Some new vegans find that giving up animal products is a cakewalk when compared to replacing toiletries with animal-friendly, cruelty-free alternatives.
It’s not that switching products has such a profound impact on your day-to-day routine, rather, it can be overwhelming to research which products don’t test on animals – especially when it’s related to less glamorous products like shaving creams and gels.
Makeup, shampoo, and body wash get a lot of limelight when it comes to cruelty-free beauty, but shaving cream isn’t usually something most new vegans consider when revamping their toiletries.
To make the process as easy and painless as possible, we’ve compiled a list of shaving creams for men and women that are kind to your body, kind to the planet, and completely vegan and cruelty-free.
Read on to find the cream that will help you get the closest shave possible for the least amount of suffering.
Jump to…Vegan Shaving Cream for MenVegan Shaving Cream for WomenConsiderations When Purchasing a Vegan Shaving CreamVolumeOrganic & Natural IngredientsFoamingScentVegan-Friendly Shaving Cream
Vegan Shaving Cream for Men
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Organic Shaving Soap
The shaving soap by Dr. Bronner provides the ultimate conditioning experience – one of the key ingredients, organic shikakai, comes from the seed pods of the Acacia tree, and has been used since ancient times as a gentle conditioning cleanser for hair and skin.
This soap is a certified organic product, and contains no synthetic ingredients, making it a perfect choice for people who strive to live green, eco-friendly lifestyles.
In addition to its organic status, Dr. Bronner’s Shaving Soap is also fair-trade certified, which ensures that the farmers and workers are paid a reasonable wage for the ingredients in this formula.
The shaving soap comes in an invigorating peppermint scent and is available in a seven-ounce bottle.
What We Love
Aside from the great shave it provides, reviewers love the natural, healthy ingredient list in this shaving soap. The completely organic ingredients give people more confidence about splashing the product on their face and in their mouth.
What We Didn’t Like
While the peppermint scent is certainly energizing, some reviewers with sensitive skin noted that it felt overpowering, and can burn skin. Additionally, the mint scent does not linger on the skin after shaving is complete.
Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super-Slick Shave Cream
Referred to as a “hydroplane,” the shave cream by Billy Jealousy is a rich, technologically advanced, non-foaming cream that allows your razor to glide effortlessly over skin with minimal nicking or irritation.
Because the formula doesn’t contain alcohol or menthol, it doesn’t cause frustrating dryness and helps keep skin nourished and moisturized.
Those with sensitive skin will be impressed by the Billy Jealousy cruelty-free shave cream, as its formula is based on scientific research that helps skin heal, regenerate, and overcome blemishes, all while maintaining a daily smooth shave.
This product comes in two sizes: a smaller eight-ounce bottle, and a large 33.8-ounce bottle, for those who don’t want to order frequently, or who have multiple people sharing the same gel.
What We Love
This is a tried-and-true product – it’s won a multitude of awards, including the 2007 Esquire Grooming Award’s Best Shave Cream, the 2014 Grooming Lounge’s Best Shaving Cream, and the 2015 Men’s Fitness Look Great Award. Even without a lather, this vegan shave cream creates a protective layer that keeps skin hydrated and healthy during and after shaving.
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers noted that, for the price of a luxury cosmetic product, they were not impressed with the closeness of the shave. Additionally, many people found it extremely difficult to get the product off the razor blades after shaving.
AHAVA Time to Energize Foam-Free Shaving Cream for Men
AHAVA harnesses the power of the Dead Sea to create products that are hydrating and nourishing for skin – even during shaving.
The alcohol-free and foamless Time to Energize shave cream uses minerals from the Dead Sea, plant extracts, and vitamins to soften even rough, thick beards for a healthy shave.
The addition of minerals from the Dead Sea, which has long been known to practically be a fountain of youth when it comes to beauty, helps skin stay moisturized, without any drying or irritation.
Instead of foamy aerosol, this product is a true “cream,” with a thick, rich texture that protects against nicks and bumps.
Ingredients like ginger give this cream a fresh, invigorating scent – perfect for use in the morning.
The AHAVA shave cream comes in a 6.8-ounce bottle.
What We Love
While the price of this vegan shave cream is high when compared to other products, a single bottle lasts a long time – just a quarter-sized amount can provide enough coverage for a close shave on the entire face and head. Most reviewers seem to agree that a single 6.8-ounce bottle lasts 3-4 months.
What We Didn’t Like
Some people reported a strong reaction to the methylisothiazolinone included in this formula. The ingredient can cause a rash, itching, and irritation, so people with sensitive skin should test on a small area before committing to a full-face shave.
Herban Cowboy Dusk Premium Shave Cream
A perfect cream for everyday shaving, Herban Cowboy uses menthol and aloe to cool and condition, and its lack of dyes, alcohol, drying soaps, or harsh synthetics creates a gentle shave and leaves soft, moisturized skin behind.
The non-lathering formula conditions skin during and after shaving to cut down on irritation and razor bumps.
All Herban Cowboy products are 100% vegan (and marketed as such), made in the United States, and come in recyclable packaging. Beyond human health, Herban Cowboy also cares about the health of the environment.
You can order a single 6.7-ounce bottle of Herban Cowboy’s Shave Cream from Amazon, or save money and time by purchasing a two-pack.
What We Love
This cream does not lather, but creates a rich coating that does an excellent job of raising and stiffening hairs to create an even, close shave. The menthol and aloe in the formula also keep skin cool and soothed after shaving is complete.
What We Didn’t Like
While this vegan shave cream does a great job with shorter beards, some reviewers with longer, thicker beards noted that they did not get the close, even shave others had experienced. If you have a long beard, you may not see the best possible results using this product.
Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
Jack Black’s Beard Lube Condition Shave combines three benefits in one: it’s a pre-shave oil, shave cream, and skin conditioner, all in a single product.
The formula, which is lightweight and contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba and eucalyptus, helps prepare whiskers for shaving by softening them and holds in moisture so the blade slides along easily and painlessly.
While the name of the product indicates its use for beards, you can also use it to shave your head.
It can be used with a straight edge razor, a multi-blade razor, or a wet/dry electric shaver.
The Beard Lube comes in stunning blue and black packaging that will look sharp on your bathroom sink. It is available in three-, six-, and sixteen-ounce bottles.
What We Love
This product is a great choice for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, and/or skin that is prone to razor bumps and irritation. Despite being a thin, translucent gel, many reviewers felt this product did a great job lubricating skin and allowing the razor to glide.
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers noted a dislike for the texture of this product – they felt it was too greasy and oily, and felt too much like an after-shave lotion. People looking for a lot of body and lather in their vegan shave cream may be disappointed by this product.
Vegan Shaving Cream for Women
Kiss My Face Moisture Shave
The olive and aloe shaving cream from Kiss My Face uses a 4-in-1 formula that cleanses skin while it softens, smooths, soothes, and moisturizes during your shave.
The nourishing ingredients like aloe, olive oil, and coconut make it gentle enough to use on sensitive areas like the underarms, face, and bikini line.
The entirely natural, botanical blend protects skin against nicks and scratches, leaving a soft, silky shave every time.
The shaving cream is entirely phthalate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified.
This cruelty-free shaving cream is available in three sizes: 3.4 ounces for convenient traveling, 11 ounces, and a four-pack of 11-ounce bottles, for those who like to stock up.
What We Love
This is a perfect cream for sensitive areas, as well as sensitive skin if purchasing the no scent version. The formula protects well against nicks and cuts and cuts down on painful razor bumps and irritation from the blade.
What We Didn’t Like
Some purchasers noted that the product doesn’t spread very well, so you wind up having to use quite a bit of cream per shave. If you’re a frequent shaver, buy in bulk.
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Shaving Gel
This shave gel combines organic and vegan ingredients with Dr. Bronner’s well-known pure-castile liquid soap base to create a rich, silky lather and moisture with staying power.
The cruetly-free shaving gel uses organic shikakai, the seed pods of the Acadia plant, which has been long used as a gentle hair and skin cleanser.
Dr. Bronner’s shave cream comes in a light lavender scent, is certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program, and verified by Vegan Action. It contains no drying detergents, synthetics, or preservatives, so it won’t dry out or irritate skin.
This shave gel comes in a 7-ounce bottle.
What We Love
The lavender scent is light and pleasant – plus, lavender has therapeutic calming effects, which make it perfect for a luxurious bath or shower. The aroma will help you get your day off to a good start, or end the day with a little relaxation.
What We Didn’t Like
The texture of this shaving gel is extremely thin, which limits the lather it’s able to work up. As a result, some people experienced many nicks and cuts when using this shave gel, so if you’re particularly sensitive, opt for a different brand.
J.R. Liggett Shaving Foam
If you absolutely need a foaming product for your shave, J.R. Liggett’s Shaving Foam is the product for you.
Using an old-fashioned formula, this shaving foam is sulfate-free, detergent-free, and contains only natural, non-synthetic ingredients.
The pump on the bottle contains a rich, foamy lather for cleansing and protecting during shaving, and ingredients like olive and coconut oil, jojoba, and vitamin E moisturize and nourish skin to protect it long after your shower is finished.
The foam can be used on the face, as well as legs, underarms, and bikini line.
The shaving foam is available in a 7-ounce dispenser.
What We Love
This vegan shaving cream leaves you squeaky clean – after a long run, long day, or simply when you’re looking for a quality clean, the foaming formula leaves skin feeling fresh and cleansed. This is a good option for active people or those who work outdoors.
What We Didn’t Like
While this is technically a shaving foam, the foam is a little on the looser side, so don’t expect a stiff texture like one might get from aerosol cans.
Avalon Organics Cream Shave
The revitalizing shave cream from Avalon Organics provides a super-smooth razor glide to ensure you get a close, comfortable shave.
The peppermint scent is cooling and soothing on the skin, and the moisturizing formula leaves skin soft, smooth, and nourished.
The formula is entirely organic, vegan, and free of GMOs, and contains no parabens, sulfates, preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, or phthalates.
The packaging is also biodegradable, so you can care for the planet even as you dispose of the cream.
Amazon offers single 8-ounce bottles, or you can purchase a set of two for a slightly discounted price.
What We Love
This entirely natural and organic formula performs on par with, if not better than, aerosol brands that are laden with chemicals. Reviewers loved how close of a shave they got with an entirely botanical blend.
What We Didn’t Like
The addition of peppermint creates a wonderful cooling sensation on the face and legs, but can cause some discomfort and irritation if used on more sensitive areas like underarms.
TAYLOR'S All Natural Women's Shaving Cream
Sensitive skin? Looking to go green? Taylor’s All Natural Shaving Cream is pure, organic, raw, and scented with essential oils.
It’s free of artificial fragrances, parabens, gluten, aluminum, synthetics, and plastic, as it comes in a tasteful glass jar with a metal screw cap.
The formula is made in the United States, and the company notes that a little goes a long way, so use sparingly! This cruelty-free shaving cream can be used on all areas of the body.
The shave cream is available in two ounces in mint or grapefruit scents, and the 10-ounce jar is available in grapefruit.
What We Love
This formula is about as natural as it gets, using raw, organic ingredients. This makes it a good option for people with allergies, sensitivities, or those who simply want to replace their chemical-laden toiletries with natural alternatives.
What We Didn’t Like
While environmentally friendly, glass jars can pose a safety hazard if they are dropped and break. If you have small children, or if you’re especially clumsy, opt for a shaving cream with biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
Considerations When Purchasing a Vegan Shaving Cream
Volume
Many shaving creams come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll want to consider which works best for you.
If you travel frequently, or just want to try out a certain formula, a 3-ounce bottle may work best, so you can tuck it into your carry-on luggage without problems.
However, if you have a lot of skin to shave or are a frequent shaver, or have several family members using the same batch, it may be a better idea to opt for larger sizes, so you aren’t having to constantly replace what’s been used up.
Additionally, you can frequently save some cash per ounce by buying larger bottles, or multi-packs.
Organic & Natural Ingredients
When possible, it’s always a good idea to choose natural, organic ingredients – especially for things you’re rubbing into your skin. Organic products mean no harsh chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic ingredients will be absorbed into your skin, the largest organ in your body.
In addition to your own health, choosing organic also means you won’t be flushing those chemicals down the drain each time you shower. A simple choice to go organic means healthier water and happier fish.
Foaming
While we traditionally think of shaving cream as a stiff, foamy product, the chemicals, and gasses that create that foam have been shown to be unhealthy for our environment.
When you press that button, it releases hydrocarbons and/or compressed gasses that are responsible for contributing to global warming. When you use aerosols to create foam, you raise your carbon footprint – even if just a little bit.
If you can’t imagine a shave without a handful of the foamy stuff, opt for the shaving foam listed above, which does not rely on compressed gasses to make the product bubbly and lathered.
Alternatively, consider purchasing a small bottle of a non-foaming shave gel or cream – while it doesn’t provide the same foam you might be used to, it’s a small price to pay for a safer, cleaner planet – especially if you’re already making such an impact by eschewing animal products.
Scent
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the scent.
From an obvious point of view, the scent is about preference – do you like florals? A more masculine musk? No fragrance at all?
Consider that the scent of the product will likely linger long after your shave is finished, so if you don’t want your beard to smell like lavender on the subway, consider an alternative fragrance.
Another thing to consider is the area you’ll be shaving.
Some creams include peppermint oil, which provides a soothing, cooling effect when used on the face or legs, but can be uncomfortable on more sensitive areas like underarms and bikini lines.
For a shaving cream that can be used on many body parts, opt for a lighter, less noticeable fragrance, one created with essential oils, or choose a formula that is completely free of any scent.
Vegan-Friendly Shaving Cream
Replacing your toiletries and cosmetics – even things like shaving cream – doesn’t have to be a long, arduous process.
The ten products listed above align perfectly with a vegan way of life, and many are even unisex so that they can be used by vegan men and women alike.
With a wide variety of scents, ingredients, and textures, a lack of options is certainly no reason to keep using a chemical-laden shaving cream that’s been tested on animals. It’s possible to get beautiful, silky, smooth skin while remaining in line with your values.