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Shaving cream that doesn't smell too strong ?

M

Merkava_4

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 4, 2010
732
92
California
If you're the type of person who gets sinus headaches from strong fragrance, you'll know what I mean.

Or if you just prefer a light fragrance. That Schick Hydro Gel is so loaded up with cologne, it'll blow you over.
 
I just use running water and a razor. Let the water flow over the area you're shaving and use the razor.

I haven't used shaving cream in 20+ years. I find my method gives less irritation and I don't have any accidental cuts.
 
flyinmac, you must have some super soft - super slippery water coming out of your bathroom faucet. If I attempted to do what you do with the hard water we have here in Clovis California, there would be blood all over the walls.
 
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Merkava_4 said:
flyinmac, you must have some super soft - super slippery water coming out of your bathroom faucet. If I attempted to do what you do with the hard water we have here in Clovis California, there would be blood all over the walls.
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Just well water from the ground. I find it provides enough lubrication if I keep the water flowing over my skin while I shave.

I always have had shaving accidents if I used shaving cream. And I'd always get irritated bumpy red skin irritation. But since I switched to just water only, I haven't had either problem.
 
My advice would be to check with a health store to see what they may have; some companies (Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees) make excellent organic products - which are made entirely from natural ingredients - and which are a lot less irritable on the skin.

The toothpastes, shampoos, moisturisers, soaps, and so on that I use (and have used for nearly two decades) are entirely natural & organic, and do not irritate my skin.
 
Kiehl's Ultimate Scent Free, not super cheap, but not "boutique" expensive either, easily found and super fantastic.
 
I'm currently using the Target brand gel. It does have a scent but I can't relate how strong you would find it. I wonder if an unscented gel is sold?

You could also use soap.
 
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Tomorrow said:
I've used Art of Shaving's unscented and it's a fantastic cream. Very cushiony and slippery. No fragrance at all.
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Also a terrific option - I picked up some of their products on a promo, still have some oil - I almost mentioned it in my post (#6) above - it's a bit more expensive vs. the Kiehl's ($20/8oz vs. $25/5oz, about 2x-per-oz) if that's a factor at all.

Side note: I shave about every 4 days, so maybe I'm not qualified to participate in this discussion :D
 
D.T. said:
Also a terrific option - I picked up some of their products on a promo, still have some oil - I almost mentioned it in my post (#6) above - it's a bit more expensive vs. the Kiehl's ($20/8oz vs. $25/5oz, about 2x-per-oz) if that's a factor at all.

Side note: I shave about every 4 days, so maybe I'm not qualified to participate in this discussion :D
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Holy crap, I'm used to about $2.50/7 oz. :eek:
 
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Tomorrow said:
My go-to is Taylor of Old Bond Street. It's expensive (about $14 for a 5.3 oz tub) but it lasts me 7-8 months or so.
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I use this too... In the shop they've got every 'flavour' you can imagine... Some practically unscented others, um a bit more 'metrosexual'. Go for their cream in a pot rather than a tube. It does last longer than you think its going to. Their shaving brushes are really, really good too (unless you're a badger).
 
ctrlzone said:
just an idea to consider, don't hit me :D

fast, reliable, long lasting, cheaper in the long therm ;)

https://us.braun.com/en-us/male-grooming/shavers-for-men/series-9
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I did not mention this before, but my primary shaving method is electric shaver, currently a $70 Norelco, which my understanding is, it's no where near the best electric shave, but it is adequate. My critique is that I think more RPMs than it provides would be an improvement, maybe your Braun. :)
 
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it costs an arm and a leg, but its worth every penny
my dad and brother tried it once, and braun got rid of another 2 sets :p
 
Huntn said:
Holy crap, I'm used to about $2.50/7 oz. :eek:
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The thing is, @Huntn, products that use only natural ingredients tend to be a bit (sometimes, quite a bit) more expensive.

My skin is extraordinarily sensitive - I only wear natural fibres, such as cotton, or linen, or wool, for example - and I tend to develop skin rashes in response to - or reaction to - some of the more abrasive chemical compounds you can find in some of these products.

So, these days, (and for quite some time), I buy only natural products, often organic, and sometimes from individuals who actually make the products themselves; while the products are excellent, and comfortable to use, some of them are relatively costly.
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
The thing is, @Huntn, products that use only natural ingredients tend to be a bit (sometimes, quiet a bit) more expensive.

My skin is extraordinarily sensitive - I only wear natural fibres, for example - and I tend to develop skin rashes in response to - or reaction to - some of the more abrasive chemical compounds you can find in some of these products.

So, these days, (and for quite some time), I buy only natural products, often organic, and sometimes from individuals who actually make the products themselves; while the products are excellent, and comfortable to use, some of them are relatively costly.
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I am fortunate that I am not bothered by most manufactured fibers, but I prefer, love cotton. Other products such as skin and hair products are the same situation.
 
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I use Taylor of Old Bond Street as well, with a Vulfix Badger Hair Brush. It is the best shaving cream I ever used. Although a bit pricey, the cream lasts me about 6 months. It takes very little to build up a lather with a brush. If taken care of the brush should last 10 to 15 years. It will actually be usable longer they just start getting floppy.
https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-Natural/dp/B00EOUM8RA/
https://www.amazon.com/Vulfix-Super-Badger-Shaving-Brush/dp/B0064GNNHQ/

They also have scented versions which are quite nice. The rose is mild. If you are concerned, it doesn't really smell feminine. Eton college is a good scent. A very classical scent with citrus tones. Their scents, I believe, are all natural concentrates. Not the harsh chemical odors used by the likes of Gillette.
 
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When I shave, I use DSC's Shave Butter. I don't shave often anymore, and when I do it's usually not much - just a trim compared to the full shave I used to do (yes, facial hair).
 
I use a traditional cream or soap by Taylor's. However, as someone pointed out, Burt's Bees makes quality skin friendly products. Italian Proraso isn't bad, either.
 
Zenithal said:
I use a traditional cream or soap by Taylor's. However, as someone pointed out, Burt's Bees makes quality skin friendly products. Italian Proraso isn't bad, either.
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Yes, I mentioned Burt's Bees and have long thought their products excellent (they make stuff marketed to men, too).

Haven't come across Italian Proraso, must investigate them.
 
As others mentioned, the Art of Shaving makes a good scentless shaving cream. That's my go to.

In a pinch I use Neutrogenia for sensitive skin- minimal smell, far cheaper, readily available.

D.T. said:
Side note: I shave about every 4 days, so maybe I'm not qualified to participate in this discussion :D
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Must be nice :D

ctrlzone said:
just an idea to consider, don't hit me :D

fast, reliable, long lasting, cheaper in the long therm ;)

https://us.braun.com/en-us/male-grooming/shavers-for-men/series-9
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Ugh no no no no no! I've tried multiple electric razors, including the Series 9 (now sitting in a box in my storage). I've never found an electric shave remotely satisfying and always slightly discomforting. Maybe it's because of how coarse my facial hair is.
 
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