Say Hello to Smooth Skin With the Best Derm-approved Shaving Creams for Women. (2024)

The aisles of beauty stores and drugstores alike are jam-packed with shaving creams and gels, razors, and trimmers—and with seemingly endless hair removal options, it can seem overwhelming. Shaving is one of the simplest methods for removing unwanted hair, but choosing the right products can be quite the task. That’s where the best shaving creams for women come into play, and luckily we’ve gathered a slew of expert-backed picks to choose from for your smoothest shave ever.

“When it comes to shaving, we need a little bit of friction and lubrication to allow the blade and the razor to swipe nicely on the skin,” explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board certified adult pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist affiliated with Northwell Dermatology in New York. “When we don’t have that type of friction, that's when people get nicks, scars, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, infections, you name it. So, shaving gels and creams are extremely important, making the hair softer to help the shaving process be smoother and easier.”

Shaving creams, gels, and lotions are extremely important, but “not all are created equal,” notes Robert Finney, M.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Entière Dermatology. “Look for ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and vitamin E, as these will help to restore the barrier that you are actively traumatizing with your razor.” Additionally, Dr. Finney notes that those with sensitive skin should search for a cream formula, which tends to be more hydrating than gels and foams, as well as look for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products.

Whether you’re searching for the best shaving cream for sensitive skin and skin prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, or the best shaving gels for the bikini area or legs, we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of products for every skin type, concern, and preference. Ahead, find top-rated, expert-approved, and editor-tested shaving creams for women.

How we chose the best shaving creams for women

We consulted Dr. Lal and Dr. Finney, countless customer reviews, and conducted our own research to find the best shaving creams for women available.

Our top picks

Not only does this shave gel have over 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, but it’s also a favorite of Dr. Finney and Dr. Lal. “It’s my go-to for a lot of patients because it’s so gentle,” Dr. Lal explains. “I really like this shave gel because it has no added fragrance, and it has soothing oats and vitamin E for moisture.” It’s also “great for people with sensitive or normal skin,” Dr. Finney notes.

This shave foam is a Target best-seller for its effective formula and affordable price point. It has over 1,400 ratings with an average of 4.6 stars for its light fragrance and rich, soothing texture. “This is my favorite shaving cream,” writes one reviewer. “It’s the perfect price, smells amazing, is perfectly creamy and easy to apply, and eliminates razor burn! It’s a constant repurchase for me.”

Dr. Finney recommends this shaving cream for patients with sensitive skin, “as it has multiple hydrating ingredients to protect and restore the skin barrier.” These ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin which provide ultimate moisture and nourishment. Even better, this formula is also hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

Say hello to smooth skin and goodbye to irritation with this fragrance-free shave cream from Vanciream. Dr. Finney recommends this product for those with “very sensitive or allergy prone skin,” as the entire product line aims to “eliminate as many potential allergens as possible.” Additionally, the formula is free from fragrance, dyes, and formaldehyde releasers, Dr. Lal notes, making it his “go-to for people who have super super sensitive skin and those who really can't tolerate anything else.”

For a shaving product that provides intense moisture (and feels super luxurious), you’ll want to reach for this shave butter by Truly. Dr. Lal enjoys shave butters, which are thicker than gels, creams, and lotions, for those with dry skin as “they’re hydrating and soothing” with coconut and vitamin E. While this whipped shave butter is full of amazing ingredients and will look amazing in your shower caddy, it does contain fragrance—so it might not be for everyone, explains Dr. Lal.

This close-shave foaming gel is a great pick “if you suffer from razor bumps,” Dr. Finney explains. “It has some soothing ingredients, but also those such as witch hazel which help to combat the bumps.” The product is marketed toward men, but reviewers of all genders rave about the soothing formula and close shave: “I’ve also used on my legs, too,” one Amazon user wrote. “Such a clean, perfect shave for the ladies as well.”

Brazilian Bare’s shave syrup features a concentrated, botanically-infused formula to help provide the smoothest, most luxurious shave imaginable. This product has been a long-time favorite of mine for the amazing vanilla scent (free from synthetic fragrances!) and the ability to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs, which I am painfully predisposed to. Also nice: this shave syrup rinses clean with zero icky residue left behind—only moisture.

This shave cream is “also one of my favorites,” Dr. Finney notes. “There are some hydrating and soothing ingredients packed in there—so it is great for all skin types.” The alcohol-free formula, natural plant extracts like aloe vera, and rich lather win over shoppers who call it “superior” and rave about the “smooth, nick-free shave” it provides.

Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and the ability to keep bumps at bay are some of this shave gel’s main draws. The dermatologist-tested formula protects from irritation and hydrates and soothes with every swipe of the razor. It’s also great for the bikini area, which is prone to bumps and ingrowns. “When it comes to the bikini area, I really like people to use a good lubricating gel as opposed to lotion, which may be too thin for this area,” Dr. Lal explains. Reviewers love it too: “I love this completely smooth no bump shave gel,” one user wrote. “It works great and leaves your skin bump-free, soft, and smooth.”

This lavender-scented (also available in a fragrance-free formula) was also tried and tested by yours truly. The verdict? This product is perfect for those looking for an ultra-creamy shave cream that leaves skin soft, smooth, and moisturized enough that there is no need for body lotion post-shower. Other reviewers agree, too: “My legs feel like silk after using this,” writes one user. “I’ll use this until I die,” another review reads. “It makes shaving a pleasure, not a chore.”

Another editor-approved shave product, this gel-to-oil formula is ultra-nourishing and truly checks all boxes. “It smells divine and gives a really close shave,” explains writer Kayla Blanton. “And somehow the oil keeps the hair from clogging the razor, so it’s super easy to rinse!” Formulated with various oils, shea butter, and vitamin E, you can expect smooth, soft skin, and a great shave with every use.

This shave cream is both expert and editor-approved, and with a 4.6 star rating on Amazon and over 20,000 reviews, we think you’ll like it, too! “It has a 24-hour moisturizer,” Dr. Lal explains. It also has shea butter in it,” which is nourishing on the skin. Despite the fragrance, Dr. Lal also notes it’s still a “good, gentle product” for those who can tolerate it. It’s also a favorite of Prevention’s assistant editor, Madeleine Haase who explains: “The lotion has shea butter which makes it super smooth but it's still thin enough to give a really close shave. Affordable too!”

Fur’s moisturizing shave cream is a favorite among reviewers, boasting a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Ulta. It’s fragrance-free and full of nourishing ingredients like olive oil, aloe, and glycerin to protect skin while providing an ultra-close shave. “This is literally the best shaving product I've ever used,” writes one user. “It smells good, is highly moisturizing, and the packaging is minimal and luxe…you will notice the level of quality with one use.”

Another must-have for sensitive skin, this formula by renowned shaving brand, Gillette, is full of the good stuff and free from the bad. The product has a remarkably short ingredient list and contains aloe to soothe easily-irritated skin. “My legs have never felt more smooth,” writes one user. “Got the job done and now I will never use another shave gel again.

This dermatologist-approved formula is made with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to seal in moisture and soothe skin with every shave. The ultra-gentle, whipped texture is also highly-effective at preventing razor burn and bumps. “My legs have never felt this soft after shaving before! Truly! And the shave is very close,” writes one five-star reviewer. “No stinging or burning. Never going back to the other stuff.”