Most guys have spent more time than they'd like to admit standing in the shaving aisle of their local store, gazing at the vast array of items on offer. There are numerous brands, and each brand frequently offers creams and gels. So, how are you expected to determine which one to use?
This article is provided to assist you in determining which is better for your specific shaving needs. We'll not only go over the differences and similarities between shaving gel and cream, but we'll also show you how to choose high-quality products that will deliver the greatest results. Finally, we'll share a few of our favourites with you so you can quickly find the greatest selections available.
To begin with, many people identify shaving cream with our fathers' and grandfathers' old-fashioned metal spray cans. These products aren't creams at all; they're shaving foams. While all shaving products have some comparable ingredients, shaving foam has harsher ingredients that are harmful to your skin.
Modern shaving creams are much more similar to the shaving creams of the past. A denser product that should be mixed with water and rubbed into a rich lather in a bowl or straight on the face with a brush. Unlike shaving foams, which are pre-filled with air and deflate during usage.
What's the Difference Between Shaving Gel and Shaving Cream?
Let's look at what shaving gels and shaving creams are, how they're similar, and how they're distinct. While we'll go over each one in greater detail later, we'll start with a basic comparison table to let you view them side by side.
Here's a more in-depth look at the features.
Rich Lather
When it comes to shaving, some men prefer a thick lather. A good lather will help you get a better shave by pulling the hairs away from the skin and allowing you to get a close, comfortable shave. Shaving gels don't make a lot of lather. Shaving creams with high-quality ingredients will give you a wonderful lather whether you use your hands or a shaving brush.
Shave Without Using Water
Today's fast-paced environment forces us to rush through our mornings in order to be out the door as soon as possible. One of the ways to cut down on shaving time is to eliminate the need for water. Shaving gels are the only product that allows you to shave without using any water at the moment.
Skin-conditioning products
The difference between shaving gels and creams is that shaving gels contain oil-based chemicals, whilst creams do not. Oil-based conditioners are less effective in penetrating than non-oil-based chemicals. While this may work for some guys who condition their skin in other ways, shaving gels may not provide adequate skin conditioners for individuals who solely acquire their skin conditioners from shaving products.
Softens hair to make it easier to remove.
Most men are aware that coarser, coarse hairs are more difficult to remove than softer ones. High-quality shaving creams have the capacity to soften hairs by nature, which is one of their best advantages. The components must permeate the hair shaft for the substances to soften the hair from the inside out. This is one of the reasons why shaving with a cream takes a little longer than shaving with a gel.
Glide with Ease to Protect Your Skin
The ability to glide your razor across your skin is referred to as glide. Whether you use a shaving gel or a cream, you'll find that moving your razor across your skin is relatively easy. Both items are intended to assist you in shaving. The most noticeable difference is that gels provide a barrier between your razor and your skin. A gel may give extra protection for men who are prone to razor burn, ingrown hairs, or skin irritations.
You'll quickly realise that shaving gels and shaving creams can cost dramatically different amounts, in addition to the variances described above. Unlike the previously listed low-cost shaving foams, most high-quality shaving creams will be slightly more expensive.
Shaving gels can also be more expensive, especially when you consider how many shaves you can get from a single container. A container of shaving gel can last around two months if you shave every day, whereas a premium shaving cream packaged in a bowl can last a little longer. This is due in part to the use of water when shaving with a cream.
When it comes to deciding which is best, the truth is that every man has different shaving demands. Here are some considerations to consider when deciding whether to use a gel or a cream.
There are a variety of skin issues that can affect the type of product that will work for you, both long-term and short-term. Chronic illnesses including eczema, psoriasis, and sensitivity necessitate the use of the most delicate and pure substances possible.
People with certain skin disorders should avoid products that have additional scents or alcohols, as they might irritate the condition. Increased glide, such as that provided by shaving gel, can aid to lessen irritation while also providing an extra layer of protection. You'll have to replace your razor more frequently because a dull blade might cause more damage and irritation.
Between shaves, apply a decent quality moisturiser to protect your skin from irritation. To help relax their skin, some people may need medicinal lotions. If your skin is extremely irritated, you may need to stop shaving for a while to enable it to recover.
Are you often rushing out the door in the morning? Men who are pressed for time report that they not only have a tougher difficulty getting a close, comfortable shave, but they are also less likely to enjoy the entire experience. Shaving gels, as previously said, allow you to shave without using water, comparable to a dry shave.
Regular use of shaving gels without sufficient preparation and washing, on the other hand, has its own set of problems. Rushing through a shave, regardless of which product you use, puts you at danger of razor burn, among other things. Because you are unable to take the time to rinse away the shaving products, leaving your skin clean and fresh, you may have more breakouts.
You should try to calm down and enjoy a few moments to yourself, whether you use a cream or a gel. You'll notice a smoother, tighter shave and possibly even less irritation after a few minutes.
Hair Growth, Density, and Thickness
The type of items you desire or need to use will be influenced by the density and thickness of your hair. Men who have a lot of facial hair will discover that shaving with a shaving gel is more difficult owing to the lack of hair penetrating conditioners that soften the hair and make it easier to remove.
Men with very thick and coarse facial hair will likely benefit from a high-quality shaving cream, which will be even better if they use warmer water for a hot lather. This will penetrate the hair fibres more quickly and act deep into the hair follicles, which will be more open due to the heat, resulting in softer regrowth.
Razor Styles
Finally, the shaving products you use will be influenced by the type of razor you use. One of the most important things to remember is that certain oils and metals do not mix well. As a result, it's not uncommon for shaving gels to speed up the rusting or corrosion of your razors. For people who use disposable razors or cartridges, this is probably fine.
Men who use a wet/dry electric razor, on the other hand, may discover that a shaving gel does not rinse as well as a cream, resulting in a clogged razor head as well as increased corrosion or, at the very least, faster dulling of the blades. Most men will use shaving creams due to the increased cost of new heads for electric razors.
It's Time to Make a Decision
By now, you should have a good sense of which shaving product, shaving gel or shaving cream, is appropriate for your specific shaving requirements. While it would be simpler if we simply informed you that one is better than the other, the truth is that it depends on your specific circumstances. Now is the moment to make a decision. Don't worry, whichever option you choose, we've got you covered. Continue reading for tips on how to choose the correct products as well as product recommendations to make the process go more smoothly.
How can you choose the correct cream or gel now that you know whether you want to use a cream or a gel? Here are the most crucial factors to consider while comparing products.
Ingredients that are harsh
Whether you're looking for a cream or a gel, you'll want to pay close attention to the ingredients list. Natural, preferably organic, ingredients are what you want to seek for; items that can be found in nature rather than being manufactured in a lab.
It's crucial to remember that just because a product claims to be manufactured with natural components doesn't imply it's good for your skin. Hydrochloric acid is a naturally occurring chemical that is highly harmful to humans. Here's a quick rundown of the most frequent substances to look for and avoid if at all possible:
Sulfates and parabens — Sulfates are commonly used in cosmetics to help them lather, but they can be harsh on the skin. Parabens have been associated to an increased risk of breast cancer through affecting hormone function (and yes men can get breast cancer too).
Artificial Fragrances or Chemical Dyes – These substances are not only unneeded, but they can also create serious problems with your skin, such as allergic responses, dryness, and clogging your pores, where they can cause even more harm.
Alcohols — Alcohol-based products should be avoided by everyone, not just those with sensitive skin. Even those with normal skin can experience burning, dryness, and, in some circumstances, swelling and long-term irritation from these products. Furthermore, alcohols strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to environmental pollutants and other problems.
The Important Information
What are the excellent ingredients to seek for in a shaving product? We've discussed what to avoid, but what are the good ingredients to look for in a shaving product? The following are some of the ingredients to look for in a good shaving cream or gel.
Oils that are pure – Coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, for example, are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your skin. They also aid in maintaining the equilibrium of your natural oils so that you don't have to overproduce.
Essential oils — Those looking for great-smelling items should look for products that use essential oils to create the aromas. Shaving products contain a variety of essential oils, each with its own set of advantages. When used correctly, most essential oils are pure and manufactured from plant extracts, thus they have no negative side effects.
Conditioners — You have a lot of choices when it comes to high-quality skin conditioners. Individuals with sensitive skin should look for Aloe Vera-based products. Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, aloe vera not only moisturises but also relaxes the skin.
Coconut oil is another great skin conditioner since it hydrates and preserves the skin, making it smoother between shaves.
Mr Red Fox Of London's Final Thoughts
There you have it: everything you need to know, plus a few things you probably don't want to know, to help you determine whether a shaving gel or a shaving cream is the best option for you to get the close shave you want. We hope you found the information in this guide useful, and whether you choose one of the items we've mentioned or go out and discover one on your own, we wish you the best of luck on your adventure and hope you find the ideal shaving product for your needs.
