	Best Sandalwood Scent	One Of The Oldest Close Shave No Irritation Subtle Scent Lathers Quickly	Check Current Price

Top 10 Best Shaving Creams In 2021 Reviewed

1. EZ Blade Shaving Gel - Best Overall

We ranked the EZ Blade Shaving Gel as the best overall cream because its formulation suits different shaving needs, whether you're trimming or shaving the whole beard.

Plus, it's affordable. Since it's clear, you'll see each move as the blade glides over this oil-based gel. Therefore, it makes it easy to adjust your hand's pressure to the length of hair you're shaving.

Additionally, it softens the beard such that the blade cuts your hair in just a few strokes. Even better, it opens your pores to prevent breakouts.

Pros

• An affordable price
• A thin layer of gel works the magic
• Excellent for beard trimming
• A mint feel after shaving
• Smooth, close shave

Cons

• Dries out quickly if you shave slowly

Takeaway

The EZ Blade Shaving Gel is the best shaving gel for a straight razor because it softens the beard and unclogs your pores. It lets the blade glide smoothly; thus, no skin irritation or ingrown hairs. You'll have a smooth shave, leaving a fresh, minty scent.

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2. Rocky Mountain Shaving Cream - Best Organic Option

The Rocky Mountain Barbershop Shaving Cream is in our straight razor shaving cream review because of its unmatched combination of natural extracts that work on all skin types.

We're talking about coconut oil, methol, and sandalwood oil. Menthol cools your skin after shaving, and coconut oil reduces inflammations due to its antimicrobial properties.

It comes in a can, so you'll see the cream reducing and order some more before it runs out. That’s not the case when you buy shaving cream in a tube.

Even better, this brand makes shaving creams in small batches, so you'll be using fresh ingredients every time you order a new can.

Pros

• Mild scent
• Natural extracts and oils
• Fresh ingredients in every batch manufactured
• A refreshing menthol coolness

Cons

• Gummy consistency doesn't lather well

Takeaway

The Rocky Mountain Barbershop Shaving Cream has a pleasing sandalwood scent that isn't overpowering. It lathers well, and it has this rich menthol kick after your shave. More so, it has many hydrating ingredients from nature.

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3. The Art Of Shaving - Best For Sensitive Skin

If you'd like to compare several shaving creams with sandalwood scents, here's another one.

The Art Of Shaving starts by softening your beard so that when you use the straight razor, it glides smoothly. It doesn't have irritating dyes and alcohols that'll dry your skin.

Pros

• Smooth consistency
• No irritation when shaving
• You'll use a small amount
• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

• More expensive than other products
• The tub is too big for such a small amount of shaving cream

Takeaway

The Art Of Shaving creates a foamy lather with a small amount of cream. Therefore, you'll use one tub for a long time. Its sandalwood scent doesn't linger.

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4. Viking Revolution Shaving Cream - Best Budget Option

Who says you can't shave on a budget? Well, here's one affordable shaving cream that works as well as the other brands.

It's also a sandalwood scented shaving cream like the one above, but it won't compete with other scents like your cologne.

What's more, this Viking Revolution Cream doesn't cause razor irritation because it has numerous natural ingredients.

Unlike other shaving creams where you have to reduce water to avoid a watery consistency, this thick formulation requires more water to give you enough lather. Hence, you'll use less shaving cream.

Pros

• An affordable price
• Highly concentrated, you'll use a small amount
• Hydrates your skin
• Manly scent
• Alcohol-free

Cons

• You have to re-lather your face for a second pass.

Takeaway

This shaving cream comes in a travel-size can, plus it can withstand a few drops without breaking. It's a thick shaving cream that'll take a dime-sized amount to lather all over your beard.

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5. Cremo Original Shave Cream - Best Hydrating Cream

We've talked about tubs and cans so far, so here's one that comes in a cream tube. So, what's in Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream that'll help your skin?

Well, it has macadamia seed oil, which contains vitamin E to fight breakouts and moisturize your skin.

Other hydrating ingredients are aloe and olive oil. To reduce inflammations caused by the razor, it has papaya extract.

Pros

• Smooth skin after shaving
• You can shave as close as possible
• Mild citrus scent
• Rich formulation of natural extracts and oils

Cons

• You may squeeze too much cream out as it's in a tube.

Takeaway

The Cremo Original Shaving Cream rinses off easily. It's smooth on your face, providing a slick surface for the blade. The hydrating properties of its natural ingredients prevent dryness.

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6. Brickell Smooth Brushless - Best Unscented Cream

The last thing you want after shaving is a dry face because it can lead to breakouts. For that reason, Brickell Smooth Brushless Shave Cream contains aloe, shea butter, glycerin, and jojoba. That's not all; it has other moisturizing natural ingredients.

Brickell leads in men's grooming products; therefore, they've put in the best formulation to get you this non-lathering cream.

Pros

• Rich ingredients to hydrate the skin
• Organic formulation
• Vegan shaving cream
• Unscented, suitable for sensitive skin
• Close shaving is possible

Cons

• No lather; may not cover your face extensively

Takeaway

Brickell Smooth Brushless Shave Cream is the best straight razor shaving cream for people with sensitive skin as it's unscented and the ingredients are natural. You're also in luck if you prefer vegan products.

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7. Taylor Of Old Bond Street - Best Peppermint Scent

This shaving cream absorbs a lot of water; thus, you'll use a small amount to get the lather your face needs to prevent razor cuts.

What's more, you'll enjoy a cooling effect like none other. Taylor Of Old Bond Street Peppermint Shaving Cream also lasts long, so it'll not dry up in the middle of your grooming activities. It comes in a neat, appealing tub too.

Pros

• Fresh peppermint scent
• Appealing packaging
• Moisturizes and cools your skin
• Rich lather from a small amount

Cons

• Pricey

Takeaway

The shaving experience when using this cream is unmatched because of the cooling effect of peppermint oil. It has a rich lather that'll straighten your hair for the straight razor to work efficiently.

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8. Proraso Shaving Cream - Best Renown Brand

It's the second shaving cream in this review, after Cremo Original, in a cream tube. If you've not heard about the Proraso brand, its first shaving cream hit the market in 1948. Therefore, imagine the quality they have presently after years of research.

After shaving, you'll have smooth, moistened skin. 😉

Pros

• Excellent quality
• Fresh scent
• Manufactured by a renowned brand
• Smooth consistency for an easy shave
• It doesn't leave residue
• Soothing ingredients

Cons

• Takes a little more effort to squeeze it out of the tube

Takeaway

Proraso Shaving Cream contains Vitamin E and aloe vera, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It has a good consistency that isn't too thick or thin.

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9. The Henna Guys - Best Shaving Butter

The difference between this shaving cream and the others we've looked at is the consistency. This shaving butter from The Henna Guys has no lather or foam. Instead, it creates an even, velvety surface for the razor to glide over shaving butter.

Yes, the papaya enzymes exfoliate your skin. With such a comprehensive formulation, you'll moisturize your skin sufficiently, eliminating any irritation. Additionally, you can use it on any skin type.

Pros

• Organic ingredients suitable for sensitive skin
• For use on all skin types
• Frankincense and ginger scent

Cons

• Perplexing if you prefer foam and lather creams

Takeaway

The Henna Guys shaving butter is thick; thus, it prevents your razor from irritating your skin. Further, the rich frankincense and ginger scent isn't overpowering. It may take some time to get used to the no-lather formulation, but it'll do its work.

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10. Taylor Of Old Bond Street - Best Sandalwood Cream

It's the last sandalwood scented shaving cream, we promise. But you know, Taylor Of Old Bond Street is one of the oldest and most popular scents in barbershops.

So we found one with an authentic blend of sandalwood, geranium, amber, and fern.

Pros

• Thick consistency whips up lather quickly
• Can shave as close as possible
• No skin irritation
• Subtle scent

Cons

• Challenging to wash off

Takeaway

The Taylor Of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream has a masculine scent from its mix of sandalwood, fern, amber, and musk. As you apply it to your beard, it'll cover the hair evenly with a rich lather.

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When you shop with these ten options in mind, you'll find the best shave cream for your straight razor. Sounds like too many choices?

Let's differentiate them further by looking at:

Choosing The Best Straight Razor Shaving Cream

These five factors will help you tell shaving creams apart.

First...

What's Your Skin Type?

If you have normal skin, you'll not be in a dilemma when choosing a shaving cream or soap, as most products work for you. However, if your skin is dry, prioritize a cream with ingredients like aloe vera to hydrate and moisturize your face.

Also, sensitive skin needs a shaving cream with mild ingredients, without alcohols that dry or irritate the skin.

Then...

Which Fragrance Do You Like?

In our review above, sandalwood and peppermint scents rule. However, you can go for unscented shaving cream, more so if you have sensitive skin. For example, the Brickell Smooth Brushless Shave Cream is unscented.

Do You Like Rich Lather?

If you love to shave with foamy shaving cream, you have so many options from our list, such as the Taylor Of Old Bond Street Peppermint Shaving Cream and the Rocky Mountain Barbershop Shaving Cream.

The Shaving Task

When trimming your beard with the best straight razor for beginners, you want to see the cheek lines and neckline clearly, or you'll mess up your beard style.

Now, are you feeling more confident about the purchase decision you'll make? No? Get more information below as we answer:

FAQs About The Best Straight Razor Shaving Cream

Can You Use Regular Shaving Cream With A Straight Razor?

Yes, you can. However, the lather matters most as you want to cover your face in a thick layer that prevents skin irritation. Therefore, go for creams meant for the best straight razor kit, the ones that need a mixing bowl to work up the lather.

Does Using A Straight Razor Matter When I'm Using Shaving Cream?

Yes, you can cut too close and harm your skin in as much as you have lather on your face. Hence, use minimal pressure to avoid irritating your skin. The razor should be at a 30-degree angle, and you work in the direction the hair grows.

Make slow strokes, allowing the razor to do all the work.

How Do You Apply The Shaving Cream Before Shaving With A Straight Razor?

Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

• Wet your face using a washcloth to open the pores and soothe the skin.
• Scoop shaving cream from the can with a brush or squeeze it into the bowl if you're using one in a tube.
• Mix it in your bowl for about a minute to form a smooth cream.
• Apply the cream to your face to cover it evenly. Cover the whole area, then start shaving in the direction the hair grows.

Here's a quick video on how to apply the best shaving cream for black skin and the proper way to shave using a straight razor:

There, now you know the best creams to use, plus the application routine.

The Verdict

In conclusion, the EZ Blade Shaving Gel is different from other shaving creams, but it allows you to style your beard by trimming the lines as you see where the razor is moving. It's a no-lather cream, but it cuts close to the skin.

It's affordable; however, you can save a few more dollars by going for the Viking Revolution Shaving Cream. You'll use a small amount but enjoy rich lather on your face. That being so, one tub lasts long.