Is Aveeno Shaving Cream Any Good? [5 Important Factors to Consider]

With so many shave creams, gels, and foams on the market, how do you choose the best one for your face? A lot depends on your skin type and shaving concerns. Aveeno shave products are top-ranked options on many shave forums, but are they actually good?

Aveeno shaving creams are good products to add to your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin and are prone to razor burn and bumps. Aveeno shave products contain aloe and vitamin E to moisturize dry skin and oatmeal to soothe sensitive skin. The Therapeutic Shave Gel formula has no added fragrance and is ideal for irritated skin.

Read on to learn more about Aveeno’s effectiveness as a shaving cream!

Is Aveeno good for shaving?

Aveeno is known for its gentle skincare products. It’s no wonder that they added a shaving line to address the needs of sensitive, shave-ravaged skin. While they’re often referred to as shave “creams” are actually gel formulations.

Aveeno shave gels are good for shaving because they moisturize the skin and produce a lubrication barrier, so the razor glides easily across the skin. The gel turns into a rich, creamy lather when applied to a wet face.

Users can shave everything from faces, legs, and heads with Aveeno products.

Fun Facts: The brand name “Aveeno” is derived from the scientific name for the oat plant “Avena sativa.” Colloidal oatmeal contains intact bran that possesses skin-beneficial actives. The oatmeal we eat for breakfast has the bran removed because it’s tastier without it.

Aveeno shaving cream vs. other brands

Two curious and innovative brothers, Sidney and Albert Musher, started the Aveeno company in 1945. Aveeno’s original popularity was based on the use of colloidal oatmeal in their bath soak and skin care products. This ingredient still permeates their products today.

Shave enthusiasts often recommend Aveeno shave products as an option for extremely dry, sensitive skin. Aveeno’s gel formulations are full of hydrating and soothing ingredients, priced low, and are widely available.

Currently, Aveeno offers two types of shaving creams: the Moisturizing Shaving Gel and the Therapeutic Shaving Gel. Both contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients, but the therapeutic version doesn’t have added fragrances and is even better for skin that is already irritated.

Some of the most important things to know about both Aveena shaving creams include:

• Ingredients – Both Aveeno shave gels contain aloe and vitamin E. The Therapeutic gel contains oat flour, and the Positively Smooth gel contains soy.
• Performance – Users rave about both products in reviews and continue to purchase because they do what they claim. 
• Cost – Aveeno shave gels are modestly priced at $5-7 dollars per 7 oz. can.
• Value – Users rate the Positively Smooth shave gel as a great value because shave frequency is decreased. 
• Availability – Aveeno products are readily available at most drugstores, mass retailers, and online retailers.

Statistics show that Edge shaving gel and Barbasol shaving cream are the nationwide frontrunners in sales. Aveeno shares the gel consistency of Edge with the creaminess of Barbasol. Several reviewers mention how Aveeno outperforms these leading brands when it comes to preventing razor burn without a pungent smell.

On the downside, both Aveeno shave gels contain parabens, which can irritate some people.

Does Aveeno help razor burn?

If you have issues with razor burn after a shave, both Aveeno shave products may give you some relief. 

Aveeno shave products help with razor burn due to their special blend of aloe and vitamin E which have both been clinically proven to promote skin healing due to burns.

Razor burn is caused by the friction of a razor on delicate skin. Aveeno shave products go on “thick” resulting in “improved glide” and less friction, according to some reviewers.

Can you put Aveeno on razor bumps?

Razor bumps are unsightly and painful, but a common problem among shavers. Ingrown hairs cause these pesky bumps.

You can put Aveeno shave products on razor bumps, but if you have an active outbreak shaving can aggravate the condition. Aveeno’s product information claims that the Therapeutic Shave Gel helps prevent razor bumps due to its excellent lubrication allowing a close shave.

If you suffer from existing razor bumps, check out this comprehensive guide for treatment and prevention strategies.

Is Aveeno shaving cream available everywhere?

Aveeno established its brand dominance decades ago with its oatmeal bath soak, calming lotions, and gentle baby products.

Aveeno shaving cream is available almost everywhere you find shaving products in stores and online. You can find both Aveeno shave gels in CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and a host of other drugstores, mass retailers, and grocery stores.

Aveeno’s website has a location finder so you can take the guesswork out of your shaving cream search.

The best Aveeno shaving cream

Dry skin healing and protection have been the hallmark of Aveeno’s mission. A shaving product to address these concerns was a logical next step.

Aveeno currently manufactures two shave products including a Therapeutic Shave Gel and a Positively Smooth Shave Gel. The therapeutic gel is specially formulated for sensitive skin and reduces the occurrence of nicks, cuts, and razor bumps. The smooth gel slows down hair growth to reduce shaving frequency.

Aveeno is primarily a skincare brand and has only two shaving creams in its line:

• Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel 
• Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel

Let’s take a look at the differences between these two, and get a little into what makes Aveeno shave gel good.

Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

Aveeno Therapeutic has a cult following among both men and women. The addition of oat flour calms and provides a protective barrier which is a benefit if you have sensitive or inflamed skin.  Aloe provides moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects.

Users report the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel lathers up well once it is applied to the skin and becomes cream-like. The gel is opaque in color when it comes out of the can and turns white once it is rubbed onto the skin with a little water.

There is no added fragrance, but reviews mention a slight oatmeal smell.

Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel

If you’re tired of shaving every single day, Aveeno Positively Smooth is for you.

Positively Smooth is a lightweight gel out of the can. Users report a mild, pistachio or almond scent. Men and women alike give it applause. They claim that it helps “reduce the prickly feeling” after a shave and therefore cuts weekly shaving time while still being gentle on sensitive skin.

The addition of soy helps even out skin tone and reduces redness. With consistent use, Aveeno claims this formulation reduces the appearance of unwanted hairs thus decreasing the frequency of shaves.

Aveeno shaving cream alternatives

The shaving cream market is huge with many worthy competitors. If you have sensitive skin, you still have multiple options to choose from depending on your cost goals.

There are some lower-cost and luxury brand alternatives to Aveeno. Barbasol Sensitive Skin and Gillette Ultra Sensitive are options similar in cost to Aveeno. Vanicream Shave Cream for Sensitive Skin is dermatologist recommended. Elemis Skin Soothe is pricey but is a popular spa option.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Aveeno shaving cream, you may be interested in one of these:

• Barbasol Sensitive Skin  $6 per 10 ounces
• Gillette Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel  $7 per 7 ounces
• Vanicream Shave Cream for Sensitive Skin $23 per 6 ounces
• Elemis Skin Soothe Shave Gel  $38 per 5 ounces