If skin is not properly lubricated, friction while shaving can be too abrasive. Some of the discomforts often faced due to harsh shaves are frequent irritation, unsatisfying shaves and dry skin.
A nutrient rich pre-shave oil is the perfect solution to prevent them and have a great shave.
It contains natural oils that creates an extra layer of lubrication that allows the razor to easily slide over the skin, reducing any chances of irritation or razor burn.
Pre-shave oil softens the hairs and bristle them upwards – so you will get a close, cleaner and smoother shave. As it also has disinfectant properties, pre-shave oil prevents any bacteria on blade from entering the pores.
Best pre-shave oil contains natural and non-synthetic ingredients. Choose a product that contains a blend of vitamins, carrier and essential oils like castor oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E oil, sandalwood oil and olive oil.
It is better to avoid any product that contains ingredients ending with “-cone” – as they are harmful synthetic materials.
For further information on how to choose a pre-shave oil, we recommend reading our buying guide. It also contains information on how to use pre-shave oil properly.
We also picked up the best pre-shave oils after several hours of testing, reviewing and analysis.
Best Pre-Shave Oils
| Pre-Shave Oils | quantity | Suitable for | Speciality | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikking Revolution Pre-Shave Oil | 1 ounce | All skin types | Money back guarantee | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| The Art Of Shaving pre-shaving oil | 2 ounce | All skin types, especially dry, sensitive skin | Clinically tested for sensitive skin | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| The Art Of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil-Lavender | 2 ounce | All skin types, especially dry, sensitive skin | Clinically tested for sensitive skin | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| The Henna Guys Pre-Shave Oil | 8 ounce | Dry, sensitive, acne prone skin | Plant based, cruelty-free, paraben free | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Lather And Wood Shaving Co Pre-Shave Oil | 1 ounce | All skin types | Has witch hazel and neem seed oil | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Alonzo’s Sensational Shave Pre-shave oil | 2 ounce | Sensitive skin | All- natural, no fragrance, preservatives, coloring or paraben | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| American Shaving Co. Pre-Shave Oil | 2 ounce | All skin types especially oily skin | Gentle pleasing scent | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Pre-Shave Oils Reviews
1. Vikking Revolution Pre-Shave Oil
Viking Revolution is a premium beard care brand based out of Florida, USA. They guarantee 100% complete user satisfaction and a premium grooming experience. They give money back guarantee on all their products.
The Vikking Revolution Pre-shave oil makes hair and skin smoother before shaving. This prevents razor burns and cuts while shaving. This lubricates the skin and minimises tugging while shaving allowing for a neat and smooth shave. It also prevents dryness and redness after shaving.
The natural formula prevents skin irritation. It has natural ingredients such as shea butter which is known for its intense moisturising properties, aloe vera which is anti-inflammatory and treats dryness, itchiness as well as fungal acne. It also soothes the skin. The olive oil and argan oil present in it act together to smoothen & soften the skin and hair. They prep the skin to minimise any razor burn or itchiness post shaving.
What we liked:
- Has a light pleasing sandalwood fragrance
- You only needs a dime sized amount
- The pump bottle packaging makes it easier to dispense the product
- Affordable and value for money
What we did not like:
- Made in China
2. The Art Of Shaving pre-shaving oil
The Art Of Shaving is a New York based high end men’s skincare company that specializes in beard and shaving products. Their shaving products have received multiple awards. They also have bodycare, fragrance and hair care ranges.
The Art Of Shaving pre-shave oil preps the beard and skin before shaving. This results in a smooth surface for the razor to glide on reducing nicks, cuts and uneven patches. It is made with premium quality ingredients which makes it suitable for all skin types.
It is especially great for people with dry, sensitive skin and men with thick, unruly beards. It has rich ingredients such as castor oil which is known to condition individual hair strands and lock-in moisture. This makes the hair smooth and supple.
It also has olive oil which is beneficial to moisturise and act as a barrier to the skin which prevents irritation caused due to the razor. The natural fragrance comes from sandalwood essential oil.
What we liked:
- Clinically tested to be non-irritating for sensitive skin
- Has a great sandalwood smell that lasts a long time
What we did not like:
- The bottle does not come with a dropper or nozzle which makes it difficult to use.
- Can be a little thick for some people
- Bit on the expensive side for a 2 ounce product
3. The Art Of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil-Lavender
Yet another pre-shave oil from the brand. This one is from their Lavender shaving collection and has a gentle lavender aroma. The soothing aroma is derived from natural Bulgarian Lavender essential oils.
It has a rich ingredient list which includes castor oil and olive oil. Both castor and olive oil are thick oils which provide ultimate slickness to the hair and the skin.The result is a well moisturised skin even after shaving. It ensures that the razor glides on the skin in swift motion and minimizes razor burns, as well as prevents any cuts or patchiness while shaving.
Things we liked:
- Clinically tested for sensitive skin
Things we didn’t like:
- The thickness of the oil might be greasy for oily skin people
- Extra effort required to clean the razor as the oil gets on the razor blades.
- The bottle does not come with a dropper or nozzle which makes it difficult to use.
- The bottle has only 2 ounces of product which might require frequent re-filling.
4. The Henna Guys Pre-Shave Oil
The Henna Guys is a natural, plant based company that targets sensitive skin and scalp. They make paraben and phthalates free, vegan products that are gentle on the skin.
The moisturizing pre-shave oil is made up of natural ingredients that smooths even tough beards. The lightweight formula is not greasy and will not clog or dull your razor blades.
It has hydrating oils such as grapeseed oil, argan oil, jojoba oil and marula oil. Grapeseed is a lightweight oil that deep conditions the hair and makes it softer and hence easy to shave. Argan oil is known for its antifungal properties, it moisturises the skin as well as reduces itchiness caused due dryness and fungus. Argan oil is loaded with antioxidants and rich in vitamin C and E, it not only adds slickness but also is a great skincare ingredient.
The pleasing aroma of the pre-shave oil also comes from natural essential oil of eucalyptus and lemongrass.
What we liked:
- Can be used on both straight and safety razors
- Made for sensitive skin
- Cruelty free and vegan
- Does not clog or dull the razor
- It comes in a 8 ounce bottle which is good value for the amount you are paying
What we did not like:
- Has tree nut oil which might not be suitable for people with nut allergies
5. Lather And Wood Shaving Co Pre-Shave Oil
Lather And Wood Shaving is a Seattle, US based company that makes men’s skincare, hair care and shaving products. Their shaving range is their most popular product.
The Pre-Shave oil caters to men with a tough beard who are prone to ingrown hairs, redness and irritation after shaving. It is loaded with organic ingredients such as organic aloe vera juice, organic coconut oil, glycerin, witch hazel, vitamin E, organic neem seed oil and more.
It has aloe vera juice as its base ingredient which is known to soothe and calm the skin. The coconut and jojoba oil provide lubrication and slip that is required to tame even the tough beard hairs. Meanwhile, glycerin is an excellent emollient that moisturises and adds lip without being greasy.
The witch hazel and neem seed oils are especially good to fight irritation and inflammation caused during shaving. They are also well known for fighting acne and skin infection.
Things we liked:
- Has authentic and pleasing sandalwood smell
- Made in USA
- Offers 15% discount on subsequent purchases
- Great customer care service
Things we didn’t like:
- Some people might find the consistency too heavy
- The razor requires proper cleaning as the oil adheres to it
6. Alonzo’s Sensational Shave Pre-shave oil
The Alonzo’s Sensational pre-shave oil is made from high quality ingredients that guarantees customer satisfaction. It is made from natural seeds, kernel and nut oils.
It has rich oils like olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil which reduces dryness and skin texture, making way for a silky smooth shave. It also contains lightweight oils such as grapeseed oil, apricot oil, and bergamot oil to balance out the consistency as well as moisturise the skin from within.
The all-natural formula is free from any preservative or coloring.
What we liked:
- Free from parabens, ammonia, artificial colorings and preservatives.
- The fragrance free formula is best suitable for sensitive skin which gets irritated easily
- 30 days risk-free 100% money back guarantee
- Made in USA
- Does not clog your razors
What we did not like:
- The design of the cap makes it hard to close completely, risking spillage
- Due to lack of preservatives, the product might go bad quicker
- Only 2 ounces of product
- Due to lack of added fragrance, it has pungent aroma
7. American Shaving Co. Pre-Shave Oil
American Shaving Co. pre-shave oil is a blend of natural oils such as extra virgin Olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil and jojoba oil. The expert formulation combines all the oils in a balanced ratio that results in quick absorption and moisturisation due to lightweight oils like grapeseed oil, jojoba oil. The thick oils like olive oil and almond oil give perfect lubrication to the skin for a smooth shave.
It is suitable for all skin types and can prevent razor burns, ingrown hair, post-shave rashes and irritation. It also prevents nicks and cuts as well as allows you to get a close shave in a single swift motion.
What we liked:
- The bottle has a pump design which makes it easier to dispense the product
- Made in USA
- Pleasing subtle scent
What we did not like:
- A good quality shaving cream or foam is a must as the oil is thinner and lighter
- Does not give intense moisturisation for extra dry skin
Comparison Table
| Product | quantity | Suitable for | Speciality |
| Viking Revolution pre-shave oil | 1 ounce | All skin types | Money back guarantee |
| Art Of Shaving Sandalwood pre-shave oil | 2 ounces | All skin types, especially dry, sensitive skin | Clinically tested for sensitive skin |
| Art Of Shaving pre-shave oil- Lavender | 2 ounces | All skin types, especially dry, sensitive skin | Clinically tested for sensitive skin |
| The Henna Guys Pre-shave oil | 8 ounces | Dry, sensitive, acne prone skin | Plant based, cruelty-free, paraben free |
| Lather and Wood Shaving Co. | 1 ounce | All skin types | Has witch hazel and neem seed oil |
| Alonzo’s sensation shave | 2 ounces | Sensitive skin | All- natural, no fragrance, preservatives, coloring or paraben |
| American Shaving Co. | 2 ounces | All skin types especially oily skin | Gentle pleasing scent |
Why Use Pre-Shave Oils?
There are many reasons why you should invest in good quality pre-shaving oil. Other than the fact that it makes shaving your brittle facial hair easy, below mentioned are some other benefits, these include:
Close shave: if you wish to remove all the hair from your face to attain a clean shave, you can use pre-shave oil. If you apply a pre-shave oil to your skin before applying the foam or shaving cream it will not only help you remove hair in one quick shave but will also protect your skin from nicks and cuts caused due to shaving. It makes your hair soft and this hair is easier to remove as compared to hair that has just been treated with foam or cream.
Nourishes the skin: this pre shave oil not only helps remove hair with utmost ease but also makes the skin soft. The hair that grows on the skin after the regular application of this pre-shave oil is also soft which makes subsequent shaves smoother and quicker.
Prevents irritation: pre shave oil is different from beard oil, beard oil aids growth of facial hair while a pre shave oil soothes the skin. Its main purpose is to make the hair that grows on the face soft this in-turn prevents irritation. Men who experience frequent irritation due to shaving brittle hair will realize the difference after just one application.
Natural ingredients: the best kind of pre shave oil to apply is the one which is made with natural ingredients. This will not only keep the skin healthy but will also nourish the skin to promote hair growth which is less brittle and easier to remove. A good pre-shave oil will contain ingredients like Aleo vera, carrier oil, castor oil, essential oils and vitamin oils. Application of which are a great way to make your skin supple and hair soft.
What is in a Pre-Shave Oil?
Most pre shave oils are made from natural ingredients. The oil used in the base is mostly a kind of nice smelling almond oil. Other than this it also contains other essential oils which smell good as well as provide nourishment to the skin. It is made with a mixture of castor oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, grape oil, vitamin A and vitamin B. It also contains vitamin E which makes the skin soft and supple. This aids growth of soft hair and provides an easier shave. These oils are blended in a careful mix to provide you with a comfortable shave. It acts as a great lubricant for the skin so as to prevent irritation caused after shaving.
How to Choose the Best Pre-Shave Oil?
There are various kinds of pre-shave oils that are available in the market today. All these are good in one way or the other. You need to pick the one which suits the best for you. If you follow the tips given below you should be able to choose the one that suits you best.
- Check all the ingredients present in the oil and make sure you are not allergic to any one or all of them.
- Pick a pre-shave oil which is light, like an oil which contains avocado, or almond oils. These oils are lighter as compared to sunflower oil and peanut oil.
- The oil you buy for your skin will largely depend on the type of skin you possess. If you have oily skin then pre-shave oils which contain light oils are better suited for you. If you have dry skin then your skin can deal with oils which may be heavy. If your skin is sensitive then choose an oil which suits your skin type the best.
- Use the hit and trial method if nothing else works out.
How to Use Pre-Shave Oil?
A bottle of pre shave oil can last up-to 4 to 6 months if used properly and in the right quantity. It is fairly easy to use pre shave oil, follow the steps below and know exactly how:
- Take 2 to 3 drops of pre shave oil in one of your palms. Rub it with the other hand. Keep rubbing this on both your palms for about 30 seconds.
- It is important to rub it in your palms for a little while before you apply this to your face, because the essential oils get activated by the heat provided by the palm of your hand.
- Now apply this to your face by rubbing it into your beard. Leave this for another 30 seconds. This will make the hair soft and easy to shave off.
- Now, over this pre shave oil apply the foam, gel, or cream that you are going to use to shave and shave according to your desire. You will experience a quicker and smoother shave. Leaving your face supple and irritation free.
Conclusion:
A pre-shave oil is a good investment for people who regularly experience post-shave discomfort. They act as a barrier between the skin and the razor which prevents the razor from directly irritating the skin causing inflammation and rashes. At the same time they also act as lubricants that allow the razor to glide on your skin and beard easily with the least amount of friction. This gives a uniform and smooth shave.
It is important to consider some factors while purchasing a pre-shave oil. Things like packaging is important, a glass bottle will likely slip out of your hand especially in shower when your hands are wet. Similarly a pump or a dropper will make the application easier.
The general rule of thumb is the less artificial ingredients, the better the product is. However, sometimes preservatives and stabilizing ingredients are required to make it last longer and also makes it safer for daily use. A product that only has natural ingredients will go bad very easily and then cause skin issues.