It’s not until the moment you reach for an empty can of shaving cream that you realize you need an alternative. Can you shave without shaving cream? You have many choices. Keep scrolling to learn about shaving cream substitutes and post-skincare options.
What Is Shaving Cream?
Shaving cream is a thick, foamy cosmetic product that protects the skin from the sharp razor when you shave. It lowers your chances of cuts and nicks and helps prevent friction for a closer shave. While shaving gels and shave cream are ideal for the lubrication of your skin and hair, it is possible to shave sans cream. Here is what you need to know about shaving for hair removal.
Alternatives to Shaving Cream
Hydration is your ally when it comes to shaving, so any alternative you use to shaving creams needs to be a hydrating one. Lubrication allows the blade to slide effortlessly across your face or legs, lessening your chances of cuts and nicks. It is also important to soak your skin in warm water before shaving.
Do this by soaking your skin in the shower, bath, or by applying a warm towel to your face or beard beforehand. When you use the razor, always shave going against the grain of your hair growth.
The following nine options listed below are excellent shaving cream substitutes to use when you run out of regular shaving cream.
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is an excellent alternative to shaving foam because it offers an ultra-high moisture level to dry skin. Shea butter comes from shea nuts, is high in essential fatty acids, and is gentle on sensitive skin types. It is known to help reduce the appearance of scars and has anti-aging benefits for the skin. Simply massage the desired amount of shea butter to your legs or facial hair and begin shaving. Your skin will thank you.
2. Hair Conditioner
Yes, we said it. A hair conditioner is a great alternative to shave cream because it has moisturizing ingredients that leave your skin smooth. The conditioner doesn’t lather or foam as shampoo does, so it is easy to see the direction your razor is heading. Slather hair conditioner on your legs or face in circular motions and begin shaving. It’s the perfect lubricant for a smooth, silky shave.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that make it ideal for preventing razor burn. This oil adds the perfect moisture to your legs, so lather on the amount that is right for you, grab your razor, and shave!
Coconut oil is comedogenic, so don’t use it near your face. Coconut oil clogs pores and may cause breakouts.
4. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has natural healing properties that make it great for shaving. It combats razor burn, bumps, or rashes because it coats the skin and hair follicles and has soothing elements. Apply a few drops to your skin and carefully shave away.
5. Baby Oil
A synthetic form of mineral oil, baby oil is a proven moisturizer that prevents water loss by creating a protective barrier across the skin. Apply a generous amount of the oil to your legs and shave away. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, avoid using baby oil on your face. It may cause clogged pores or excessively oily skin.
6. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera isn’t just for healing sunburns. Its medicinal properties make it superb for shaving. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates skin irritations with its cool, thick, gel-like consistency. Apply a dollop of this fantastic jelly and shave your legs or face to perfection. It’s the perfect shaving cream alternative.
7. Body Lotion
Body lotion isn’t just for use after your shower. It makes a wonderful substitute for shaving cream too. Look for lotion ingredients that do not contain fragrance or alcohol, as these cause dryness. Use regular lotion or in-shower lotion for a nice, close shave, but don’t massage it into your skin too much. You need enough lubricity between your skin and the razor blades. The lotion leaves your skin soft and velvety smooth.
8. Soap
When all else fails, your trusty bar of soap, body wash, shaving soap, or hand soap will do the trick. Most soaps cause dry skin so after you lather and shave, rinse well and pat dry. Apply a rich body lotion to your legs or aftershave to your face to combat dry skin and razor burn.
9. Peanut Butter
Ahem, you heard us right; some people are reaching for the peanut butter when it comes to shaving. Peanut butter contains peanut oil which is moisturizing for your skin. While this may seem a bit strange, peanut butter does work for shaving when your options are limited.
Can You Shave With Water Only?
Technically, you can shave with water only; however, it may irritate your skin. Before you grab the razor, soak your legs or face in the hot shower, bathwater, or a hot towel for a few minutes to open your pores and hair follicles. Switch to warm water and carefully begin shaving with your razor blade, trimmer, or electric shaver.
Is Dry-Shaving Bad?
We do not recommend dry-shaving without a lubricant or water. Dry-shaving may irritate your skin because there is no barrier between the skin and the razor. This type of shaving causes rashes, razor bumps, and may cause ingrown hairs.
Risks & Side Effects of Using Shaving Cream Alternatives
All of these alternatives to shaving cream are gentle, however, you may want to check the ingredient list for any irritants. The natural shave cream alternatives include shea butter, coconut butter, jojoba, and natural aloe vera.
Lotions may cause negative side effects because some contain excessive fragrances, alcohol, and chemicals. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, choose a non-comedogenic product that does not clog pores.
Post-Shave Skin Care
Regardless of what you use to shave with, you must always follow your shaving routine with post-shave skincare. The skin on your legs or face is dry post-shaving so it is essential to replace lost moisture by hydrating the skin. There are many ways to replenish moisture and soothe your skin.
After-Shave
After-shave comes in many forms such as oil, gel, and liquid. It helps soothe the skin after shaving and prevents rashes, razor burn, and bumps. After-shave is a very popular product applied to the face or legs post-shave.
Honey
Honey is the bee's knees for after-shave care. Honey contains all sorts of nutrients to soothe and protect dry skin. Honey also contains antibacterial properties that nix bacteria and dirt. It is also a great moisturizer as a spot treatment.
Healing Ointment
Help heal your nicks and cuts with healing ointment and protect your skin with a bandage. Treat these areas with care as you would any other wound. Infections and ingrown hairs may occur if you neglect your delicate, post-shaven skin.
How To Shave
Shaving is as simple as one, two, three. Remember these four steps to obtaining the closest shave yet.
Combine steps one and two into one simple step with Spongelle Boxed Flowers. Each sponge flower contains a shower gel and a body-buffing souffle’ hidden inside to gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin. After using the Spongelle Boxed Flower your skin is prepped and ready for a shave.
Bottom Line
Getting a close shave without shave cream isn’t impossible. There are many alternatives to shaving cream and shave gel available. These substitutes are natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and pure aloe vera. Shaving with only water and dry-shaving may irritate your skin, so try to avoid these methods if possible.
Spongelle helps you get the close shave and silky smooth skin you crave. Our body sponges cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin, making it the perfect skin prep for shaving. Simply wash your body in circular motions with the luxe foaming sponge, then rinse away the lather.
Now your skin is perfectly prepped for your shave cream and razor. Remember to moisturize following your shave to maintain well-hydrated skin. Make shaving just a little easier by combining a cleanse and exfoliation in one with Spongelle body care.
Sources:
Hair removal | American Academy of Dermatology
Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin | American Academy of Dermatology
Want a Smooth, Safe Shave Every Time? Try These Tips | Cleveland Clinic
