8 Shaving Cream Alternatives You Can Use in Times of Need
Nooo…..I said an alternative shaving cream
not alternative Razor!
In times of need, such as leaving the shaving cream out of the bag packing equation for vacation or just running out without realizing it, there are some useful shaving cream alternatives that could be within reach to save the day.
I have had to make do a few times when I had no other option.
How Shaving Cream Functions
Before raiding the cupboards to find a solution to your shaving dilemma, it’s best to understand what shaving cream does and how it functions.
Shaving cream is meant to help the blade glide smoothly across the skin and it softens the hair follicles for a closer shave. It can also help to prevent razor burn and nicks.
Shaving cream moisturizes the skin and leaves it feeling softer after you’re done shaving. It also provides a cushion between your skin and the blade, so it won’t irritate or cut you.
Ingredients in shaving cream can vary depending on the product form, but they commonly include soaps, fragrances, oils, botanicals, and emollients. The soap is used as a cleanser and surfactant to create bubbles and produce a rich lather. Fragrances are used to give the product a pleasant smell, while oils, botanicals, and emollients moisturize and condition the skin.
Shaving Cream Alternative Recommendations
Now that we have an idea of what shaving cream does and how it functions, let’s take a look at some alternatives that work. Certain alternatives will work better for some people than others.
1. Hair Conditioner
Yes, you read that right! Hair conditioners can be used as a substitute for shaving cream. It’s a great option if you’re running out of shaving cream.
Although you might have forgotten to pack your full-sized shaving cream tub, chances are you have a small bottle of conditioner. Whether it is a super high-end conditioner or just the regular sample-sized bottle in your hotel room, conditioner is a great shaving cream alternative due to its moisturizing properties on the hair and skin.
Conditioner is our first go-to option. You can see why, as it is already intended for hair use. It conditions while having a cream appearance and texture like shaving cream (not exactly, but close enough).
2. Shea Butter
Shea butter has moisturizing qualities, making it ideal for dry skin. It also helps protect the skin while you shave by providing some lubrication.
Shea butter can be whipped to make it easier to spread on your face. Simply stir in 2 tablespoons of Shea butter with 1/4 teaspoon of Baby oil and stir until combined. Massage on your face prior to shaving and shave!
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most common ingredients in natural shaving cream alternatives, mostly because coconut oil works so well as a natural alternative for shaving purposes. Coconut oil has a high lipid content, which makes it an effective moisturizer. The lipid gives it great emollient qualities that are perfect for smoothing out and protecting your skin during shaving. The lipids won’t evaporate like water, leaving the protective film on your face as you perform each stroke.
As a homemade solution, you can simply rub some coconut oil onto your face before you shave or whip some up with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of Shea butter to make your own homemade shaving cream.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera provides the skin with protection while it heals, making it a great alternative to shaving cream which is already used as an ingredient in many popular shaving creams. It can be used before shaving or after shaving for instant relief from razor burn. Simply rub some Aloe Vera gel on your face prior to shaving.
To make a homemade shave cream out of Aloe Vera, mix 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel with 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil, and a teaspoon of coconut oil to be used as a carrier. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to ease redness and irritation but use that carrier oil as mentioned.
Aloe is an all-natural ingredient, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a more environmentally-friendly shaving cream alternative.
5. Raw Honey – The Sweet Alternative
Give raw honey a try! This natural alternative offers many benefits
Raw honey is antibacterial, so it helps to kill bacteria that can make skin irritations worse. It’s also a great moisturizer, which helps keep your skin hydrated and may prevent nicks and cuts. Although it’s messy to apply and sticky to work with, raw honey makes a great shaving cream alternative. It’s affordable, easy to find, and natural, so you can feel good about using it.
Add a little water if the honey is too sticky for you (only a little).
6. Baby Oil
You can use baby oil as an alternative if you’re out of shaving cream and in a pinch. Pour a small amount of oil into your hand and rub it over the area you plan to shave. The oil will help the razor glide over your skin smoothly, preventing nicks and cuts. Be sure to rinse your face well afterward since baby oil can be a bit greasy.
7. Soap & Liquid Soap – Use Gentle Soap Though!
Soap is a great and an easy to source alternative to shaving cream, especially if you’re traveling and don’t have any cream on hand.
Just make sure to use a gentle soap that won’t irritate your skin. Avoid soaps with harsh chemicals or fragrances, and go for something more natural. I’ve used some and ended with very dry skin after.
Many soaps can cause dry skin and unlike shaving creams may not contain the necessary moisturizing ingredients.
Shaving with soap can take a bit more time and effort than using shaving cream, but it’s a great way to get the job done when you’re in a pinch.
Liquid soap (or even shampoo) can be pretty good when using it like a kind of shave gel. Don’t lather it up and just cover your face with the liquid. It does do the trick when times are hard on the shaving cream front.
8. Sunscreen
Sunscreen has many alternative uses. It typically works as a barrier between the skin and the sun, protecting against harmful UV rays. However, it can be used for more than just protection.
When there’s no shaving cream you can try using sunscreen as an alternative to shaving cream. Sunscreen performs similarly as shaving cream by lubricating your facial hair so it becomes easier to cut with your razor blade.
Sunscreen also helps moisturize your skin after you are done shaving, which is a task that shaving cream does very well.
There is a good chance of sunscreen being available in most homes or packed in a suitcase, making it a convenient alternative.
When Using Shaving Cream Alternatives
No matter which option you choose, it’s always important to rinse your skin thoroughly after shaving to remove any leftover shave cream. This will help avoid dryness or irritation.
A dull blade will not serve us very well, and they don’t even with the best shaving creams. Nasty nicks, cuts and razor burn occurs much easier with a dull blade.
A Gillette cartridge or even a disposable razor seems to take to being used with alternatives much better compared to safety razors. I’ve tried these, and safety razors are not so great with these alternatives, and the conditioner was best.
Be a bit cautious with what product you use for your skin. The last thing we need is a skin problem that’s worse than an extra day or two of beard or hair growth to deal with, especially on vacation or before an important meeting or date.
Women or men shaving their legs will find most options above easier than facial shaving with alternatives. Even our private parts can shave better with alternatives, but our faces are just more prone to problems and have difficult contours to deal with.
