<p>That’s where pre-shave oil comes in. While these oils are not always essential to the shaving process, they can make the experience way more comfortable. Applying a pre-shave oil before your <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g26024495/best-shaving-creams-gels/” target=”_blank”>shaving cream</a> not only helps soften your whiskers so they’re easier for the blade to cut through (reducing the risk of nicks), but it also creates a protective layer between your skin and the razor, increasing glide and reducing the risk of post-shave irritation. Nearly anyone can benefit from a pre-shave oil, but they’re especially good for those with thick, coarse beards, irritation-prone skin and dry skin (they also moisturize). So if you’re looking for a smoother shave, one of these oils could be your ticket.</p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g21347829/best-electric-razor-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Shave Clubs</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g21347829/best-electric-razor-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Electric Razors</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g25423792/best-body-groomers/” target=”_blank”>Best Body Groomers</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g25843744/best-mens-razor-sensitive-skin/” target=”_blank”>Best Razors for Sensitive Skin</a></strong></p>” />
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Best All-Around Pre-Shave Oil
The Art of Shaving Pre Shave Beard Oil
Best All-Around Pre-Shave Oil
The Art of Shaving Pre Shave Beard Oil
We always come back to this luxurious beard oil, which contains few, but potent ingredients. Olive oil and castor oil help protect your skin against razor burn and irritation and provide a silky smooth glide for your razor. The new packaging with a pump and large size make it even better.
| Size | 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Olive oil, castor oil, sandalwood essential oil |
| Scented | Yes, but there is an Unscented option |
Best Pre-Shave Oil For Coarse Beards
Bevel Pre-Shave Oil
Best Pre-Shave Oil For Coarse Beards
Bevel Pre-Shave Oil
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Triple blend of hair-softening oils
- Specifically designed for coarse beards
- Small, travel-friendly bottle
Cons
- Easy to use too much (a little goes a long way)
Pre-shave oil might seem like an unnecessary step for some, but anyone with a thick, coarse beard knows it’s essential to a smooth, irritation less shave. This tri-blend of oils helps to immediately soften coarse hair to make it easier to cut through and gentler on the skin underneath.
| Size | 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Castor Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Budget-Friendly Pre-Shave Oil
King C. Gillette Beard Oil
Best Budget-Friendly Pre-Shave Oil
King C. Gillette Beard Oil
Now 23% Off
This small bottle packs a huge punch thanks to the generous mix of plant-derived oils like grape seed, avocado, soybean, sweet almond, macadamia seed, and more. It’s so potent it can also be used as a beard oil.
| Size | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Grapeseed Oil, macadamia seed oil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Pre-Shave For Sensitive Skin
Proraso Pre-Shave Conditioning Cream Sensitive Skin Formula
Best Pre-Shave For Sensitive Skin
Proraso Pre-Shave Conditioning Cream Sensitive Skin Formula
It’s not an oil and that’s the point. Massage this super protective cream onto damp skin before you shave (you’ll apply shaving cream on top of it) and the sensitive-skin friendly ingredients like oat extract work to reduce redness and irritation even before the razor hits your skin.
| Size | 3.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Glycerin, sweet almond oil, oat extract, green tea extract |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Soothing Pre-Shave Oil
Anthony Pre-Shave and Conditioning Beard Oil
Best Soothing Pre-Shave Oil
Anthony Pre-Shave and Conditioning Beard Oil
There are multiple oils in this thick, viscous pre-shave oil, but the standout is calendula which helps to soothe the skin and calm irritation both during and after your shave. A few drops are enough to get the job done, so use sparingly.
| Size | 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Rosemary oil, basil oil, calendula oil, olive oil |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Multi-Functional Pre-Shave Oil
Fulton & Roark Blue Ridge Formula 5 Oil
Best Multi-Functional Pre-Shave Oil
Fulton & Roark Blue Ridge Formula 5 Oil
This luxuriously scented and highly moisturizing oil can of course be used as a pre-shave oil, but it’s also great for your skin, beard and hair, too. Its ability to replace multiple products in your routine makes it a must-have.
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam oil, argan oil, apricot oil, olive oil |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Pre-Shave Oil for Shaving
Aseop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum
Best Pre-Shave Oil for Shaving
Aseop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum
The best thing about this pre-shave product is that it’s not really an oil (even though it has oil in it). Why is it on this list, you ask? Because it does the same thing as a pre-shave oil—protects your skin from irritation while making shaving smother. Add it to damp skin before you add your shaving cream or use it by yourself for a smooth shave for two products in one.
| Size | 2 oz, 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Aloe leaf juice, glycerin, fusanus spicatus wood oil |
| Scented | Yes |
Best Traditional Pre-Shave Oil
Caswell Massey Almond Pre-Shave Oil
Best Traditional Pre-Shave Oil
Caswell Massey Almond Pre-Shave Oil
This simple yet effective pre-shave oil is bare bones—in a very good way. There are only eight ingredients, five of which are oils, so it’s gentle on your skin but also gets the job of softening whiskers and protecting skin done with no flash or added fragrance.
| Size | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosemary Oil |
| Scented | No |
Why Use A Pre-Shave Oil?
Pre-shave oils are by no means essential, but if you suffer from shaving irritation, razor burn or have a very thick beard, they can make the shaving process a lot easier and smoother. Pre-shave oils exist for two reasons: to help protect your skin from the harsh blade of the razor and to soften hair to make it easier to cut. So, depending on what your skin feels and looks like after you shave, adding in a pre-shave oil could make the whole experience, well, smoother.
What Are the Benefits of a Pre-Shave Oil?
As noted above, there are two main benefits. First, is to create a layer of protection between your face and the razor. A pre-shave oil will add slip, which helps the razor glide across your skin more easily with less tugging or nicking. This helps to reduce the likelihood of razor bumps and post-shave irritation. Second, a pre-shave oil will help to soften your whiskers so the blade can cut them more easily. This also helps to reduce tugging and nicking, since you get a smoother glide even if you have a thick beard.
What Makes a Good Pre-Shave Oil?
Generally, you want to look for products that have minimal ingredients and, of those, are mostly oils. Castor, olive and sweet almond oils are usually used because they are slightly heavier to add a robust protective layer to the skin. Many pre-shave oils are scented, which should be okay for most skin types, but if you have very sensitive skin, look for versions that are fragrance-free or have no added fragrance (most of these oils will have their own natural fragrance). If your skin is prone to irritation, look for other ingredients like soothing aloe to further help calm the skin.
How Do You Use a Pre-Shave Oil?
Always apply a pre-shave oil to damp skin, never dry. Massage a few drops of oil into your whiskers, making sure that you reach the skin of your face as well, depending on how long your stubble is. With most oils, you’ll want to apply a shaving cream or gel on top of it, though some can be used in place of shaving cream if you’d like (just check the directions on the label first). Once you’re finished shaving, rinse off the oil along with any shaving cream left behind.
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
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