Cremo Shave Cream Review

Today we are going to take a look at a shaving cream that is a little different from most of the other traditional shaving creams I have reviewed: Cremo Shaving Cream.

Cremo is a company based in California that was created by a couple of entrepreneurs several years ago when they got fed up with not being able to find a good quality shaving cream that met their needs. So instead of whining about it, they decided to make one.

Cremo has grown substantially over the last several years and now makes a wide variety of products: shave creams, beard oil, shampoo and conditioner and hair products. Their products are available just about everywhere you can beauty products: Walmart, Target, Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger, Publix and HEB.

But today we are focusing on their shave cream. Like I said, it’s definitely different than most other shaving creams that wet shavers use, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m a big fan of this shaving cream, I just don’t think it’s right for a lot of wet shavers.

Alright, let’s get into the review and see if it’s right for you.

Pros

  • Very slick lubricant helps prevent razor burn
  • Easy to apply with bare hands
  • Great option for a traveling shave cream
  • Macadamia seed oil and aloe are great for skin

Cons

  • Produces very minimal lather
  • Will have to reapply if you want to shave a second pass

Product Overview

  • Scents available: Classic, Cooling, Sage & Citrus, Sandalwood, Silver Water & Birch, Unscented
  • All natural ingredients: Yes
  • Ingredients: Macadamia Seed Oil, Aloe, Calendula Extract, Lemon Extract, Papaya Extract, and Olive Leaf Extract
  • Badger hair brush not necessary for application
  • Weight: available in either 6 ounces or 3 ounces
  • Container: tube
  • Made in USA

Key Features of Cremo Shaving Cream

Premium Lubricant, Doesn’t Produce Much Lather

The Cremo team designed their shaving cream to really prioritize being an amazing lubricant over everything else. In fact, it really doesn’t produce much lather at all when you use it. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but let’s take a look at why they decided to emphasize lubrication over everything else.

The main reason Cremo designed a shaving cream that excels at lubrication should be fairly obvious: better lubrication means better protection from razor burn, irritation and nicks and cuts. Cremo is so slick that the razor just glides over your skin without irritating the skin.

The second benefit is that Cremo doesn’t have to add a bunch of unnecessary additives that don’t really add value but just help it turn into a thick lather. Aerosol shaving creams and gels add a bunch of sketchy ingredients like propellants that help them achieve this. But Cremo’s all natural ingredients are much easier and healthier on your skin because they don’t have these additives just to make it lather.

Overall, I’m a big fan of how slick Cremo shaving cream is on your skin, but I do wish it produced more lather. In my opinion, the lack of lather prevents it from being able to really soften up the beard. There are other shaving creams I have reviewed that are slick but also help prep the beard by softening it up.

Last thing — the lack of lather is actually a good thing for those of you that still use a cartridge or disposable razor. Why? Because Cremo won’t clog up the blades.

Easy to Apply With Your Bare Hands

Cremo recommends applying their shaving cream with your bare hands. Just wet your hands and face with warm water, then put an almond-size dallop of Cremo in your hand. Then rub your hands vigorously together for about 10 seconds and apply the product to your face. It’s that easy.

You can apply Cremo with a brush, which I prefer because I feel like it does a better job of spreading the product all over the area I’m going to shave. Even if it’s not necessary, I think a brush helps ensure every square inch gets covered. I feel like I miss spots when I just use my hands and that is definitely not what you want.

Cremo is really good for men that are short on time when they shave. It is very quick, easy and efficient to apply.

This also makes it a great shaving cream for when you travel. You don’t need to use a shaving brush so it saves some room in your dopp kit.

Mild, Refreshing Scent

Cremo shaving cream is available in the following scents: Classic, Cooling, Sage & Citrus, Sandalwood, Silver Water & Birch, Unscented.

I’ve only ever used the “Classic” scent which is kind of a creamy, citrusy scent. It is very fresh scent, but it’s mild. I’ve heard good reviews of all the other scents too, but can’t speak to them.

Gentle on the Skin

One of my favorite things about Cremo’s shaving cream is how easy and gentle it is on your skin. The slick lubricant property helps prevent skin irritation, and the ingredients are also incredibly skin-friendly. The macadamia seed oil and aloe do a great job of keeping the skin healthy and hydrated, and there are no harsh ingredients that will dry out your skin or cause any irritation.

Who Do We Recommend Cremo Shave Cream For?

Cremo shaving cream is a really good, high-quality shaving cream. It’s an incredibly slick lubricant and it’s made with really good ingredients that are easy on the skin. I don’t think it’s the best shaving cream for a lot of wet shavers, but here’s who I do recommend it for:

  • If you have very light stubble or minimal facial hair, this is a good option. The lack of lather generated won’t be a problem.
  • Need a quick shave and don’t have time to prep and load a shaving brush? Cremo will work great for you.
  • Cremo is a great travel shaving cream because you won’t need a shaving brush.
  • Lastly, Cremo is a really good option for men that shave with a cartridge razor. It’s incredibly slick and the lack of lather is a benefit because your blades won’t clog.

What Are Some Other Shaving
Creams & Soaps To Consider?

Taylor of Old Bond Street

Taylor of Old Bond Street is the king of the hill right now when it comes to most popular shaving creams for wet shavers. Why is it so highly regarded? 

Well to start with,  it’s an excellent lubricant and it lathers as good as about anything else out there. Additionally, it’s made with good ingredients that are easy on the skin.

TOBS will require using a badger hair shaving brush to apply it though. On the fence about using a shaving brush? Checkout our best shaving brush guide and you might change your mind….

Jack Black Beard Lube

Jack Black beard lube is very similar to Cremo’s shaving cream. One difference though is that Jack Black’s bears live is a translucent lubricant. This really creeped me out first couple of times  I shaved with it because I could see my stubble as I shaved! I think this makes it a great option for guys that are shaving around a goatee or mustache and really want to be precise.

Jack Black’s beard lube is very slick and does a remarkable job at moisturizing. It’s a very good conditioner for the skin and the menthol really leaves your skin feeling refreshed after a shave.

I don’t use this product because I prefer more traditional creams and soaps that lather, but I’m a big fan of Jack Black products overall. Its premium pricing but a great alternative to Cremo.

Henry Cavendish Shaving Soap

Have you considered a shave soap? If not, take a look at Henry Cavendish’s. Shaving soaps take a little more work to generate into a lather and apply, but I think it’s worth the effort.

Henry Cavendish Shave soap is an incredibly slick lubricant and it generates plenty of lather for multiple passes. Plus, One puck of shaving soap should easily last 3+ months of everyday shaving so it’s very budget-friendly.

I really think that every wet shaver should try a shaving soap at some point. You never know what you like until you give it a chance...