Grooming Essentials: Pre- and Post-Shave Products to Pair with Your Razor in 2025

Clubman Pinaud Shave Oil is a budget-friendly option that earned an 8/10 in our review for improving razor glide and leaving facial hair conditioned for a close shave. Our experience shows it forms a solid protective barrier that reduces nicks, rashes, and dry patches, though the oil’s thickness can feel sticky on some skin types and the 1-ounce dropper bottle is small and fiddly with slippery hands. For the price ($6.95), it’s a practical, all-skin-type pre-shave oil that delivers real value.

Bevel Pre Shave Oil is a versatile pre-shave treatment that softened hair and protected skin during our testing, helping reduce irritation and razor burn across skin types. We found it moisturized well and improved razor glide, though the scent and a tendency toward excess oiliness were downsides for some users, and the bottle design can collect product underneath. At $12.95 and a 7/10 score, it’s a useful step for smoother shaves if you don’t mind a slightly oily finish.

Freebird Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil brings a blend of grapeseed, argan and jojoba oils that we found nourishes and protects sensitive skin before shaving, softening whiskers for an easier pass. In our testing the natural oil mix helped reduce drag, but the sandalwood aroma can be overpowering for some and the pump mechanism was frustratingly inconsistent, occasionally messy during application. With a 6/10 score this is an effective, wallet-friendly pre-shave if you love woody scents and don’t mind a fiddly dispenser.

Unscented Pre-Shave Oil is a versatile, fragrance-free option we recommend if you’re sensitive to scents or layering colognes; in our experience it does an excellent job softening thick beards and improving razor glide. It scored 7.5/10 for performance, though the formula’s thickness can feel heavy and some users reported clogging razor heads, while the pump can be hard to control when dosing. If you want a no-fragrance, all-skin-type pre-shave oil that prioritizes conditioning, this is a solid, if slightly pricey, pick.

If you have sensitive skin and want a protective shave layer, Jack Black’s Supreme Cream Shave Lather is worth considering — in our testing it delivered a silky barrier that helped us avoid nicks and razor burn. We found the subtle scent unobtrusive and pleasant, but the cream’s thicker consistency does mean you’ll need more elbow grease to work up a lather compared with lighter creams. Priced at $24 and rated 7.5/10, it soothes and hydrates well but requires patience to get the full benefit.

Harry’s Shave Cream offers a pleasant, refreshing scent and a close shave that left skin feeling soft and hydrated during our hands-on use. We found it effective at slickness, but it didn’t lather as easily as some competitors and the pump dispenser can be imprecise, sometimes dispensing more product than needed. Priced at $9.99 with a 7/10 score, it’s a dependable everyday cream for normal skin if you don’t mind working a bit to get the lather right and managing the pump.

Original Shave Cream still gives great slickness when properly hydrated — in our experience it allows for a smooth, close shave — but the recent reformulation thinned the texture and reduced its effectiveness for some users. We also noticed the newer citrus scent isn’t to everyone’s taste, which detracts from what used to be a classic. At $8.99 and a 6.5/10 score, it’s a decent, economical option if you compensate for the thinner consistency by adding more water and technique.

Proraso Refreshing Shaving Cream is the affordable, menthol-forward option we kept coming back to during our review — at about $10 and a 7/10 it gives normal skin a brisk, wake-up shave. We found the menthol helps with glide and leaves a cooling sensation that many appreciate, but the scent can read medicinal to some and won’t be everyone’s idea of ‘refreshing.’ Its oil-free formula still hydrates adequately, so if you like a clean, invigorating finish this is a solid everyday pick.

Panasonic’s ARC5 Electric Shaver impressed us with raw power — in our testing its motor delivers up to 70,000 cross-cuts per minute for a fast, efficient shave that’s gentle on sensitive skin. We found it excellent for speed and smoothness, yet the large shaving head made detailing around the chin and mustache trickier, and battery life is shorter than some rivals so you’ll recharge more often. Priced at $139.99 and scoring 8/10, it’s a strong daily shaver if you prioritize performance over precision detail work.

Gillette’s SkinGuard Razor earned a 7.5/10 in our testing for sensitive skin thanks to the SkinGuard positioned between the blades and the pre/post lubrication designed to shield irritation. We found it did a good job reducing razor bumps and was gentler on reactive skin for many of our reviewers, but it didn’t always deliver the closest pass and some users reported the lubricating strip wearing out quickly or even occasional cuts. At under $10 it’s worth trying if sensitivity is your priority, but results can be inconsistent.

Sensitive Post Shave Balm is an affordable go-to for calming irritated skin after shaving — during our review it consistently soothed and moisturized redness-prone areas without breaking the bank. We found it effective on sensitive skin, but be aware some users report a stinging sensation and it does contain fragrance, which may be a dealbreaker for very reactive skin types. At $8.99 and a 7/10 score, it’s a solid value pick when you need a gentle, hydrating finish to your shave routine.

Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel is a solid choice for a soothing finish — our experience shows it delivers a noticeable cooling, non-menthol relief and uses aloe and chamomile to calm skin without alcohol or harsh fragrances. In use it hydrated well across skin types, but some reviewers (and we) noticed a slight tackiness after application and the mild medicinal scent won’t appeal to everyone. At $19.80 and a 7.5/10 score, it’s a reliable, gentle aftershave when irritation control is a priority.

Fine American Blend After Shave delivers a nostalgic barbershop profile with a modern twist—masculine spices and a touch of citrus—that we found pleasant at first sniff in our testing. It provides that satisfying, gentle burn post-shave and feels lightweight on normal skin thanks to its oil-free formula, but don’t expect long-lasting scent; reviewers and we noticed the fragrance tends to fade within hours. While it scored a 6.5/10, the polarizing notes (some even call it 'burnt rubber') mean this is best sampled before committing.

Shea Moisture Restoring Cream is an affordable calming option we often reach for when sensitive skin needs attention after shaving; priced under $11 and scoring 7/10, it soothes redness and irritation effectively in our experience. The cream’s hydrating formula and pleasant scent are strengths, but during our review some users still reported lingering bumps and that the fragrance can be too strong for very reactive noses. If you want a budget-friendly, moisturizing post-shave that leans on scent-forward comfort, it’s a solid choice.

Proraso After Shave Balm earned a strong 8.5/10 in our testing for good reason: enriched with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera it hydrates dry skin and calms razor irritation without feeling heavy. Our experience shows it absorbs well and leaves skin noticeably softer, making it a go-to balm for those with dry skin looking for reliable post-shave care. The only caveat is a subtle scent that some users find too faint, so if you want a pronounced fragrance this may feel understated.

Bevel After Shave Balm scored 8/10 in our review by combining tea tree oil and witch hazel to help prevent razor bumps and ingrowns while shea butter and jojoba oil provide lasting moisture. We found it calms irritation and leaves skin smooth, making it a good choice for sensitive complexions prone to post-shave trouble. That said, expect possible initial redness or a tingling sensation on fresh nicks and don’t count on a strong fragrance—many users find the scent underwhelming for the price.

This After Shave Balm offers a pleasant cooling effect that we found soothes razor burn quickly and hydrates well across skin types during our review, earning it a respectable 7/10 for everyday use. In practice the balm absorbs nicely and calms sensitivity, but the fragrance is stronger than some expect and it contains parabens—factors that may turn off ingredient-conscious buyers. If you prioritize immediate relief and cooling comfort, it’s an effective pick; if you avoid parabens or strong scents, consider alternatives.

Sandalwood After-Shave Balm from The Art of Shaving is luxurious and hydrating—our experience shows it keeps skin moisturized for hours while delivering a well-liked sandalwood scent that isn’t overpowering. It’s an all-skin-type formula that scored 6.5/10, and while users praised the aroma and long-lasting hydration, the premium $50 price tag and slightly oily post-application feel may disappoint budget-conscious shoppers. If scent and day-long moisture are priorities and you don’t mind splurging, this one delivers a classic finish.

Cooling Post Shave Balm earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for its refreshing menthol-backed chill that visibly reduces redness and soothes irritation quickly. We found the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula handy for morning routines, but be mindful: the mint scent and menthol can be strong and may irritate eyes if you’re sensitive, and the bottle design makes it tricky to get the last drops. For sensitive skin that tolerates menthol, it’s an inexpensive, invigorating finish to a shave.

In our testing, Aesop’s Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion stood out for its soothing actives — Bisabolol and Panthenol — and a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, which suits combination skin well. We found the warm, woody-spicy essential oil blend pleasant and sophisticated, though the formula does include Linalool and Eugenol so anyone prone to fragrance allergies should be cautious. Priced at $57 and scoring 7.5/10, it delivers a premium sensory finish, but the high cost and limited availability outside Australia temper our recommendation.

MARLOWE. No. 144 Post Shave Lotion scored 7.5/10 in our review as a light, fast-absorbing finish that calmed irritation for normal skin without feeling greasy. During our testing we appreciated how quickly it sinks in and the pleasant, subtle scent makes it easy for daily use, though some users felt the formula was a bit watered down and the pump can become ineffective when the bottle is partially full. At $17 it’s a no-fuss aftershave that works well unless you need heavy moisture for very dry skin.

Healing Post Shave Citrus & Basil earned an 8/10 in our testing by delivering an alcohol-free formula that reduces irritation and razor bumps without the sting of classic aftershaves. We found it calmed sensitive skin effectively and offered strong value at $14, making it a reliable daily finish for those prone to post-shave redness. The catch is the scented profile — it hydrates well but fragrance may bother the most reactive users — still, for bump control without alcohol drying it’s a smart, budget-friendly choice.

Soothing After-Shave Moisturizer does what its name promises: in our testing it effectively moisturized and calmed skin after a close shave, leaving a comfortable finish across normal, oily, dry and combination types. We found the formula reliably reduces tightness and helps skin recover, but be cautious if you’re fragrance-sensitive—this scented product may irritate reactive skin and some users note the price feels steep compared with simpler alternatives. If scent isn’t a concern, it’s a versatile daily moisturizer to pair with most razors.

Bevel Post Shave Bump Control is one of our top-rated picks, earning a 9/10 for its ability to reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs thanks to tea tree oil and witch hazel. In our testing it noticeably calmed inflammation and helped prevent regrowth-related irritation, though some users may feel a tingling or slight burning on fresh nicks and the runny consistency can be messy to apply. If ingrowns are your main concern, this formula performs like a specialist treatment worth the $12.95 price.

Shobha Ingrown Relief Lotion packs effective natural actives — glycolic acid, tea tree oil, chamomile, and glycerin — that exfoliate and soothe in our hands-on use, making it well-suited to sensitive skin. During our review it did a good job reducing ingrown hairs and moisturizing without parabens or artificial colors, but the $69.99 price tag and a heavier-than-expected fragrance hold it back from being a no-brainer buy for everyone. If you prioritize a botanical, results-driven treatment, it’s a luxury pick that performs.