7 Best Shaving Creams for Black Men
Publushed by:
Travis J.Last updated:
August 2, 2022Not all shaving creams are created equal, and some are better for Black skin than others. Black men tend to have very thick facial hair, which makes their skin more prone to skin irritation, shaving bumps, and ingrown hairs.
If you are in a rush, our favorite shaving cream for black men is Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather.
Choosing a shaving cream that works well for Black men can help you avoid these irritations and keep you looking your best. Getting a high-quality shaving cream that is ideal for thicker hair is essential for those Black men with a thicker hair texture.
It can be tedious trying shaving cream after shaving cream to find the right product, so we did the work for you. We’ve rounded up seven of the best shaving creams for Black men for you to consider to get the best shave possible.
7 Best Shaving Creams For Black Men
We’ve tested several shaving creams for Black men and found seven products worth your time and money, including our pick for the best shaving cream for Black men.
Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather – Best Overall Shaving Cream for Black Men
The Art of Shaving Lavender Shaving Cream – Runner-Up
Kohana Shaving Cream – Best for Sensitive Skin
SoftSheen-Carson Magic Razorless Shaving Cream – Best Razorless Shaving Cream
Body Shop Maca Root and Aloe Softening Shaving Cream – Best Softening Shaving Cream
Truefitt and Hill Shaving Cream – Best Splurge
Proraso Shaving Cream – Best Bang for Your Buck
We’ve found that each product out of the seven we’ve reviewed has its own benefits, whether it works well for sensitive skin or has benefits for Black facial hair. Here’s an in-depth glimpse at our seven top products and the pros and cons of each.
Our overall top pick for the best shaving cream for Black men is the Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather. Jack Black is one of the leading pioneers in men’s skincare, and shopping from this small shop means you’re supporting a small business. This creamy formula allows you to get a close shave without risking cutting yourself.
The creators of this shaving cream use macadamia nut oil and soybean oil to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. This Jack Black product uses all natural ingredients like jojoba oil and glycerin to promote hydrated and soft skin.
Applying it to your skin helps lift facial hair upwards, which promotes a close shave, even if you’re not using a safety razor. Most people prefer to buy this product with their face cleanser and exfoliant that you’ll use before the cream, but you can use whatever other products you want if those two don’t appeal to you.
While the product doesn’t come with a brush, you can use it to apply to your face or just use your fingertips. Before you apply the shaving cream to your face, you’ll want to work it into a rich lather first. Once you’ve done this, it’s easy to slide onto your face and neck.
The Jack Black Supreme Cream works like traditional shaving cream and provides three layers of protection to the skin. This protection helps eliminate the risk of cutting your face and razor burn but still leaves you with an ultra-clean shave.
There is a scent with this cream, but it’s very light, and even those sensitive to scents shouldn’t have an issue using this product. One thing to consider with this Jack Black product is that it’s not the best to use if you’re using an electric razor.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Lathers well
- Leaves your skin hydrated and refreshed
- You can use it with a brush or your hands
Cons
- Avoid using with an electric razor
- Macadamia seed oil means those with nut allergies should avoid
Another one of the best shaving products is The Art of Shaving Lavender Shaving Cream. It’s so good that we consider it our runner-up, next to the Jack Black Supreme Cream. This brand is known for its excellent skin care, even better for those with sensitive skin. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, we’re confident you’ll get a comfortable shave and love this product.
You’ll get five ounces in each container, providing you with a creamy lather. You can apply it to your skin with a brush or with your hands, but remember that it doesn’t come with an applicator brush.
The ingredients the company uses in this formula are clinically tested not to cause skin irritation. Carefully selected ingredients reduce your risk of razor burn, rash, and other skin irritations.
The Art of Shaving uses lavender essential oils in this product, creating a subtle yet relaxing scent that even sensitive scent individuals won’t dislike. Plus, this essential oil will help provide you with a comfortable shave, hydrated skin, and a smooth face that you want after shaving.
One downside to this product is that the container only comes with five ounces, which might not seem like a lot for the price. However, you can use a tiny amount and still get a great shave. A little bit goes a long way. Though, if you like more extensive packaging, you might not like the sizing here.
Pros
- Lavender essential oil scene isn’t overpowering
- You can apply it with a brush or your hands
- Lathers easily
- All ingredients are clinically test for sensitive skin
Cons
- You only get 5oz of the product
- On the higher end of the budget spectrum
Most of the best shaving creams on our list work well for Black men with sensitive skin, but the Kohana shaving cream has to be the ultimate winner for the best shaving cream for sensitive skin. One of the main things that makes this one the best for sensitive skin is that it’s unscented.
Scents in skin care products are the leading cause of skin irritation for most people, especially those with sensitive skin. Even with minimal scents in other products, this one is the ideal option if you prefer your shaving cream to have no scent.
Besides being unscented, the ingredients used help you get a close yet comfortable shave and keep your skin looking fresh. There are even ingredients that help make your skin appear younger. There are no parabens, no harsh elements, and it is cruelty-free.
The cream lathers easily, and you can apply it to your face using a brush or your hands. An applicator brush isn’t included in your purchase, and most people agree that using a boar’s hair brush is best. You’ll love the shea butter they use to keep your skin hydrated and feeling as smooth as possible.
You’ll get about four ounces of product with each purchase, but a little bit goes a long way. Even for those who shave every day, you won’t run out of it as quickly as you think you might.
Pros
- Won’t cause any skin irriation
- Scent free
- Cruelty free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Contains retinol (vitamin A)
SoftSheen-Carson Magic Razorless Shaving Cream is a good shaving cream when you don’t want to use a razor. This shaving product is a unique one, but whenever you have a dull razor, need a razor refill, or just don’t like using razors, you’ll love this product.
Technically it’s also the best shave cream for men with bald heads, but it works on facial hair too. Since this product doesn’t require a razor, you can say goodbye to razor bumps and irritation from a razor blade.
While some men might have some issues with skin irritation due to the formula, most don’t. It’s not fragrance-free, but it has a light and refreshing scent that won’t give you a headache.
It’s easy to apply and fast-acting. You’ll squeeze a little bit of the product out of the tube, apply it with your hands or a brush, and then let it sit on your face and neck for four minutes. You’ll use a warm washcloth to wipe the product off your face and see a smooth and hairless face.
Many men have to shave or want to shave every day, but when you use this shaving cream, it can last for four days. Even for men with the thickest hair, you should be able to go multiple days in a row without shaving with this product.
Pros
- You don’t need a razor
- Works in 4 minutes
- Perfect for coarse hair
Cons
- Not fragrance free
If you’re looking for a great shaving cream that gives your skin the softest feeling, then the softening shaving cream from Body Shop is worth checking out. This creamy formula is designed for male adults with all skin types.
What makes this product excellent at softening your face is that they make it with plenty of maca root and aloe. These moisturizing properties are what make it so appealing to customers. The container has plenty of products to last you for months since a small amount goes further than you might think.
You can use it with an applicator brush or use your hands to apply it. Either way, the dense foam will form once you remove a small amount of the product from the container. That thick foam will provide you with enough of a barrier that prevents nicks on your skin while still giving you a close shave.
For those who care about cruelty-free products, you’ll be happy to know that this shaving cream is 100% vegetarian, and they source all its ingredients from sustainable sources in South America.
As the best softening shaving cream on our list, you’ll even love the price. It’s very affordable for what you’re getting, making it that much more appealing.
Pros
- Great for all skin types
- Contains all natural ingredients – aloe and maca root
- 100% vegetarian product
- Affordable
Cons
- Product usually feels up about 75% of the container
For those who aren’t concerned about the price tag of their shaving cream, then you’ll love the Truefitt and Hill shaving cream. Everything from the ingredients to the scent to the packaging looks elegant and high-quality.
Their 1805 product is by far the best. It’s a great scent that features mandarin, cardamon, bergamot, lavender, and sandalwood notes.
This manly scent is appealing to those who love a scented product. However, it’s not the best for fragrance-sensitive people. There are also seven other scents to choose from, but we love the 1805 scent.
This Truefitt and Hill product features natural and rare ingredients that make it stand out amongst other shaving products. You can use an applicator brush or your hands, but the company recommends using one of their badger-hair brushes.
The product is easy to lather and provides a protective barrier against skin irritation and nicks from your razor. All you need is a small amount of shaving cream and warm water to create a lather that feels amazing on your skin. Plus, you’ll love how your face looks once you finish shaving.
Pros
- There are 8 scents, including their 1805 scent
- Lathers easily
- Very reputable brand
- You only need to use a small amount of product
Cons
- Not the product if you sensitive skin
You can still get a high-quality shaving cream without breaking the bank. The Proraso shaving cream for men is the best option if you want an effective shaving product that won’t cost you your life savings.
Any man can use this product by Proraso, but it’s ideal for men with sensitive skin. Even those who aren’t sensitive to skincare products can benefit from the great shave you’ll get with this shaving cream.
The cream has an unusual scent you wouldn’t expect from this product. It has a lime and apple scent that is refreshing yet subtle. Most people prefer to use this product with a brush, but you can quickly lather and apply it with your hands.
They make this product with oatmeal and green tea extract to give you a smooth and hydrating face once you finish shaving.
The product is over 95% natural and shouldn’t cause skin irritation. While it should be safe for those with sensitive skin, many men with eczema have had adverse reactions when using this one, so you should avoid it if you have eczema.
You only need a dime-sized amount of the product, so you don’t need to worry about running out of the product quickly after purchasing it. However, with this product, you will still have to do your after-shaving skin routine. Even though the product makes your skin feel clean and fresh after shaving, don’t forget to use your after-shave routine.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Subtle and refreshing fragrance
- You only need a dime-sized amount to get a great lather
- Has green tea and oatmeal extract to soften and soothe skin
Cons
- Avoid if you have eczema
Shaving Creams for Black Men Buyer's Guide
With so many products available to shave with, it can be challenging to know which products are ideal for Black men and coarser beards. While we highly recommend these seven shaving creams listed above, if you want to do some more browsing before purchasing a shaving cream, here are some things you’ll want to consider as you make your choice.
Shaving Creams That Work Well With Your Skin Type
Everyone’s skin is a little different, and choosing a shaving cream that suits your skin type is the key to getting a great shave and smooth skin. Most people’s skin fall into three categories:
Oily
Dry
Sensitive
For example, astringent is an ingredient in many shaving products that isn’t necessarily harmful but can be to those with sensitive skin. If your skin isn’t sensitive, using a product with this ingredient shouldn’t be an issue. It can help reduce the amount of oil on your face and help keep your pores from clogging.
Researching what products work best for your skin type will ensure you choose a great shaving cream that will give you a smooth shave and prevent dry skin.
Avoid Products With Ingredients You’re Allergic or Sensitive to
You should always check the product label for the list of ingredients to ensure you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of those ingredients. All natural ingredients are best as long as you aren’t sensitive to any of the ingredients.
There are three main ingredients that people you may want to look out for.
Parabens are among the leading causes of rashes and irritation of skin in Black men. Parabens have connections to asthma and allergies, so it’s no surprise that it can cause problems with this ingredient in shaving creams.
Many companies include this ingredient because it can prevent bacteria growth in the product, but looking for a shaving cream without this is a good idea.
SLES is another potentially harmful ingredient that is in a lot of skincare products. It’s known to cause skin and eye irritation when used for prolonged periods.
Another harmful ingredient is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While it’s a great ingredient to help clean your skin, it can remove natural oils from your skin and dry it out.
If you’re unsure whether you’ll have a reaction to a particular product, you can do a patch test on your skin. You’ll want to use a tiny amount and leave it on for a few minutes. If you feel any burning or itching or notice a rash or red spot when you remove it, you want to look into another product.
Look for a Rich Lather
To get the most luxurious wet shave, you’ll need a shaving cream with a rich lather. A rich lather means a foamy, thick, white spread on the face. It should stick to the skin and should be soft.
How good the product lathers is an essential factor that means you’ll have a great shave and limit any cuts on the skin or razor burn. When you choose a shaving cream with a rich lather, it’ll be easy to apply on the face, soften your skin more, and provide you with smooth skin once you’re finished.
If you do your research and see a product has a rich lather, but you’re not getting the desired result, check your water hardness. Sometimes this can affect the product.
Type
Another thing you’ll want to consider before purchasing a shaving cream or shaving gel is the type. There are three main types of shaving creams.
You’ll find some in a can with pressurized foam with which you can create a thick layer. A pressurized foam shaving cream is the most traditional type and probably the first one you consider when considering these products.
Next, some shaving creams come with an applicator brush. You’ll need a bowl or something to lather the product with the brush it came with before applying it onto your face. The best part is that you can use the brush to put it on your face or switch to your fingers to apply it once you’ve thoroughly lathered the product to allow for a smooth shave.
Last but not least, there’s a brushless type. You’ll squeeze the product out of the container and apply it directly to your face before shaving.
Which one is best for you will depend on several factors. It depends on the wet shaving technique you prefer and the shaving style. Many Black men like the brushless type, but you can use any kind.
Cost
It might seem obvious, but when considering which shaving creams to buy, you always need to consider the price. There are some great affordable options and some that cost a pretty penny. Knowing what you’re willing to spend on shaving cream is essential.
The cost of the shaving cream will vary depending on the brand, quality, and quantity. If you’re comfortable spending over $20 for shaving cream, that’s more than okay. However, there are great budget creams under this price if you’re not willing to spend that much.
FAQs
Choosing the correct shaving cream or product for you isn’t always easy. There are hundreds of options out there. Let’s look at some of the questions other people are asking regarding shaving creams for Black men and their beards.
What should a Black man shave with?
You can use whatever you want to shave as a Black man, but the best thing you can use is to use a single-blade razor. Clippers and shaving close to the skin can cause irritation to the skin, and since hair stubble is less noticeable on Black men than others, you can get a clean, shaved look with only a single blade.
Should Black men use shaving cream?
Yes, all men should use shaving cream when shaving their faces. You’ll want to look for a thicker shaving cream that provides a thicker barrier between your face and the razor to prevent ingrown hairs. African American beards tend to be more coarse and prone to ingrown hairs, so thicker shaving cream with a thick lather is best.
If you don’t use shaving cream, you may find that bumps come up on your skin, or ingrown hairs will start to grow under the skin. This growth can be painful or, at the very least, irritating and unsightly.
What should you use after shaving?
Once you finish shaving, aftercare is essential too. You’ll want to take some time to apply a soothing face lotion with essential oils. Essential oils help soothe your shaved skin and nourish it to prevent any further irritation. If you have oily skin, choose a face lotion with minimal oil, so you don’t clog your pores and potentially cause ingrown hairs.
Can you shave without getting razor bumps?
There are a few shaving tips you can use to limit or prevent razor bumps. First, never shave on dry skin. Wet hair allows the razor to glide more easily across the face, limiting razor burns.
You’ll want to use a high-quality shaving cream or gel and always shave following the direction of the hair. Be sure to rinse your razor after every swipe, and always dry your razor between shaves.
Does Vaseline help with razor bumps?
Yes! Vaseline is a great and surprising remedy for razor burn and bumps. After you’ve finished shaving, if you notice irritation and inflammation from razor bumps, you can put a little Vaseline on the affected area, which can speed up the healing process.
How often should you shave?
If you’re not in the military or a demanding career that requires a daily shave, most men should shave every other day or every few days. Allowing your skin to rest after the shaving process will help you avoid ingrown hairs. Particularly if you have sensitive skin types, you will want to space your shaves and use the best shaving gel or pre shave oil you can to prep your skin.
You should also make a point to use shaving products with organic ingredients and natural extracts as a form of skin protection.
Does baby powder get rid of razor bumps?
Since razor bumps are caused by ingrown hair, baby powder can’t completely get rid of razor bumps. You can add baby powder to your razor bumps and gently massage it into the skin. The powder can help relieve irritation and reduce the inflammation from razor bumps.
Should you use a brush or your hands to apply shaving cream?
You can apply most shaving creams with a brush or your hands, but which one you prefer will come down to your preference. You can get a thick consistency lather with your hands, but most people will say that using a quality brush will get you the best lather possible.
When you get a good lather, you’ll get a close and comfortable shave without putting your face at risk for razor bump, shaving bumps, or other irritation. If you choose to use a brush to apply your shaving cream, you’ll want to clean it regularly to prevent any oil build-up that can clog your pores and make you break out.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to look for in these products will ensure you’re getting the best product for your skin and limit any razor burns you might experience from shaving. We recommend the Jack Black Supreme cream for those looking for the best shaving cream for black men.
These seven shaving creams for Black skin are some of the best available, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Whether you’re interested in something with a light fragrance, cooling sensation, or something formulated specifically for black skin, you’ll enjoy at least one of the products on our list.
