Best Shaving Cream Alternatives - You can find these in your house!

Whether you've run out of your shaving cream or are merely looking for something new to try, there are plenty of shaving alternatives that can help.

Our salon industry is filled with a wide range of products ranging from shaving butter to foams and gels. Rather than resorting to dry shaving, or worse, an uneven shave, it is better to get a pinch of a lubricant - especially if you're prone to ingrown hairs. Luckily there are a few solid replacements that you can try!

Shaving Cream Alternatives

When it comes to shaving, hydration is the key. The more pampered your skin is, the better the shaving experience. Applying a lubricant such as shaving butter, gel, cream, or lotion will make the razor easier to glide.

1. Conditioner

One of the most popular shaving cream substitutes is a conditioner - Surprising right!

A conditioner usually has a thick formula that consists of hydrating ingredients, making it an easy swap for shaving cream. However, make sure to use sulfate and paraben-free conditioner as it doesn't include all the toxic chemicals that rip out your skin's natural moisture.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer, and thus can be easily found in a lot of skincare products. It is also very helpful for your skin as the moisturizing ingredients makes the razorblade easier to glide on your skin, thus reducing the overall occurrence of ingrown hairs.

On its own, shea butter can be used as an impromptu shaving cream. You can easily find this ingredient in the form of shaving butter, aftershave, and balm.

3. Pre-Shave Oil

Perhaps the most underrated product in men's shaving regimen, but pre-shave oil has a lot of unspoken benefits that one should try. A Pre-shave oil not only helps with the shaving, but also has soothing properties to help soften your skin, and put a stop to any scrapes, nicks, or cuts.

Just apply a damp amount of oil on your face, gently rub it, allow it to rest for a while, and finally, start your shaving routine.

Read More: Best Shaving Products for Men & Women

4. Coconut Oil

You may have heard about the benefits of coconut oil for hair and skin - It has excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. But do you know, you can use coconut oil for shaving? It's already been used in a lot of shaving products so why not use it as a whole?

5. Body Lotion

Just like a hair conditioner, body lotion also contains a thick formula that can be used as an alternative for shaving cream. The regular lotion contains ingredients like Goat milk extract, aloe leaf juice, shea butter, and essential oils such as sunflower or marula.

You can directly apply the lotion to your skin and make it supple and soft. And you'll be surprised to know that the ingredients used in a body lotion are sometimes even better than shaving creams.

6. Aloe Leaf Juice

When summer is in full swing, we see Aloe Vera in every other product. It can be found in lotion, it can be found in soap, it's everywhere. The reason why it is so "fan-favorite" is because of the fact that it acts as a perfect ingredient to reduce the effects of sunburn. If you can find it in the original form (thick jelly-like texture) or aloe leaf juice, you can add it to your shaving regimen as well.

7. Body Oil

Body oil is yet another great substitute for a shaving cream that you can try. It has a lightweight formula that can nourish and moisturize your skin. Look for ingredients such as Marula or jojoba oil. Apply a damp amount of oil on your skin, pamper it and follow up with your shaving regimen - you will surely enjoy the process.

8. Beard Balm

Although beard balm is mainly used for grooming purposes, in an hour of need, you can certainly use it for shaving as well. Opt for balms that are mixed with natural ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils to help hydrate your skin.

Using beard balm can help you with skin irritation, redness, and overall improve your skin's natural moisture.

Things that you should avoid as shaving cream alternatives

While every product in your cupboard may seem like something you can use for shaving, it is essentially not safe to use. Here are some products that you should definitely avoid while shaving.

• Soap: While a lot of people use soap for regular shaving, it is the number one cause of making your skin dry and dull. Soap, when combined with shaving rips out the natural moisture from your skin, ultimately making you look older than your age.
• Shampoo: This may seem like another great product, but essentially comes at a high price. Regular shampoos are mixed with sulfate, which is the same chemical you can find in soaps and all the other products that produce lather. Avoid these and opt for a sulfate-free solution.
• Dry or Wet Shaving: Although these methods may seem like something which you can conveniently follow, dry or wet shaving can lead to skin irritation and cuts. Especially for those that have dry skin, because, with no lubricant, there's no moisture on your skin for the blade to glide.

Also Read: What is Aftershave Balm - Is it better than lotion or splash?

How to use shaving cream alternative?

To use the substitutes listed above, follow the steps:

1. Take a bath or shower: Soaking your skin before shaving is one of the best ways to prepare it and remove all dirt, which is the main cause of irritation.
2. Apply the lubricant: Now depending on the substitute you're using, apply a small amount of the product on your skin and gently massage it. Don't use a puff or sponge on top of this as it will remove the protective barrier between the razorblade.
3. Start shaving: Gently shave the area where you have applied the lubricant, over the skin where your hair grows.
4. Apply a moisturizer: When you're done shaving, apply an aftershave oil or a moisturizer. It can be any lotion or oil you prefer.