These are the best shaving creams for sensitive skin, according to experts --- VIA HELLOGIGGLES.COM

By Morgan Noll      April 30, 2020

 

Shaving is rarely the spa-like experience you see in razor commercials. In reality, it can be an awkward, slippery charade that can leave your skin feeling like it’s on fire by the end. If you choose to shave and you have sensitive skin, that experience is especially real. Shaving can lead to irritation, inflammation, redness, and razor bumps. For this reason, it’s important to factor in your skin type when thinking about your hair removal routine.

 

Shaving creams act as a protective barrier to make the process go smoother, which is essential for people with sensitive skin. “Shaving creams help hydrate and moisturize the hair during shaving, leaving the hairs softer and easier to cut,” says David Lortscher, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of skincare brand Curology. This can help counter any irritation from friction and reduce the potential for ingrown hairs.

 

The shaving cream you choose, however, is the most important part, especially since sensitive skin tends to be easily irritated by topical products. Stephanie Smith, an esthetician in Tennessee and partner to , explains that some products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation. To help find products that will work for the most sensitive skin, we asked Smith and Dr. Lortscher for advice on exactly what to look for (and avoid) in shaving creams.

 

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD PEOPLE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN LOOK FOR IN SHAVING CREAMS?

 

Smith recommends looking for products that are rich in noncomedogenic oils, meaning they’re not going to clog the pores and potentially lead to breakouts. These oils—such as sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and hemp oil—can also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

 

For hydration, Dr. Lortscher loves hyaluronic acid. “It’s a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from the environment and deeper layers in the skin and enhances the skin’s capacity to hold water,” he says. He also advocates for aloe vera, which has soothing properties; shea butter, which softens the skin; squalane, which fights free radicals; allantoin, which forms a protective barrier around the skin to keep it hydrated; and ceramides, which decrease dryness and irritation.

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD PEOPLE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN AVOID IN SHAVING CREAM?

 

Fragrance and alcohol topped both Dr. Lortscher’s and Smith’s lists. Artificial fragrance is a commonly known irritant for people with sensitive skin, and alcohol (often listed as denatured alcohol) “may dry your skin out, lead to inflammation and irritation, and increase the chance of breakouts,” according to Dr. Lortscher. Smith adds that another rule of thumb is to look for products with a creamy texture rather than products with a foaming agent, since those often contain harsher and oil-stripping ingredients.

 

Dr. Lortscher says that these seven other ingredients can aggravate the skin by drying it out or clogging the pores: glyceryl stearate SE, glycine soja oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-23, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and coconut oil. “This does not mean that if you have sensitive skin you should avoid all these ingredients all the time,” he explains. “But knowing what may be causing irritation can help you be a detective if you are going through a tough time with your skin.”

 

THE 5 BEST SHAVING CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

 

1. Best soothing shaving cream: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel