Shaving Butter vs. Shaving Cream: What’s the Difference?

Walk into any grooming aisle, and you’ll see that the shelves are packed with tubes, tins, foams, and balms—all promising the smoothest shave of your life. Somewhere in that mix, shaving butter and shaving cream sit side by side. They sound similar and are both used before a razor, but are they the same thing?

Knowing which one to choose starts with understanding what sets them apart. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is shaving butter the same as shaving cream?”—this one’s for you. So, let’s break it down!

What is a Shaving Cream?

Most people picture shaving cream as a traditional grooming product that creates a foamy layer on the skin to soften hair and protect against cuts. It comes in aerosol cans, tubes, or tubs and can be applied with a brush or directly by hand.

While shaving cream’s primary function is to help the razor glide smoothly over your skin, not all formulas are the same. Many contain a mix of synthetic ingredients that can leave your skin tight or dry afterwards.

Common Ingredients:

• Stearic Acid: A fatty acid that creates a creamy texture and adds lubrication.

• Dimethicone: A silicone polymer that enhances smoothness and protects the skin.

• Sodium Laureth Sulphate: A surfactant that helps create lather for even application.

• Propane & Propellants: These are used in aerosols to dispense the product.

• Fragrances & Colour Additives: These are often added for aesthetics but may cause sensitivity.

What to Use Instead of Shaving Cream?

Want to ditch synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and foaming agents? Luckily, there are plenty of natural, skin-friendly alternatives that still give you a clean, comfortable shave:

• Shaving butter – Rich, creamy, and ultra-hydrating—your best choice.

• Shaving gel – Thinner than cream but still offers protection and smoothness.

• Shaving oil – Slick, concentrated, and provides a great glide.

• Aloe vera gel – Cooling, soothing, and naturally slippery.

• Coconut oil – Moisturising and effective, but can clog razors.

• Hair conditioner – A classic hack that softens hair and has a super slippery texture.

What is a Shaving Butter?

Shaving butter may not be as foamy or widely known, but it’s becoming a favourite. It’s often preferred by people with sensitive skin or anyone who enjoys a more conditioning feel after they rinse.

Made with natural oils and other nourishing ingredients, shaving butter spreads like a lightweight moisturiser and doesn’t lather the way traditional shaving creams do. This isn’t a bad thing, though—the translucent texture allows you to see more of your skin while shaving, making it great for shaping beards or maintaining clean lines.

Common Ingredients:

• Shea Butter: Helps soften hair and hydrate skin during the shave.

• Cocoa Butter: Adds moisture and smoothness, ideal for dry or irritated skin.

• Aloe Vera: Soothes the skin and helps reduce redness or post-shave discomfort.

• Jojoba Oil: It mimics skin’s natural oils, helping to maintain balance and moisture.

• Essential Oils (like sandalwood, tea tree, or peppermint): Add scent and skincare benefits like calming or antimicrobial properties.

Shaving Butter vs Shaving Cream

The difference between shaving butter and shaving cream comes down to how they feel and what kind of shave you’re going for:

• Shaving cream is about cushion and lift. It holds the hairs upright and provides a foamy barrier. While that barrier protects, it can also leave a residue if you don’t rinse well. Some foams can also dry your skin, especially if alcohol or detergents are high on their ingredient list.

• Shaving butter doesn’t foam up—it sinks into the skin more like a balm or lotion. That can be a plus, especially if you’re tired of your skin feeling sensitive after shaving. The slickness comes from oils rather than foam, which gives razors a different sort of glide. 

Shaving Butter vs Shaving Cream: Key Differences 

Still not sure which one to pick? Here’s a quick breakdown to make your decision easier:

1. Shaving Cream

• Texture & Visibility: Foamy, thick, it covers the skin entirely

• Application: Often used with a brush

• Skin Feel: Can feel tight or dry post-shave

• Best For: Quick shaves, thicker stubble

• Ingredients: Often synthetic + surfactants

2. Shaving Butter

• Texture & Visibility: Creamy, balm-like and semi-transparent during use

• Application: Applied with fingers with no fuss

• Skin Feel: Usually leaves skin soft and hydrated

• Best For: Sensitive skin, detailed shaving

• Ingredients: Mostly natural oils and butter

Things to Consider

There are several factors to consider when picking the right product for your shaving routine. Here’s what to keep in mind before making your choice:

1. Skin Type

Shaving butter is great for all skin types, particularly sensitive or dry skin. Its formula is typically free from alcohol and harsh foaming agents. With butter and natural oils as key ingredients, shaving butter offers deep hydration, leaving skin soft and nourished. Shaving cream can still work well, but some formulas are too drying for daily use.

2. How Often Do You Shave

Shaving daily? That repeated friction adds up. Butter can help replenish moisture, especially if you hit the same spot repeatedly. But if you’re merely tidying up every few days or dealing with thick facial hair, the lift and cushion of shaving cream might be a better fit for your skincare routine.

3. Environment + Lifestyle

Butter usually comes in a tube or jar—no pressurised cans, no extra packaging. It tends to be more eco-conscious, both in ingredients and waste. Creams, especially aerosol versions, usually contain propellants and single-use plastics.

Tips for a Smoother Shave 

A little prep and patience go a long way in achieving a close, comfortable shave. Whether you’re using shaving butter or cream, follow these tips:

• Always start with warm water. It softens the hair and opens pores.

• Exfoliate gently once or twice a week. Removes dead skin and lifts hair.

• Don’t rush. Let the product sit on your skin for 30 seconds before shaving.

• Always use a sharp blade. Don’t wait for it to tug or nick you—replace it often.

• Go with the grain first, then against it if you want a closer shave.

• After shaving, rinse with cool water and pat dry.

• Moisturise right after. Even the best shave product won’t lock in hydration forever.

Final Verdict: Shave Smarter, Not Harder

Shaving shouldn’t leave your skin irritated, dry, or red. The real goal of any shave, whether you’re using butter or cream, is that it feels as good as it looks. So the next time you’re staring down the grooming aisle or scrolling through skincare products, you’ll know what you need—no guessing, no regrets.

However, if your shaving routine isn’t cutting it—literally or figuratively—it might be time to try something new. 

Discover the Best Shaving Butter in Australia

At Jericho Skincare ANZ, we create grooming essentials that care for your skin as much as they deliver results. Our Dead Sea mineral-infused formulas are designed to hydrate, soothe, and support your skin—whether you’re looking for men’s shaving butter or skin-friendly options for women. From nourishing creams and foams to post-shave care, we make it easier to get that clean, comfortable finish without dryness or irritation.

Explore our full collection and find the products that work with your skin, not against it.