The 4 Best Shaving Creams for Men for a Close & Smooth Experience

Many men know the frustration of razor burn, bumps, or that sandpaper feeling from a rushed shave. What most don’t realize is that your shaving cream does half the work, either protecting your skin or letting you down if it lacks cushion and glide. 

A good shaving cream works on a simple principle: it softens hair and protects the skin. Ingredients like glycerin and natural oils trap water in the hair shaft, making it easier to cut while keeping skin hydrated. Cushioning lather and high-slip oils allow the blade to glide smoothly, while soothing botanicals like aloe, chamomile, and menthol help reduce redness and bumps, ensuring your face feels comfortable after every shave.

Not all creams are equal. A well-formulated one balances cushion, glide, and calming actives while offering a scent that suits your taste, whether you prefer a classic barbershop feel or a subtle, clean note. Quality creams often cost more upfront but last longer because you need only a small amount to build a rich lather that truly protects your skin.

In this post, we’ll share the four best shaving creams for men available on MASC and some close shave tips to help you pick the best option for your routine, skin type, and scent preference.

Quick-Glance: Best Shaving Cream for Men & What They’re Best For

Choosing the right cream can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of tubes. Comparing a few reliable options side by side makes it easier to match your purchase to your skin and shaving gear. 

Some men use brushes for a rich, traditional lather, while others prefer a modern brushless cream that they can apply with their hands and go. No one cream works for everyone; the trick is knowing what you need most: deep cushion, cooling relief, simple natural ingredients, or a daily all-rounder for irritation control.

It’s helpful to see how these four top picks stack up at a glance, giving you a clear idea of which cream best fits your routine, whether you shave daily, grow coarse beards, or just want an old-school menthol blast. Once you spot your match, dig deeper into each one to learn how it really works.

Top 4 Picks for Best Shaving Creams

Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in technical details, but a good shave is really about how your skin feels afterwards. Each of these creams takes a different approach: one layers a cushion for safety, another cools and calms, another uses clean botanicals, and another helps tackle daily razor bumps. 

We’ll break down how each works so you can choose confidently. Understanding what each formula delivers will help you avoid guesswork and irritation.

1. Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather

Jack Black’s Supreme Cream Triple Cushion® lives up to its name with its three protective layers: macadamia nut oil, soybean oil, and glycerin. 

These create a luxurious lather that lifts whiskers away from the skin, allowing the blade to glide close while still providing cushioning against razor burn, irritation, nicks, and cuts. 

Its PureScience™ formula is fragrance-free, colorant-free, and paraben-free, making it a suitable shaving cream for sensitive skin.

It works just as well whether you use a shaving brush or your fingers, so it’s flexible if you want a full wet shave or a quicker routine.

• Key Ingredients: Macadamia Nut Oil, Glycerin, and Soybean Oil, plus Certified Organic Sea Kelp Extract, Sunflower Seed Extract, and Licorice Root Extract for extra soothing.

• Lather Style: Dense, protective lather with or without a brush.

• Performance Highlights: Triple Cushion® technology provides a protective barrier, softens coarse hair, and leaves skin hydrated and smooth.

• What Users Love: A small amount goes a long way, and the skin feels velvety, calm, and refreshed.

• Ideal For: Men with thick stubble or sensitive areas who want maximum cushion and an irritation-free close shave.

2. Proraso Shaving Cream - Eucalyptus & Menthol

Proraso’s Eucalyptus & Menthol is an Italian classic known for its invigorating cooling effect. Its traditional vegetable stearin base is enriched with eucalyptus oil to tone and purify the skin and menthol to refresh and tighten pores. 

It produces a rich, creamy lather that works best with a brush, helping lift whiskers for a close, smooth shave with minimal irritation. With no parabens, silicones, mineral oils, or artificial colors, it’s trusted by generations of barbers and shavers alike.

The classic scent is clean but not overpowering, so it won’t clash with your aftershave or cologne.

• Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus oil purifies, menthol refreshes and revitalizes, and glycerin boosts glide.

• Lather Style: Thick, concentrated lather that builds best with a brush.

• Performance Highlights: Helps tone the skin, leaving it cool and refreshed, and reduces redness.

• What Users Love: Delivers an old-school barbershop shave at a budget-friendly price; ideal for all skin and beard types.

• Ideal For: Men who want a fresh, cooling shave and an authentic barbershop scent, especially good in warm weather.

3. Ursa Major Stellar Shave Cream

Ursa Major Stellar Shave Cream is a brushless, natural shaving cream designed for men who prefer a simple routine with clean, high-quality ingredients. Its concentrated, lotion-like texture softens coarse whiskers and provides slip for a close, comfortable shave without synthetic foaming agents. 

Plant-based ingredients like aloe, birch sap, and willow bark help calm skin, reduce razor burn, and prevent bumps. The fresh, herbal scent is derived from premium essential oils, including organic Grand Fir, Vetiver, and Ginger.

The scent is light and herbal, with no synthetic fragrance, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or who dislike strong scents.

• Key Ingredients: Aloe to hydrate and soothe, willow bark to help reduce ingrown hairs, and birch sap for extra skin nourishment.

• Lather Style: Brushless, low-foam, lotion-like application.

• Performance Highlights: Softens whiskers, cushions skin against razor burn, concentrated so a small amount covers well.

• What Users Love: Subtle, natural scent; clean formula with no synthetic fragrance; easy to use and travel-friendly.

• Ideal For: Men who want a naturally-derived shave cream with a fresh scent and a straightforward, brushless routine.

4. Baxter of California Super Close Shave Formula

Baxter of California’s Super Close Shave Formula is designed for daily wet shavers who want an effortless glide and protection from irritation. This brushless cream creates a rich lather that helps the razor move smoothly, while coconut extract hydrates and conditions the skin. 

Peppermint oil and antiseptic botanicals help soothe razor burn and inflammation. This formula is paraben-free and won a Best of Beauty Award from Allure for its reliable results.

The scent is light and fresh, not overpowering, making it a great addition to your usual grooming routine.

• Key Ingredients: Coconut extract hydrates and provides a moisture cushion, peppermint oil tones and soothes, and antiseptic botanicals refresh skin.

• Lather Style: Brushless, rich cream lather.

• Performance Highlights: Helps prevent nicks and cuts, combats redness and irritation, and is easy to rinse off.

• What Users Love: The light, fresh scent pairs well with any aftershave, making it a good daily driver for sensitive areas.

• Ideal for: Men who shave daily, especially those with sensitive necks or concerns about razor bumps.

Quick Comparison: Find the Right Shaving Cream for Your Skin and Routine

Seeing each cream side by side makes it easier to choose what suits your needs, whether that’s maximum cushion for coarse stubble, a classic menthol refresh, a natural brushless formula, or daily bump control. 

Compare what matters most for your skin type, beard thickness, shaving style, and budget. Use this guide to avoid second-guessing and pick with confidence.

You might also want to see MASC’s thinning hair collection if hair density is something you think about. If you prefer styling products with a natural feel, consider Hanz de Fuko for easy hair control.

Key Insights & Trends

Understanding why these creams are popular can help you maintain a simple yet effective routine. From simpler brushless creams to proven triple-layer cushions, shaving technology has advanced significantly. 

Choosing well can make the difference between fighting irritation every morning and looking forward to your shave. These trends show what actually makes a difference for real skin, not just what looks good on the shelf. 

1. Brushless and Natural Formulas on the Rise

Brushless shave creams have become popular because they reduce the need for extra tools and cleanup. Many men like that these creams can be applied by hand and rinsed off quickly, which fits nicely into a low-maintenance routine. 

Natural and plant-based formulas often utilize ingredients such as aloe, birch sap, or willow bark extract to help soothe and hydrate the skin while reducing the use of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Many people also appreciate that these simpler formulas are travel-friendly and often come in eco-conscious packaging.

2. Layered Cushioning Helps Reduce Razor Burn

One significant improvement in shaving creams over the years is the use of multiple cushioning agents. A good cream creates a layer of air and moisture between your skin and the blade, allowing the razor to cut hair cleanly without dragging or scraping. 

This is especially useful for men with thicker stubble or areas that require multiple passes, such as the neck or jawline. A better cushion means fewer accidental nicks, less razor burn, and skin that stays hydrated instead of tight or raw.

3. Cooling and Invigorating Ingredients Still Matter

Shave creams that contain ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus remain popular because they help cool the skin and constrict pores during and after shaving. These ingredients can be beneficial for individuals with oily skin or those living in warm, humid climates, where pores are more open and irritation is more likely. 

A cooling effect also helps calm redness and leaves your face feeling fresh, which is why these old-school barbershop styles have never really gone out of fashion. For many men, a hint of cooling sensation is still a small but meaningful way to make the daily shave feel refreshing instead of routine. 

Conclusion 

A great shave starts before the blade ever touches your skin. The cream you choose makes a real difference in how close, smooth, and comfortable each pass feels. The right ingredients soften hair, add a protective layer, and reduce friction so you do not deal with unnecessary nicks or redness. When your skin feels healthy and calm afterward, you know you got it right.

Every person’s shaving needs are different. Some people benefit from a rich, cushioned lather to handle thicker stubble or sensitive areas. Others prefer a lighter, brushless cream that works fast with less mess. Knowing what works for your skin means less irritation and more confidence every time you shave.

It doesn't require expensive tools or complicated steps to upgrade your shave. A well-formulated cream does the heavy lifting, allowing you to achieve a cleaner result without having to shave over the same area repeatedly. 

Paying attention to small details, such as pre-shave preparation and lather technique, as well as classic close-shave tips, makes all the difference.

Explore MASC’s full collection of the best shaving creams for men and find your perfect match. To complete your routine, consider adding a pomade or hair powder to style your hair with ease.