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Stocksy
Picture this: You’re in the shower getting ready to shave but realize you’ve run out of shaving cream—We’ve all been there before. When this situation arises, many of us will put shaving on pause until we can purchase some more—or worse, opt to shave on bare skin. Instead, your best bet is to find a shaving cream alternative. “The best products to use in place of shaving cream are those that are incredibly moisturizing, conditioning, and have no irritants like perfumes or added fragrances,” dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, says.
Chances are, you may already have a few suitable shaving cream stand-ins in kitchen cabinets or lining your bathroom counter. Ahead, Nazarian and board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, provide us with a few recommendations on the best shaving cream alternatives.
Keep scrolling for six products you can use if you've run out of shaving cream.
Meet the Expert
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.
Coconut Oil
It’s no secret coconut oil provides ample skincare benefits, but it also works well as a shaving cream alternative. “This fatty-acid-rich oil offers a great substitute for shaving cream because its added hydration protects the surface of the skin from the tugging forces razors tend to cause,” Nazarian says. However, if you have acne-prone skin, you may want to steer clear of coconut oil when shaving, as it is considered one of the more comedogenic oils and may feel too heavy on your skin.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has been used for every skincare need under the sun—ranging from soothing sunburns to treating breakouts, so it's far from a surprise that it works wonders as a shaving gel. “It is a soothing gel that will help the razor glide gently over the skin," Rabach says. Amara Beauty's Aloe Vera Gel and Make Beauty's Succulent Skin Gel have earned our stamp of approval.
Body Wash
When your shaving cream has been used to the last drop, reach for your body wash while you’re in the shower as the next best thing. Nazarian and Rabach both agree that body washes can double as shaving cream alternatives because they create a luxurious lather on your skin and moisturize it while you shave. The dermatologists recommend using Dove's Sensitive Skin Body Wash because of its gentle blend of plant-based ingredients and its ability to adequately lubricate the skin for shaving.
Body Oil
If you’re as skincare obsessed as we are, you’ll likely have a body oil or two—or three, really—stashed in your bathroom. Rabach says that coating your legs in a layer of body oil will help to soften the hairs as you shave. It will also ensure that your skin feels silky smooth post-shave. If you’re on the hunt for a hydrating, glow-inducing body oil to use while you shave, we’ve dubbed the Oui the People Featherweight Body Oil and Saltair Island Orchid Body Oil as two of the best of the best.
Body Lotion
Due to their creamy texture and hydrating properties, body lotions make great shaving cream replacements. “A body lotion will soften hair and moisturize as you shave,” Rabach says. Smooth the lotion onto your skin before shaving, and it will allow the blade of your razor to glide effortlessly across your body.
Hair Conditioner
Another great shaving cream option that's already in your shower is conditioner. Much like a body lotion, the conditioner softens the hair, making it easier for the razor to cut through. The conditioner's slippery texture also helps the razor glide smoothly over skin. Plus, due to the moisturizing properties commonly found in conditioners, your skin will likely feel more hydrated compared to if you used cleansing-based shaving alternatives.
