Shaving is a traditional method of hair removal but sliding a blade across dry skin can cause cuts, nicks, and irritation. That is why, shaving creams have been used for a long time to lubricate the skin. Adequate lubrication minimizes resistance and allows smooth gliding of the shaving razor.
The creams have always been an inevitable part of our traditional shaving routine, but they are expensive, hazardous to the environment, and can cause allergic reactions. Luckily, there are cost-effective and safe options to use as an alternative to shaving creams. Want to know shaving cream alternatives? Let’s begin exploring!
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What Does Shaving Cream Do?
- Part 2: Why Consider Shaving Cream Alternatives?
- Part 3: Shaving Cream Alternative Options
- Part 4: Natural Shaving Cream Alternatives
Part 1: What Does Shaving Cream Do?
The main function of a shaving cream is to provide lubrication to reduce the friction between the shaving blade and the hair. The less the friction is, the smoother the shave will be. A smooth shave minimizes the chances of cuts, nicks, bleeding, and scarring on your face and other body areas.
It also hydrates the skin, softens your hair, and allows you to keep track of the shaved area as you remove the cream from the shaving area.
Part 2: Why Consider Shaving Cream Alternatives?
Allergies and skin sensitivities to traditional shaving creams
Traditional shaving creams usually have preservatives like parabens that can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions. Other than preservatives, ingredients like sulfates, propenyl alcohol, and perfume can cause skin sensitivity.
To prevent your skin from unnecessary damage and allergies, you can replace shaving cream with other safe products.
Environmental concerns and desire for more sustainable options
Shaving creams combine different chemical ingredients like isopentane, glycols, and PEGS. These ingredients are unable to dissolve in water which can lead to various environmental concerns. For instance, when you wash the cream from your face, they will make their way to landfills through the water ecosystem. This contaminates the soil and causes risks to the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Therefore, there is a need to replace shaving creams with some environment-friendly products.
Cost-effectiveness and budget-friendly alternatives
Good shaving creams can be quite expensive and your lifetime cost of buying these shaving creams can go more than $5000-1,000. You can save this cost by using some other budget-friendly options instead of using shaving creams.
Convenience and availability of alternative options
Not all the shaving creams suit all skin types. There are several factors to consider before buying a shaving cream like your budget, needs, skin type, and allergies. It might be difficult to find a cream that fulfills all your requirements. So, you can consider replacing the cream with something better and easily available.
Part 3: Shaving Cream Alternative Options
Baby Oil
Out of shaving cream and do not have the time to go and buy one? Don’t worry because you might have a better alternative at your home.
You just need to find the baby oil in your house and you are ready to shave. The baby oil is an effective moisturizer that lubricates your skin and allows the smooth gliding of a razor. The shaving method is the same but if you shave with the grain, there will be fewer chances of razor bumps.
Lotion
Another shaving cream substitute you can use is body lotion. Body lotions are great for moisturizing the skin and making your body soft and smooth. Since shaving also needs enough moisturization, a body lotion can serve the purpose.
It has a silky and thick texture that can minimize the resistance and enable smooth shaving. However, body lotions are better to use only for areas of thin and small hair. It might irritate areas with coarse hair.
Hair Conditioner
A hair conditioner can prove a perfect alternative to shaving cream as its main function is to provide enough hydration to your scalp hair and soften it. Since the rule of a perfect shave is to soften your hair before shaving and a hair conditioner does exactly this, you can use a hair conditioner for a clean shave.
Soap
Soaps are already a part of our vanity units and can prove the best replacement for shaving cream. It is a cost-effective option and a useful 5-minute hack for shaving without shaving cream.
It is easy to apply and lathers up quickly. But, since soaps have harsh chemicals avoid their application on large or sensitive areas of your skin. Moreover, they might cause skin dryness so make sure you apply a moisturizer afterwards.
Body Oil
Body oils are essential for nourishing, moisturizing, and softening your dry skin. They are not only the ultimate weapon against dry skin but are also a trustworthy substitute for shaving cream. When you apply any body oil on the skin, it softens your body and hair quickly thus facilitating easy hair removal with a blade.
After you are done with shaving, you will feel your body smooth and silky because of using body oil. To get yourself with most amazing body oils for dry skin, Click 12 Best Body Oils for Extremely Dry Skin.
Body Wash
Just like how you can use hair conditioner, soaps, and oils as shaving cream alternatives, the body wash is no exception. It creates enough lather on your skin and moisturizes your skin evenly. This results in a smooth shave.
Part 4: Natural Shaving Cream Alternatives
Suppose you are not a fan of using synthetic products, especially for sensitive areas of your body. In that case, you can try any of these natural ingredients as the best shaving cream alternatives.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great emollient that can be used instead of shaving cream. It also has anti-microbial properties so that it not only allows efficient shaving by lubricating the skin but also minimizes the chances of infection after shaving.
However, avoid using coconut oil if your skin is oily or acne-prone as its application can worsen the condition.
Aloe Vera Gel
We can use aloe vera for healthy diet, skincare, and hair but who would have thought that it can also replace shaving cream? It has soothing properties to heal your skin after sunburn. Along with the cooling sensation it gives, you can also use this thick-textured natural gel for moisturizing your skin and glide a razor against your unwanted hair.
Want to know how aloe vera benefits you? Read, the Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin and Hair.
Olive Oil
Among the variety of oils you can use for shaving, olive oil has also entered the list. Being a great source of various vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K and antioxidants, it moisturizes your skin, soothes it, and protects it against bacteria.
This makes it a suitable alternative to shaving cream. Additionally, its non-comedogenic nature allows everyone to use it including those with acne and oily skin.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and healing properties. It can help acne and breakouts and works well for all skin types Other than all these advantages, you can benefit from Shea butter even more by using it as your shaving cream.
It provides adequate hydration for shaving and keeps your skin smooth even after the shave.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil has a similar structure to your natural oils produced by the body. It is a great hydrating agent and your body can get accustomed to it quickly. That is a good enough reason to use Jojoba oil as a shaving cream substitute.
In addition, the chances of allergic reactions are minimal with jojoba oil.
Conclusion
There are various products like soap, conditioner, body wash, body oil, lotion, and baby oil that can be used instead of shaving creams. They are easily available at home and are economical as well. Other than these man-made products, natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil can also come in handy.
Some of these options might not be suitable for dry skin while others might worsen your acne. Therefore, try out different alternatives till you find the one that works best according to your needs and expectations.
