What To Use Instead Of Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is the go-to when you need something to help you shave.

However, sometimes you can get caught out and end up without any shaving cream to hand – maybe you forgot to bring some with you while traveling, or it was out of stock at the store.

What To Use Instead Of Shaving Cream

If you’re stuck without shaving cream but really need a shave, you might be looking for something else to use in its place.

But don’t worry! Luckily for you, we’ve gathered some of the best alternatives to shaving cream that will work great in a pinch.

So let’s get started, shall we?

Why Do You Need Shaving Cream?

Before we get started, let’s take a look at some reasons why shaving cream is so useful in the first place.

Shaving cream is used while shaving for several different reasons.

It keeps your skin hydrated to keep it from drying out during (and after) shaving, and softens facial hair to make it easier for your razor to shave the hairs without nicking or pulling at your skin.

Shaving cream also adds lubrication that helps the razor glide more smoothly along your skin.

By adding this layer of lubrication, shaving cream reduces the risk of razor rash or irritation.

This also helps to soothe the skin after shaving – it prevents redness, keeps your skin hydrated and soft, and provides protection against dry skin after you shave.

It’s also handy for giving you a reference as you’re shaving.

You can see where you’re already shaved by looking at where the shaving cream has been removed, giving you a visual guide to ensure that you don’t miss any spots.

The Best Alternatives To Shaving Cream

So now that we’ve covered why shaving cream is important, it’s time to look at the best alternatives out there.

When you’re trying to find something to use instead of shaving cream, you want something that has similar qualities.

as a result, these substitutes are all great for hydrating, softening, and soothing your skin while you shave.

1) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing, cooling properties that are great for your skin.

This makes it a perfect substitute for shaving cream. Its consistency is very similar to regular shaving gel, while its moisturizing properties help to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.

Aloe vera is also great for after you’re finished shaving.

It keeps your skin soft and smooth, preventing redness and irritation.

Because of this, aloe vera is a great shaving cream substitute that is just as good as the original!

2) Coconut Oil

You might think that using oil as a shaving cream is a bad choice, but you’d be wrong.

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that prevent the build-up of bacteria in your pores, reducing the risk of razor burn or breakouts.

Coconut oil is also great at locking in moisture in your skin to leave your face soft and smooth.

While it can cause blemishes if you have particularly oily skin, this isn’t an issue as long as you wash it off thoroughly after you’re finished shaving.

3) Conditioner

If you’re stuck without shaving cream and looking for an alternative, using conditioner can be a great substitute in a pinch.

After all, even if you’ve forgotten to grab shaving cream at the store, chances are you have a bottle of conditioner in your bathroom!

Because conditioner is intended to soften and hydrate your hair, it works surprisingly well at softening your facial hair while shaving.

This reduces the risk of your razor tugging at your facial hair and irritating your skin as you shave.

Conditioner is also great at keeping your skin hydrated, locking in moisture and leaving your skin smooth and soft.

4) Shea Butter

There’s a good reason why shea butter is a common ingredient in skincare products like hand cream and moisturizers.

Derived from the shea tree, shea butter is well-known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects on skin. 

Its light consistency keeps it close to your skin and lets you get a super-close shave as the razor glides smoothly without tugging or catching your facial hairs.

Because of its moisturizing properties and how it soothes and softens your skin, shea butter makes a great shaving cream alternative.

It is also great for after shaving, where it keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the risk of razor burn or breakouts.

5) Honey

Honey is full of antioxidant and antibacterial properties that make it great for your skin – in fact, honey is one of the most popular ingredients in homemade face masks because of these reasons.

While the idea of slathering honey on your face might not seem like the best idea, it’s a great alternative to shaving cream if you don’t have any.

Honey provides a moisturizing layer that protects your skin as you shave.

If you’re using honey as shaving cream, you may need to mix it with a bit of water to thin it out a bit.

honey can be too thick and can gunk up your razor, so adding a bit of water will make the razor glide over your skin more easily.

6) Body Lotion

In the same way as conditioner, body lotion is also a great alternative to shaving cream in a pinch.

Its creamy consistency and moisturizing nature help to soften your skin and facial hair while you shave, and lets your razor glide across your skin with ease.

However, using lotion as a shaving cream substitute regularly isn’t the best choice as it isn’t designed for use on your face’s skin.

Final Thoughts 

And there you are: 6 of the best alternatives to shaving cream that are great if you’re in a pinch! All of these substitutes have the key properties of shaving cream – moisturizing, lubricating, softening – making them perfect for shaving if you don’t have any shaving cream to hand. 

So next time you’re caught out without any shaving cream available, don’t panic. Now you know some of the best things to use instead!

Matt Park
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