9 Best Shaving Oils for Men to Achieve a Smooth Shave

While shaving is a necessary step in the skincare routine for most men, not everyone is familiar with the proper technique to prevent issues like razor burns, skin irritation, or ingrown hairs. Some may believe it’s impossible to steer clear of these shaving problems, but in reality, it’s quite achievable, especially when equipped with the appropriate shaving tools and proper pre-shave skin preparation.

To turn your aspiration of a comfortable shaving experience into reality, begin by taking gradual steps and consider introducing the best shaving oil for men into your routine today.

Shaving oil is a pre-shave product designed to prepare your skin by providing excellent lubrication for achieving the smoothest possible canvas before you start shaving. It creates a gentle, protective silk-like layer, acting as a barrier between the razor blade and your skin. This results in a cleaner, smoother shave without cuts or irritation.

It’s important to note that while all pre-shave products, including shaving serums and creams, aim to achieve smoother skin, shaving oils offer additional benefits beyond that primary function of smoothing out roughened skin.

Due to them being rich in antioxidants and other nourishing elements, shaving oils also hydrate skin while preserving its natural sebum balance. And of course, unlike shaving gels or creams, shaving oils are formulated with all-natural ingredients, meaning they are less likely to trigger adverse reactions or cause side effects.

To gain more insights, please explore our top recommendations for the best shaving oils for men to discover which one best suits your overall grooming regime.

Our Top Picks

Below are our top 9 best shaving oils for men.

1. The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil
2. Tree Hut bare Moisturizing Shave Oil
3. Shave Secret Shaving Oil
4. The Henna Guys Moisturizing Pre Shave Oil
5. Leaf Shave Shave Oil
6. Bevel Pre Shave Oil
7. Viking Revolution Pre Shave Oil
8. Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil
9. Anthony Pre-Shave and Conditioning Beard Oil

The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil – Best Sandalwood Scent

This is, hands down, our premium choice for pre-shave oil, coming from a well-reputed brand, The Art of Shaving, which has been a favorite among barbers since 1996. Offering a unique blend of all-natural essential oils, this pre-shave product preps your skin well for smoother skin. Some of the prominent botanical oils in this pre-shave beard oil include castor oil, olive oil, and sandalwood oil.

The reason Sandalwood oil is specifically mentioned in bold letters on the front is that it not only helps nourish the skin but also enriches your shaved skin with a deeply masculine fragrance that captivates others for all the right reasons. The castor oil in its formulation pledges to protect the skin against tugging and pulling during shaving, especially for men with tough beards or sensitive skin.

But here is a word of caution from us: This oil is a bit dense, courtesy of the heavy-textured essential oils included.  While this density helps the razor glide easily over stubborn whiskers, it often leaves a greasy after-feel if not rinsed off properly. However, since only a drop of this beard oil is enough to soften skin, you can rub it off with a lather to prevent a greasy feel.

Overall, this pre-shave oil by The Art of Shaving is worth a try if you don’t mind a strong, woody aroma. 

Tree Hut Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil – Best for Sensitive Skin

The next shaving oil on our list is this unique gel-to-oil moisturizing shave oil by Tree Hut Bare, showcasing its signature coconut-lime aroma. This product, which blends a highly nourishing formula of natural oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, sesame oil, and grapeseed oil, astounds us with its exceptional ability to deliver the smoothest shave.

These oils are also responsible for soothing the slight tingling sensation post-shaving, offering ample hydration and nourishment to the skin. Yet, what truly captures our attention in the list of ingredients is the presence of oat kernel extract. While the combination of shea butter and vitamin E extracts deeply moisturizes dry skin, the oat kernel extract further aids in retaining moisture levels for softer skin.

Looking at all these ingredients, it’s no longer a secret how this shaving oil could make your electric razor glide smoothly with minimum risk of nicks and cuts. We thoroughly examined reviews of this product on Amazon, and the only negative aspect we found was its scent. Yes, its somewhat intimidating Caribbean  notes might not fit the typical description of a manly fragrance.

Nonetheless, if fragrance isn’t your ultimate deciding factor, this would be the best shaving oil for sensitive skin thanks to its efficient alcohol-free, paraben-free, and formaldehyde-free formula.

Shave Secret Shaving Oil – Best for Wet Shaving

With a claim to fame for providing people with “The Best Shave Ever,” Shave Secret has consistently lived up to its promise by continually crafting the most genuine and botanical recipe for shaving oils, free from artificial elements. This shaving oil, packaged in an 18 ml super-mini bottle, can work wonders for your skin with its all-natural blend of essential oils.

Shave Secret shaving oil uses various seed and nut extracts as a base oil, to which they’ve added other essential (steam-diluted) oils such as vanilla tea oil, and menthol. Its base oil, rich in emollients, makes it the preferred choice for people with dry skin. Emollients act as replenishing agents, soothing the skin’s roughness and keeping the skin moisturized for longer. This is why Secret Shave’s product is considered multipurpose and can be helpful in addressing issues like razor burn and post-shave irritation.

What we like the most in its formulation is how effortlessly it softens even the most brittle facial hairs without clogging your pores. This hair softening, in turn, ensures the razor glides effortlessly, resulting in a nick-free, smooth shave. However, numerous reviewers of this product complain that this shaving oil is not as viscous as expected and thus may not last long in your shaving routine. 

 Nevertheless, it’s still a good value for your money, and the sweet clove-like scent doesn’t linger on too much to annoy your senses. 

The Henna Guys Moisturizing Pre Shave Oil – Best Multipurpose Shave Oil

As the name suggests, this pre-shave product paves the way for perfectly moisturized skin, thanks to its naturally nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil. Unlike other products on this list, this one by The Henna Guys features a 3-in-1 formula that can be used as a pre-shave oil, a post-shave moisturizer, or a go-to beard conditioner. 

The Henna Guys Moisturizing Pre-Shave Oil offers just the right consistency to hydrate stiff facial hairs, preventing shaving burns, irritation, and nicks. When used as an aftershave, it provides a moisturizing effect and helps combat wrinkles, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth. Finally, as a beard conditioner, this product is not your typical beard oil, thanks to its 100% organic ingredients that quickly absorbs into your facial hair without causing itching.”

 Now, lets address some of the drawbacks of this pre-shave oil. Its bottle design is not very user-friendly and could lead to wastage during shaving. The optional pump top lid included with the product can be tricky to attach, and even a slight pump can result in an excess of shave oil being dispensed. Additionally, the combination of eucalyptus and lemongrass in the scent can be a bit overwhelming for daily use. If this is a concern for you, they do offer an unscented version.

Leaf Shave Shave Oil – Best Fragrance-free

Leaf Shave Oil is another of our picks for the best shave oils for men, having a straightforward oil formulation with no synthetic pungent fragrances. Yes, it contain a blend of essential oils similar to those found in other brands; products, with the notable difference of added rosehip and sweet almond oil. Both rosehip oil and almond oil are enriched with Vitamin A and antioxidants, which help tone down skin inflammation while protecting against razor drag induced cuts. 

Compared to its counterparts, Leaf’s Shave Oil stands out with its lightweight texture that effectively reduces friction without feeling overly slick. The product’s sleek glass bottle, rubber lid, and wooden dropper reflect the company’s commitment to eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging, so a big thumbs up to them! 

 However, it’s worth noting that the glass bottle can be slippery, especially if you prefer to shave in the shower.

This product is an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin prone to clogging or breakouts with heavier, denser shaving oils. However, for those with exceptionally tough facial hair, resembling hard-cooked pasta, this pre-shave oil may not provide sufficient lubrication to soften them for a close shave.

Bevel Pre Shave Oil – Best for Black Men

Bevel takes pride in being the first and only head to toe grooming brand crafted for Black men. As part of its comprehensive shave system tailored for men with coarse and curly hair, this shaving oil plays a vital role in preparing the skin for a smooth shaving experience by creating a lubricating, protective layer that reduces the risk of nicks and cuts.

Bevel’s pre-shave oil is enriched with a nourishing blend of Castor Oil, Olive Oil, and Tea Tree Oil. We appreciate the invigorating scent of tea tree oil, and even better the non-sticky formulation. A little goes a long way with this product. 

Another notable advantage of this product is that it has been dermatologist-tested and proven effective in preventing razor bumps and irritation. However its bottle lets it down; while it is compact, sadly it’s not the most portable option as the bottle is prone to leaking.

Viking Revolution Pre Shave Oil – Best for Affordability

Viking Revolution started out as a hobby between two bearded friends and has grown into a highly popular brand in the men’s beard care industry. Viking Revolution pre-shave oil features premium ingredients without harsh chemicals. With an all-organic, natural formula of grape seed, jojoba and sweet almond carrier oils, blended with vitamin E, coconut oil and sandalwood oil, you can expect a smooth, irritation free shave when using this product.

This pre-shave oil has a thick consistency and offers excellent coverage with just a few drops. It is equally effective at reducing razor burns compared to more expensive products. However, the main drawback we found with this product is that the oil can feel sticky and prove somewhat challenging to remove from the skin and other surfaces.

If you’re willing to try the product despite its texture and scent, purchasing it directly from Viking Revolution on a subscription basis can be a cost-effective way to include pre-shave oil in your shaving kit.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil – Best Fragrance

Taylor of old Bond Street is another sandalwood scented shave oil for men with a difference. It has a unique and vibrant masculine perfume with top floral notes and a base tone of sandalwood. Designed for sensitive skin, its formation includes calming ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and Chamomile extract.

This classic Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave Oil is formulated to soften and prepare the skin and to ensure a more relaxing and more comfortable shaving experience. Often compared with our top pick, the Art of Shaving, this shave oil is not as thick, offers a slightly less smooth glide, however the scent is just so much better. 

Anthony Pre-Shave and Conditioning Beard Oil – Best Conditioning

The Anthony brand is a a favorite with grooming experts and stocked across high end barber shops in the US and Canada. Anthony Pre-Shave and Conditioning Beard Oil is a quality product made in the USA, and free of nasty ingredients such as parabens, phtalates, GMOs, DEA, triclosan, and gluten.

This versatile product serves a dual role, functioning as both a pre-shave oil and a beard conditioner to tame and soften unruly whiskers. It incorporates essential oils such as Rosemary for skin and hair nourishment, Basil to provide beard hair softness, as well as Vitamin E and Calendula to soothe and hydrate the skin. 

Choose this product if you’re looing for a pre-shave oil with a gentle yet invigorating herbal aroma featuring hints of rosemary and mint. The only drawback to Anthony’s pre-shave oil is that it may not be as effective as a beard conditioner if you have a very coarse beard

Pros

• Allergy and dermatologist tested
• Rich in essential oils and beneficial ingredients
• Free Free of parabens and other harmful chemicals

Cons

• Not as effective as a conditioner for coarse beards

Factors to look into when buying the best face shaving oils

Now that you’re acquainted with some of the best shaving oils available, let’s take a moment to briefly discuss the features you should consider to find the right pre-shave oil for you.

Skin type

Among all the factors to consider while choosing shaving oil, your skin type definitely comes first. 

If you have dry skin, look for a pre-shave oil with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, shea butter, or almond oil. These oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can help nourish and hydrate dry skin. Also look for a pre-shave oil with a slightly thicker or richer texture, as it can provide extra moisture and protection for dry skin.

For those of you with an oily skin type, opt for a pre-shave oil with a lightweight, non-greasy texture to prevent further oiliness and ensure it doesn’t clog your pores. Also look for products labeled as non-comedogenic, as these are less likely to block your pores and cause breakouts. Pre-shave oils with ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel can also help control excess oil production.

We recommend men with sensitive skin choose a natural product based pre-shave oil: look for calming plant-based ingredients such as chamomile and aloe vera, that won’t exacerbate oiliness or irritate your skin. It is also good to consider hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to minimize the risk of skin irritations.

Scent

Unless you have sensitive skin and require an unscented pre-shave oil, or you’ve decided for an unscented oil to ensure your shave oil won’t clash with your cologne, fragrance is an important deciding factor when selecting shaving oils and very much a personal preference. Pre-shave oils nowadays come in a wide range of fragrances from subtle earthy tones, strong, spicy scents to fruity notes. 

Size

The very size of your pre-shave bottle correlates to the frequency of shaving in your grooming routine. If you shave daily, always choose a larger size bottle of pre-shave oil so it will last longer. On the other hand, if you count yourself as an occasional shavers, a smaller bottle of shaving oil will suffice, as just a few drops will go a long way during your once-a-week shaving ritual. 

Conclusion 

Regardless of how you used to shave, introducing a little change can lead to significant improvements. We’ve listed and explored the best shaving oils for men with the aim of helping you make the shift of adding a pre-shave oil to your routine. Given the extensive array of shaving oils on the market and online, it can be challenging to determine which one will best complement your overall grooming routine. Our selection of top-rated and expert-reviewed shaving oils, featuring natural ingredients and essential oils, is designed to simplify your search process and help you achieve that perfect shave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shaving oil and beard oil the same?

At first glance, both beard and shaving oil may appear to have similar oil formulations, but they serve distinct purposes. Beard oil is primarily crafted to improve beard health and condition the facial hair, whereas shaving oil focuses on providing lubrication to facilitate a smooth razor blade glide. Consequently, beard oil can also function as a substitute for shaving oil, but the reverse is not true.

Can I use olive oil as a shave oil?

Yes, absolutely! Olive oil often is an ingredient in many shave oils, and provides excellent lubrication for a nick-free shaving experience. Thanks to its hydrating and nourishing properties, olive oil helps prevent razor burns and achieves a smoother, well-shaved skin.” 

Can I use coconut oil as a shave oil?

Coconut oil is a a natural and effective moisturizer and makes a great alternative to expensive pre-shave oils.  It helps to soften the beard hair and lubricate the skin, reducing friction and the risk of irritation, razor burn, or nicks during shaving, for a great shave experience.

Last update on 2023-12-28 at 05:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API