Why would anyone need to try an alternative to shaving cream if you can go to your local CVS and pick up a can? We have all at one time or another been guilty of overlooking using shaving cream in our grooming routine.
Whether you’re on vacation and you forgot to bring your bottle of shaving cream or are merely looking to try something new, there are plenty of shaving cream alternatives out there on the market to try. Our salon industry experts at Jaxson Maximus put together this awesome guide explaining the best shaving cream alternatives out there.
WHAT EXACTLY IS SHAVING CREAM
Shaving cream is a commonly used cosmetic product for men and women that is applied directly to the skin in the areas that a razor will be in contact with. Shaving cream is most commonly used to facilitate the removal of external body hair from the skin.
Shaving creams come in a variety of forms such as bars, creams, and gels. We most commonly see shaving creams packaged in a tube or aerosol can. All shaving creams can be applied directly with the hands or with a specialized shaving brush.
Shaving creams consist of a blend of oils, soaps, and water to turn it into a frothy cream. The most commonly produced shaving creams are made up of between 20-30% soap and 10% of foaming agents.
HOW DID SHAVING CREAM ORIGINATE
Although the first known documented use of shaving cream dates back to Summer in 3,000 BC, it isn’t until the 1940s that shaving cream rose in popularity. Until the early 20th century, bars or sticks of shaving soaps were used by men to remove their facial hair.
Introduced in 1949, the first can of pressured rise shaving cream was brought to market. By the following decade, over 2/3 of the American market was using this type of shaving cream. After the rise in popularity of this common grooming product, a shaving gel consistency was developed in the 1970s hoping to take some of the market shares away from the rise shaving cream.
In 1993, Proctor and Gamble Company patented and formulated a post-foaming gel. This patented formula combines both the foam and gel-like consistency turning shaving cream into the product that we all use today.
It is interesting to note that as long as shaving cream has been around, we have always tried various alternatives to shaving cream that you might not have thought of, such as animal fat.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SHAVING CREAM
When you are lathering up with shaving cream right before you shave, you might be wondering why you need to take this extra step in your routine. Traditionally, shaving cream is most commonly used to moisten and provide an extra layer of moisture to the skin while it is in direct contact with your razor blade.
In addition to this extra layer of protection, there are four main reasons why you would want to use shaving cream:
1) HYDRATION FOR YOUR SKIN
Think of shaving cream as the armor that protects your skin against infection. If you are a man shaving your facial area, you might shave up to 25,000 tiny hairs every single time you shave. This means that you have over 25,000 chances for your skin to become irritated and possibly even infected.
By using shaving cream, you are helping keep the skin and hairs moisturized, leaving them in a softer state. This softer state makes it easier for your razor blade to remove the hair without accidentally cutting your skin.
2) LUBRICATION
Shaving cream creates a thin barrier between the razor and the skin. This reduces the levels of friction your blade creates minimizing the risk of razor burn, redness, and irritation. Without providing your skin with that extra slippage, it needs to let your razor glide over your skin; you could end up accidentally nicking your skin.
3) A SHAVING GUIDE
We might not think of shaving cream in this regard, but by using shaving cream, you are keeping track of the areas that you have already gone over. This ensures that you are getting every area that needs shaving without missing any spots.
4) SOOTHES AND REFRESHES SKIN
Similar to how shaving cream provides hydration for your skin, it also helps to reduce any redness on your skin as a result of shaving. By using shaving cream, your skin ends up looking revitalized and smooth after every shave.
When searching for shaving cream alternatives, you want to be sure that the product you use gives you the same four properties as traditional shaving cream.
9 SHAVING CREAM ALTERNATIVES TO GIVE A TRY
1) CONDITIONER
Although you might have forgotten to pack your full-sized shaving cream bottle, chances are there is a small bottle of conditioner available to you. Whether it is a super high-end conditioner or just the regular sample sized bottle in your hotel room, conditioner is a great shaving cream alternative due to its moisturizing properties on the hair and skin.
2) BABY OIL
Unlike the traditional white shaving cream, baby oil allows you to see where you are shaving. This can potentially reduce the number of cuts, nicks, and razor bumps on your skin. Baby oil acts as a lubricant to the skin, making it an effective shaving cream alternative but with full visibility.
Tip: Be sure to only add a few drops to the area you are shaving or else it might damage the razor blade for any future uses.
3) HONEY
Honey has become a popular ingredient for at home DIY facemasks, and for a good reason. Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce irritation on the skin. By using honey as a shaving cream alternative, you are giving your skin a protective barrier against the razor while minimizing any damaging shaving after effects.
4) COCONUT OIL
If you are prone to developing razor burn immediately after you shave, coconut oil could be an excellent alternative for you. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent razor burn from occurring in the first place. Coconut oil will not make your skin feel greasy or clog pores even after you wash it off, making it one of the best shaving cream alternatives out there.
5) SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is a common ingredient found in most hand creams and lotions. Although it is traditionally used as a daily moisturizing agent, it can also be used as a great alternative to traditional shaving cream. Shea butters moisturizing properties make it easier for the blade of your razor to smoothly glide over your skin, providing you with an ultra close shave without the painful after effects. As a bonus, shea butter duels as a post-wash moisturizing lotion.
6) ALOE VERA
The most common reason why most people pick up a bottle of aloe vera is to reduce the effects of sunburn. If you are looking for a great alternative to shaving cream trying aloe vera can be a great way to go. Aloe vera creates a consistency that is directly identical to what a standard shave gel would be. This allows for your razor to glide smoothly on the skin without damaging the skins top layer.
As a bonus, aloe vera duels as a cooling lotion for your skin if you experience any itchiness, scratching, or irritation.
7) BODY LOTION
Just like hair conditioner and shea butter, regular old lotion can duel as an alternative to shaving cream when needed. Regular lotion contains a blend of ingredients that act to reduce redness and increase the skins hydration levels. Although we would not recommend using lotion every time you shave when in a pinch it is a great way to go.
8) SOAP
Although soap will not offer any smoothing or moisturizing elements, it can be used as a shaving cream alternative when in a bind. Similar to lotion, we would not recommend using it every time when shaving, but it will get the job done. Just make sure to lather up the soap as much as possible, creating a sudsy effect. Without the soaps sudsy properties, you can end up with painful razor burn.
9) SWEET ALMOND OIL
Sweet almond oil is another popular alternative to traditional shaving cream. Rich in vitamin E, sweet almond oil contains natural moisturizing properties that help to repair and replenish dry and damaged skin. Although in the beginning using sweet almond oil might end up costing you a few more dollars than traditional shaving cream, in the long haul it ends up being a less expensive alternative (based on the amount of product used per shave).
CONCLUSION: SHAVING CREAM ALTERNATIVES
Although you might not think of using some of these ingredients for a shaving cream alternative, they can be used when in a bind. If you completely forgot to bring any grooming supplies with you on your trip, try using the hotel’s conditioner or provided lotion as a shaving cream alternative.
If you’re looking to try the best most natural alternatives for shaving cream, we recommend using coconut oil or aloe vera. Although all of these products can work as an alternative to shaving cream it is important to remember not to forget to put a moisturizing agent directly on the skin before shaving, or else you might end up permanently damaging your skin.
