- in Shaving by Jason Hall
5 Best Pre Shave Oils - the Secret
for a Heavenly Shave
Are you ending up with razor burn, redness, and pain after your shave?
It could be that your shaving routine is missing something.
When you started, you were probably taught to focus on the shave itself, or maybe even the after-shave ritual.
But, preparing your face before you dive in is an essential part of getting a great shave.
If you feel woefully unprepared about pre-shave oils, then your face probably isn’t optimized for shaving.
Not to worry! Today we’ll dive into why you need a pre-shave oil, plus we’ll take a look at the five best pre shave oil products on the market.
3 Top Pre Shave Oils - Quick Reviews
Pre-Shave Oil | Rating |
|---|---|
Pre Shave Oil: What is It?
Pre-shave oil is all about preparing your face for shaving. It goes on before you start to shave and readies the skin and facial hair.
It is not a part of the lathering process, and slathering it on after shaving won’t do you much good. The goal of pre-shave oil is to soften the skin and hair, allowing for a smoother shave.
Why You Should Use a Pre-Shave Oil
Because they rely on oils, and not a wash that cleans the surface, pre-shave oils can penetrate the skin and hair, providing lubrication and moisture from within.
This allows the products to effectively soften your skin and hair and make the whole process smoother. That means fewer pulls, fewer tugs, and less irritated skin.
When shaving, you are trying to cut through tough hair very close to, but without harming the soft skin underneath – a tricky proposition. Factors like the toughness of hair, unevenness of the skin, and the drag of the razor all serve to make shaving complicated.
But, increasing lubrication and the suppleness of the hair and skin can make the process easier.
Smoother skin is less likely to get nicked and tugged, and softer hair makes for a cleaner, closer, and more even shave.
Key Takeaway
Pre-shave oil works from within, makes your facial hair softer and moisturizes your skin.
Which in turn makes shaving process cleaner, easier and better.
What to Look for When Buying a Pre-Shave Oil:
There are several factors to consider when shopping for pre-shave oil, including the price, ingredients, your skin type, the shaving experience you want, and the quantity of product you’ll get.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you identify the perfect pre-shave product.
Ingredients
Most pre shave products use a blend of different oil types, including olive oil, castor oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil, to name a few.
Vitamin E oil is another common ingredient, often included because the vitamin has been found to ease skin issues like inflammation.
Mineral oils may also be used, often as a cheaper option. Some avoid this budget-friendly choice, but studies have shown mineral oils are safe. Use of the product comes down to personal preference.
If you’ve used oil-based products before that you liked, check the label.
Different oils work best for different skin types, and it may take some trial and error to find which oils your skin responds well to.
If you know there’s an oil that works best for you, look for a product that uses it as the base.
And if you’re aware that a particular oil has caused you irritation before, check the ingredients carefully and steer clear.
Price
As the saying goes, you can spend as much as you want on anything. The same is true for pre shave oil.
If you’re looking for a high-end, luxury product made of the finest ingredients, you can find it.
If on the other hand, you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of quality to save a few bucks, that’s an option too.
For most men, a middle-of-the-road option is best. These products contain quality ingredients that will help protect your skin, but without unnecessary frills that’ll break the bank.
You can find plenty of quality beard oils in the $12 to $20 price range. This price will typically get you a few ounces of product.
Type of Skin
If you have coarser skin or facial hair, it is wise to look for a thicker product that is hearty enough to penetrate your cells and soften them up quickly before shaving.
If you have sensitive skin, look for a product that caters to your needs.
Many pre-shave oils are formulated with ingredients aimed at soothing the skin – check the ingredients list for these, and for any ingredients that you know you’re sensitive to.
Shaving Experience
You should also consider what kind of shaving experience you desire, and in general, what kind of skin product you prefer.
Do you like a bold, refreshing aroma? Or do strong scents applied just under your nose give you a headache?
Do you like baby soft, silky skin? Or are you prone to breakouts, so too much oil is dangerous?
Do you have thick, coarse facial hair that’s hard to manage? Or light, soft stubble that’s easy going?
Different products present options for all of these preferences. You can go with a strong scent, or something mild. You can choose a thick, hardy oil, or a light, slick product. The choice is yours.
Quantity
You don’t want to spend time researching pre-shave oil and invest money in a quality product just to see it disappear in five uses. It’s important to consider the quantity you’ll get when shopping for pre-shave oil.
But that being said, a little goes a long way when it comes to this stuff. You’ll only need a few drops, so as long as you apply properly and are equipped with a few ounces, you’ll be stocked for a while.
Most pre-shave oils come in packages of around 2 to 4 ounces, but sizes do vary.
5 Best Pre-Shave Oils - Reviews
Now that you know what to pay attention to, let’s dive into the five best pre-shave oils out there.
Rating
PROS
- A good option if you don’t like heavily scented products
- Works on thick hair
CONS
- Product is sold in small quantities
- Pump limits control over application amount
General Overview
Lather & Wood’s pre-shave oil is made from a mixture of oils – including grapeseed, olive, vitamin E, and cranberry oil. The end product of this mix is scentless – a rare find when it comes to pre-shave products.
The blend is aimed to soften thick beards and soothe sensitive skin.
One negative about the product is the pump. You pump the oil out, meaning it’s hard to control just how much you are using – which is a concern for a package that only holds 1 ounce of product.
But with its price, it’s not a big investment to give this product a test run and see if you like it.
Usage
You’ll use one pump of Lather & Wood’s pre-shave oil and take a minute to massage it into your facial hair. Be sure to give it at least 30 seconds before adding any products you use during shaving – this helps make sure the oil is absorbed fully and has time to work its magic.
This oil is hearty, and you can even shave relying only on the pre-shave product – without any soap or shaving cream! (Although it’s probably best for your skin if you use a product formulated for use during shaving.)
Best For
This scentless product is perfect if you have skin or a nose that’s sensitive to "perfumey" products. It’s also thick enough to be effective for guys with thick or coarse hair.
Verdict
This pre-shave oil is good, especially if you are looking for one without a scent. It preps you for a smooth shave and helps prevent tugging, although the package size is quite tiny. But sometimes, good things come in small packages.
Rating
PROS
- A small amount provides plenty of coverage
- Pleasant, subtle scent
CONS
- Ingredients are basic, but price is on the higher side
General Overview
The Art of Shaving’s pre-shave oil stands out for its subtle and attractive sandalwood scent. The primary ingredients are olive oil and castor oil – a simple combination.
It’s a little pricey, especially for a blend of two very basic oils.
You pour the oil you need out, so you control the flow, but be careful – a little goes a long way for this thick product!
Note: other scents are available: Lavender, Lemon and more.
Usage
You’ll only need about a dime size drop of this sandalwood oil to prepare your beard for shaving.
The oil is thick, which means the small bottle will last you, but it also means you can have a mess on your hands if you don’t take it easy on your pour. It does its job efficiently, so don’t overdo it.
The scent is nice – it’s pleasant, but not overwhelming and doesn’t leave you feeling like there’s a cloud of cologne around your head.
Best For
This oil is best for guys with average skin – you don’t fuss over your skin a lot, and it doesn’t give you a ton of problems. It will prep your face and help give you a close, clean, painless shave.
Folks with sensitive skin might be able to find a better match. Castor oil can be irritating to some skin types, and it features heavily in this product.
The oil mix might not do you any favors and the thickness might be overwhelming if your skin is less than easy-going.
Verdict
The Art of Shaving’s product is a solid option, but a little pricey for what is essentially castor oil, olive oil, and sandalwood extract. If you like your products streamlined and simple, go for this choice. If you’re looking for a little more bang for your buck, you might want to keep shopping.
Rating
PROS
- A lot of product for a good price
- Formulated especially for sensitive skin
CONS
- Cream-formula might be too heavy for other skin types
- Requires more product and more time applying
General Overview
Breaking the mold of pre-shave oil, Proraso’s pre-shave product is actually a pre-shave cream. It was made for those with sensitive skin, and its ingredients, like green tea and oatmeal, reflect that.
Green tea has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Oatmeal has been found to ease skin itching and irritation. Their inclusion is meant to protect and soothe the skin.
This pre shave cream is at face-value, a total bargain. But, its jar-style delivery system and creamy consistency may mean that you’ll end up using more of the product – a few fingers full versus a few drops.
Usage
Since the product is a cream, not an oil, it makes for a different usage experience. It goes on thicker (straight onto damp skin) and more product is required, but the application is pleasant. It will take some circular rubbing to penetrate the hair and skin.
Thanks to the alcohol it contains, it does elicit a tingling sensation in the skin, which is likely refreshing to some and annoying to others.
Best For
This product was made specifically for men with sensitive skin, and that is who will enjoy it the most.
The green tea and oatmeal extracts should help to soothe and smooth testy skin, while the cream works to soften the beard. It should prep you for a smooth and comfortable shave, even if that’s something your sensitive skin doesn’t usually allow for.
Verdict
While the ingredients are ideal for those with sensitive skin, they might not be perfect for your average Joe. The ingredient list on Proraso’s products is the longest out of all the products reviewed, and additions like menthol and alcohol might not be ideal if your skin responds well to more basic products.
Rating
PROS
- Good for razor burn and bumps
CONS
- Not truly unscented
General Overview
The pre-shave option from Taconic Shave is made of a good blend of oils for a reasonable price. The product comes in a pump bottle, which means you don’t have complete control over the amount, but the pump seems to dispense the right amount of product.
The combination of oils – including Vitamin E, castor, grapeseed, and safflower
oils – is aimed at easing razor burn and other annoying skin irritations like bumps, redness, and rashes.
Usage
The consistency of this oil is really nice and in the middle of the road – not too thin and watery, but not thick and super slick. Rub one pump onto the skin before shaving
While marketed as an “unscented” product, there is an aroma to the oil, although it is not overwhelming.
Best For
Men whose skin is prone to razor burn and irritation will like this product – the oil consistency creates an effective layer between the razor and your skin, helping to prevent bumps and redness.
Verdict
The product is ideal if you’re prone to razor burn. But if you prefer a lighter product, keep on shopping, as the protective layer the oil creates is pretty dense.
And although the scent is light and pleasant, it will disappoint you if you’re looking for a truly scentless product.
Rating
PROS
- High quality, unique oil blend
CONS
- Product may be too light for some
General Overview
Shaveology’s pre shave oil is a middle-of-the-road option when it comes to viscosity. It is a relatively light product, made from a unique mixture of oils – safflower, avocado, walnut, jojoba, and vitamin E.
The product has an invigorating lemon scent and attractive packaging design.
Usage
You’ll want to wet your face before using this pre-oil (applying after you hop out of the shower is perfect). Doing so will help the oil penetrate your skin and beard, better prepping you for shaving.
The oil goes on lightly but seems to provide a good deal of beard and skin-softening power. It makes shaving smoother and easier, even with tough hair.
Best For
The Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil is ideal for you if you like a light, refreshing product. If you like a heavier oil to get a smooth shave, then this isn’t the product for you.
Verdict
This option might take the cake – it is made from a good combination of oils, has a light application, and softens thick hair for a smoother shave. It seems like a good option for a broad range of men.
Final Words
Adding in a pre-shave oil will help you feel like you’ve finally mastered the art of shaving. Your face will feel smoother, your facial hair will cut easier, and the whole ritual will be more comfortable and enjoyable.
There are plenty of great pre-shave oil options out there. Consider your skin type and the sort of shaving experience you are looking for, then dive in. Your skin will thank you for it.
