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Can You Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor (And Why Would You?)

The process of using an electric razor can be surprisingly different from what you’re used to if you’ve only shaved with a traditional disposable or cartridge razor – or even if you’re coming from a straight razor. When shaving with an electric razor, should you use shaving cream?

It is not necessary to use shaving cream with an electric razor, and it could do major damage to your equipment if you are using a dry razor. If you have an electric razor that is designed for wet shaving, it is possible to use shaving cream. For best results, use an electric razor that has multiple blade heads that turn at higher speeds.

Keep reading for more information as to whether you should can use shaving cream with your electric razor, if you should, and which electric razors can be used with shaving cream. Finally, check out a few recommendations for the best shaving creams to use with an electric razor. 

Do you need to use shaving cream with an electric razor?

Before purchasing your electric razor, you need to know if you also need shaving cream. 

Shaving cream can increase the results you want from your shave, but by no means is it needed to use shaving cream with an electric razor. If you have sensitive skin, you might prefer the additional layer of protection the shaving cream provides. Compared to dry shaving, this method might encounter less irritation. 

Ingrown hairs and skin irritation are common issues for shavers. A dry shave might make those conditions worse. In that case, shavers should consider using shaving cream or gel with their electric razor. This adds an extra layer of protection to the skin. In turn, it can help reduce the chance of encountering ingrown hairs or skin irritation. 

Some electric razors are designed exclusively for dry shaving. This means that they are to be used in dry conditions and cannot come into contact with water or shaving cream. However, wet electric razors are designed to be used in conjunction with water and shaving cream. While shaving cream is never necessary, it can be used with a wet shaver.

Once you have determined if your electric razor is a wet shaver, consider researching which shaving cream works best with your particular razor. 

Read on to find out if you can use an electric shaver with shaving cream and determine if it is better to use shaving cream. Also, find out if shaving cream is harmful to an electric razor. 

Can you use an electric shaver with shaving cream?

Even though you do not need shaving cream, can you still use it?

Shaving cream can be used with an electric shaver. Before use, make sure your electric shaver is designed for wet shaving then determine which shaving cream or gel works best with that razor.

By going against the intended use of the electric shaver, you risk damaging it. 

Is it better to use shaving cream with a wet electric razor?

Before giving it a try, you may want to know if using shaving cream with your wet razor is actually worth the hassle.

Those with sensitive skin receive the most benefits from using shaving cream with a wet electric razor. By lubricating the skin, you reduce the risk of irritation or ingrown hairs.

The 3 most common brands of wet electric razors – Braun, Panasonic, and Norelco – all design their shavers with the intent of using shaving cream with them. 

Will shaving cream ruin an electric razor?

Since an electric razor can be a pricy piece of equipment, it’s worth asking if using shaving cream with it can damage or ruin your razor.

Generally, if you use shaving cream with an electric razor designed for wet shaving, you will not damage it. However, if you try to use shaving cream with an electric razor designed only for dry shaving, the potential for damage is there. This is why it is important to find out which use it is designed for before using shaving cream. 

Continue reading to determine which electric razors can be used with shaving cream, gel, or soap. 

Which electric razors can be used with shaving cream, gel, or soap?

There are three main brands of electric razors designed specifically for wet shaving.

Wet razors from Braun, Panasonic, and Phillips Norelco all can be used with shaving cream, gel, or soap. 

Here are the best razors from each brand that can be used with shaving cream, gel, or soap. 

Braun

Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 6 6020s

Price: Around $99.99

This electric shaver from Braun includes an adaptive swivel head that works to minimize skin pressure for sensitive skin. 100% waterproof, this electric razor is built for wet shaving. The SensoFoil blades are designed for precision, closeness, and comfort. 

Braun Electric Series 3 Razor

Price: Around $79.99

This electric razor from Braun is great for a shaver on a budget. It offers the same great features that Braun is known for without breaking the bank. Designed for use with water, foam, and gel, this offering from Braun is perfect for any wet shaver. 

Panasonic

Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor

Price: Around $149.99

This electric razor from Panasonic features 5 ultra-sharp precision blades that help you achieve a close, but comfortable shave. With a flexible, pivoting head, it follows the contours of your face and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Waterproof, it is designed for both dry and wet shaving. 

Panasonic Arc3 Electric Razor

Price: Around $79.99

This budget buy offers the comfort and precision as other offerings from Panasonic. Its flexible, pivoting head follows the contours of your face and provides a close, refreshing shave. Same as its other offerings, this electric razor is designed for both wet and dry shaving. 

Phillips Norelco

Phillips Norelco Shaver 9000 Prestige

Price: Around $299.99

This electric razor prides itself on having the most advanced blades, perfect for the closest shave possible without compromising comfort. It has a 60-minute battery life and is designed for dry and wet shaving–perfect for any situation. 

Phillips Norelco Shaver 5300

Price: Around $79.95

This electric razor is a powerful and comfortable offering from Phillips Norelco. Its heads turn 360 degrees, providing a skin-friendly shave. You can use this for both dry and wet shaving, plus it gives a shaver the same quality as other offerings from the brand, but without hurting their wallet. 

Read on to find out which shaving cream is the best to use for an electric shaver. 

The best shaving cream to use for an electric shaver

When purchasing an electric shaver, you might also want to buy some shaving cream to use with it.

Plan to follow the same tips you would when searching for shaving cream to use with a standard razor. Find one that will protect your skin and enhance your shave.

The best shaving creams for an electric razor are

No matter which shaving cream you choose, apply a thinner layer than you would if using a standard razor. A thick layer of lather could possibly clog the electric razor.

Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream

Price: Around $9.99

Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream is designed to prevent razor burn or shaving nicks. It also works to provide a close, comfortable shave.

Scents offered include subtle citrus, peppermint menthol, and woodsy. All are formulated to work with any blade, including electric razors. 

Neutrogena Men’s Shaving Cream For Sensitive Skin

Price: Around $14.04

This shaving cream from Neutrogena is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It soothes and protects the skin.

It is also dye-free, meaning it will not clog your pores. Plus, it is conducive to a close, comfortable and refreshing shave. 

Freelette Pre & After Shave Electric Shave Balm

Price: Around $20.97

This offering from Freelette is specially designed for use with an electric razor.

This pre-and post-shave balm contains herbal extracts that are intended to leave your skin smooth and soft with its protective layer of lotion while leaving behind a masculine scent.