Take a walk down the shaving aisle of your local supermarket, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of different shaving products. From shaving gel to foams, to creams, to soaps – there are so many options to choose from, but are you making the best choice?
Shaving foams and gels are two of the most popular choices when it comes to shaving, so we’re going to take a dive into the differences between them and help you decide which one is best for your shaving routine.
Understanding the difference between shaving gel & foam
The purpose of shaving gels and foams is the same – to provide a lubricating barrier between the skin and razor, making it easier to glide over the surface of the skin. But, there are obvious differences in the formulations, consistencies, and appearances.
Shave gel | Shave foam |
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Thin, gel consistency | Thick, foam consistency |
Typically clear | Opaque |
Better for precise shaving | Tricky to see where you’re shaving |
Usually comes in a bottle | Packaged in an aerosol can |
Shaving foams
Starting with shaving foams; they’re typically airy, light and fluffy in texture. When you dispense the product, it quickly expands and turns into a thick foam. You don’t need to lather up the foam as it already has a rich consistency, so you can apply it directly to your face or body.
If you’re a fan of the foam, you might be surprised to hear that you don’t necessarily need a huge lather to protect yourself from the wrath of your razor. This is where shaving gel comes in…
Shaving gels
Shaving gel is designed to be used just as it is without the need for lathering. The clear or translucent formula allows you to see exactly where you’re shaving, making it easier to navigate around tricky areas like the jawline and under the nose.
You can usually get a closer shave with shaving gel, too, as it provides a smoother glide for your razor, reducing the risk of nicks and irritation.
Up your shave game with these self care secrets
What is canned shaving gel?
It’s important to note that when we talk about regular shaving gel, we’re not talking about the stuff that comes in a can.
If you’ve ever used canned shaving gel, you’ll be familiar with the suspiciously vast amount of foam that suddenly appears when you rub it into the skin.
Do you see where we’re going with this? If shaving gel isn’t supposed to lather, then canned shaving gel isn’t actually shaving gel at all… Technically speaking, it’s just a different type of shaving foam, so don’t be fooled by the name!
The issue with shaving foam
Canned shaving foam is a staple item in bathrooms across the country; perhaps there’s some sitting in yours as we speak.
These metal aerosol cans have pretty much been the standard in shaving lubrication since they were invented in the 1950s. It was rather cutting-edge (pardon the terrible pun) technology at the time. No more did you need to use a shaving brush and bowl to create a lather, saving shavers a considerable amount of time and effort.
Fast forward to the modern day, and the people’s love affair with canned foam continues, as many believe that these ultra-foamy formulations provide the best protection whilst shaving. But like a significant other who insists you’re the one but still cheats behind your back, canned shaving foams really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
Post-shave irritation & early ageing…yikes
If you use a canned shaving foam and find that you often suffer from post-shave irritation, you might be surprised to hear that the can could be the culprit.
Many of us forget to consider how this instant super-foam is created. Although it looks like magic, it’s actually the result of a bunch of gases and chemical-foaming agents, which don’t tend to be very kind to the skin.
Bear with us whilst we get a bit sciencey… These foaming agents, also known as surfactants, make it difficult for hydrating compounds to penetrate the skin, leaving it dry and more prone to irritation.
Even if you currently use a shaving foam and don’t suffer from any visible irritation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe… Studies have shown that the regular moisture loss caused by long-term exposure to surfactants can cause premature skin ageing.
The benefits of shaving gel over shaving foam
As you may have already guessed, we’re rather big fans of shaving gel here at grüum HQ, providing, of course, that it’s made with the right ingredients and doesn’t come out of a can.
But what is it that we love so much about it?
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1. No foam, no faff
We love the convenience that shaving gel brings to the table. No faffing around making a lather – just slide it on, and you’re good to shave away.
2. Better for precision shaving
The majority of decent shaving gels (much like our danne Clear Shave Gel) have a clear formulation, so you can see where you’re shaving. This is particularly handy for precision areas like beard lines.
Of course, if you can’t quite let go of your love of the lather, danne can also be gently foamed. Just don’t expect an eruption!
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osku : Precision 6
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danne Clear Shave Gel | 120ml
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barberkrem Shave Cream | 100ml
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glÿde Shave Oil | 50ml
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väkä Post Shave Balm | 35g
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3. Less product, less waste
You’ll find you get through one shaving foam can pretty quickly and often end up using more than you really need. Shaving gel goes a long way, and with its transparent formula, you can see just how much you need to cover the area you’re shaving. No more wasted product!
4. Natural is always best
When it comes to avoiding any unwanted reactions from the skin, it’s always safer to keep things natural.
Our danne Shave Gel uses a refreshing combination of aloe vera, eucalyptus, and witch hazel to naturally soothe and calm the skin. It also contains glycerin, which helps to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
For us, it’s an all-round winner, and we know it is with many of you, too, receiving a whopping 4.7/5 rating from our customers.
Check out danne Shave Gel
5. Ditch the tin
Aside from the stuff that’s in the bottle, there’s also the packaging to consider. Most shaving foams come in those pesky aerosol cans, which not only create unnecessary waste but can often contain harmful chemicals that can harm both you and the environment. Our danne Shave Gel comes in a recyclable plastic bottle, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
The best shaving gel on the block
We’ve name-dropped our danne Clear Shave Gel a couple of times, we know, but it’s just that good. We’ve formulated this versatile product with all skin types in mind, so don’t worry if you’ve got oily, sensitive or dry skin – we’ve got you covered.
Containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera, eucalyptus, orange, and rosemary, our Clear Shave Gel not only provides a comfortable shave, but also nourishes and protects your skin. These ingredients work together to soothe and calm any potential irritation and hydrate your skin to prevent dryness.
But don’t just take our word for it – our customers are raving about the results.
4.74 Based on 17152 Reviews
Donna Page
“I love Gruum products so much.I suffer from Roseaca on my face so I can use very few facial brands due to causing flare ups but I have had no problems at all with any of the Gruum products! I use th”…
22 hours ago
James Galbraith
“Exceptional products, love it ”
23 hours ago
Anonymous
“Both the shampoo and conditioner are great. The shampoo lasts for ages. I like the shape of the bars, and they smell gorgeous!”
1 day ago
Natalie Domingo
“Loved my shampoo tried the conditioner bar Would like it in a bottle as found it difficult to get anything from it although it was my first usage so maybe will be better as goes on ”
1 day ago
Paulina Martinas
“I ordered a shampoo and a hair conditioner bar and I was really surprised how clean and light my hair was after.Also it’s not getting greasy so easily anymore, I have a really long hair and before”…
1 day ago
Nicola Croft
“Great product, the soaps are the best I’ve used, they work really well and don’t sting your eyes so great to use on my 5 year old daughter so she can wash her face properly. They’re a little expensive”…
1 day ago
Daniela Petruccioli
“Very nice products!! ”
1 day ago
Rebbeca Jones
“I have ordered twice now from Gruum and so far I really like the facial cleansing bars and the moisturiser bars (which I gave to my mum as she has dry skin) I’ve not tried the face mask bars yet but”…
2 days ago
Candy Outten
“My order arrived pretty swiftly and it was great that it could be posted straight through the letterbox. I love that the packaging is simple, sustainable and recyclable. The products are also lovely ”…
2 days ago
Stacey Swain
“Always had excellent products from Gruum, have tried shampoo bars, conditioning bars, face cleansing bars and their face oil, all of which have been excellent. Delivery packaging is minimal, very envi”…
2 days ago
Anonymous
“All of the Grumm products I have used so far have been FAB!Shipping is super rapid, packaging is simple, modern, practical and streamlined.Products smell fresh, devine.Textures are super smooth.”…
2 days ago
Wendy Gibson
“ Wry happy with all my purchases. Nice products with no nasties ”
2 days ago
Laura Laing
“Great products. Look good. Smell good.”
2 days ago
Michelle Woods
“I often get really good offers on Gruum products with my Vodafone Rewards. I’ve had body bars, face bars, sun protection, body cooling spray… lots of stuff! I’ve yet to come across an item that I”…
2 days ago
Anonymous
“I love Gruum products – I started with the shampoo bar, now I use the conditioner bar as well, the leg oil and fragrance. They all smell amazing, and last for ages. The shampoo and conditioner are inc”…
2 days ago
It performs even better when you buddy it up with one of our razors, too, so you can achieve the best shave results possible both on your mug and limbs.
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barberkrem Shave Cream | 100ml
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barberkrem Shave Cream | 100ml
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danne Clear Shave Gel | 120ml
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når Shave Bar – Aloe Vera | 30g
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The verdict: shaving gel comes out on top
If you’re currently using shaving foam in your grooming routine, we’re here to tell you that it’s time for an upgrade. Shaving gel proves itself to be a clear winner when it comes to achieving the ultimate shaving experience. And our danne Clear Shave Gel is the best of the bunch.
Grab yours for your next shave, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Love, grüum.
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Facebook | @gruumHQ
FAQs
Is shaving gel better than shaving foam?
Yes, it really is. Shaving foam typically contains nasty surfactants, which you most definitely shouldn’t be putting on your skin. Not to mention, you don’t even really need all that lather for a smooth shave.
Shaving gel, on the other hand, provides a clear and thin layer that allows for better visibility and precision while shaving, which is great for avoiding nicks and cuts.
Does shaving gel turn into foam?
Proper shaving gel won’t foam up. If it does, then it’s just a shaving foam that’s masquerading as a gel. The masses of foam aren’t actually necessary for a clean and smooth shave, so stick with a true shaving gel for better results.
Can I use danne Shave Gel on sensitive skin?
You certainly can. We’ve made sure our danne Shave Gel is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Thanks to the witch hazel and aloe vera in our formula, it’s gentle and soothing on the skin while still providing a close and comfortable shave.
Is it better to shave with or without a shaving gel?
Always shave with a gel and never on bare skin. Shaving gels provide a protective barrier between your skin and the razor blade while softening the hairs, making it much easier for the razor to glide smoothly over your skin. This helps to prevent irritation, burns, and cuts. If you shave on skin without any product, you may experience discomfort and a less precise results.