The Best Pre-Shave Oils in 2024

It's no fun to constantly battle razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation after shaving, but don't give up on shaving yet.

You can finally say goodbye to those problems by using a secret weapon that can wipe them all out: Pre-shave oils!

Pre-shave oils soften facial and scalp hair and create a smooth barrier on the skin, allowing for a close and comfortable shave without irritation.

Read along as we discover the top 6 pre-shave oils for different skin types, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your shaving needs, whether for your face or scalp.

6 Best Pre-Shave Oils for a Smooth Shave

To help you navigate the world of pre-shave oils, we’ve listed the six best ones available, each catering to different preferences and skin types. From sensitive skin to coarse beards and bald heads, these oils will transform your shaving routine and leave your skin feeling smooth and irritation-free.

No matter your skin type or hair texture, there is a pre-shave oil that will work for you. Whether you’re looking for a light, natural oil or a heavier, more luxurious oil, you’ll find something that suits your needs.

Freebird Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil - Best Overall

Freebird's Sandalwood Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil is our top pick for the best pre-shave oil on the market.

It features a balanced blend of natural ingredients, including olive oil and castor oil, providing a smooth shave and a masculine sandalwood scent.

Freebird's pre-shave oil is a multitasker. While designed for bald heads, it can also double as a beard oil. How's that for versatility?

Its thick, protective viscosity is perfect for electric shavers and straight or safety razor users.

The thicker consistency provides an excellent protective layer, ensuring a comfortable and close shave even for those with coarse hair.

Buy at MyFreebird.com or on Amazon.

Better yet, buy the shave care kit, which includes the pre-shave oil, shave gel, and post-shave lotion.

Bevel Pre-Shave Priming Oil - Runner-Up

Coming in as a runner-up for the best pre-shave oil is the Bevel Pre-Shave Priming Oil. This versatile option works well for various beard types. It features a blend of lavender oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and castor oil, which helps to moisturize and lubricate the skin and hair.

The Bevel Pre-Shave Priming Oil creates a protective layer between the skin and the razor, softening the hair and moisturizing the skin so that the razor glides more easily. This leads to a more comfortable shaving experience free of nicks and cuts.

It also has a pleasant, subtle scent that won’t overpower your other grooming products.

Overall, Bevel Pre-Shave Priming Oil is a high-quality, versatile choice for elevating one's shaving routine.

Buy at GetBevel.com or Amazon.

Lather & Wood Pre-Shave Oil - Best for Coarse Beards

Dealing with a coarse beard can cause shaving problems, but Lather & Wood Pre-Shaving solves this dilemma. It's specifically designed for coarse beards, ensuring a comfortable and close shave.

Lather & Wood Shaving Unscented Pre-Shave Oil is an all-natural formula that softens skin. Many users enjoy the scent, how it feels on their skin, and how it makes shaving easier.

If you struggle with a coarse beard and are looking for a pre-shave oil that caters to your specific needs, Lather & Wood Pre-Shaving Oil is a perfect choice. Its unique formula will make shaving a more pleasant experience.

Buy at Lather & Wood or Amazon.

Shave Secret Pre-Shave Oil - Best Budget-Friendly

For those on a budget, Shave Secret Pre-Shave is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise quality. Priced under $10, this pre-shave oil delivers a smooth shaving experience, making it a great choice for wet shave enthusiasts.

Shave Secret Pre-Shave Oil combines base oils, essential oils, RX-grade menthol, and natural fragrance oil. A few drops are all you need to soften hair and prepare the skin, saving you money in the long run.

Don’t let the budget-friendly price tag fool you; Shave Secret Pre-Shave Oil is a high-quality product that will leave your skin feeling smooth and free of irritation.

Buy from Shave Secret or Amazon.

The Art of Shaving Unscented - Best for Sensitive Skin

The Art of Shaving Unscented is a gentle pre-shave oil specially designed for sensitive skin. It reduces irritation and razor burn.

It provides a close shave and a comfortable experience, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid any skin reactions or irritation.

While this oil might set you back a few extra bucks, its quality is worth every penny.

Buy at The Art of Shaving or Amazon.

The Viking Revolution Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil - Best Natural

Are you looking for an all-natural pre-shave oil that helps you get a smooth, irritation-free shave? The Viking Revolution checks all the boxes. It's made from all-natural ingredients and helps prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.

The scent of sandalwood is quite strong on this pre-shave oil. If you don't mind smelling like sandalwood, this oil is for you.

Buy at The Viking Revolution or on Amazon.

Pre-Shave Oils vs. Shaving Oils: What's the Difference?

As its name implies, pre-shave oil is applied before shaving and used to prepare and soften the skin and hair. Combined with shaving products (cream, gel, foam, or soap), it provides greater protection and lubrication.

Shaving oil, in contrast, can be used on its own as an alternative to shaving cream as a shaving lubricant. It's usually a bit thicker than pre-shave oil.

The Benefits of Using Pre-Shave Oils

Adding a pre-shave oil to your shaving routine has a handful of benefits:

• Reduces irritation: acts as a barrier between razor blades and your skin, reducing the chances of irritation.

• Eliminates razor burn: reduces friction which causes razor burn after shaving.

• Softens hair: helps soften hairs, making them easier to cut.

• Improves razor glide: creates a smooth surface on your skin, allowing razor blades to glide easily.

• Hydrates skin: helps keep skin hydrated and moisturized.

How to Choose the Right Pre-Shave Oil for You

With so many pre-shave oils on the market, finding the perfect one for your skin type and preferences might seem daunting. To help you make the right choice, consider factors such as scent, ingredients, and size.

Scent

When it comes to scent, it’s all about personal preference. Some pre-shave oils have natural scents from essential oils, while others are unscented or have synthetic fragrances. Choose a scent you enjoy that won’t cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Look for natural or organic ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. Avoid synthetic ingredients that may irritate your skin.

Many pre-shave oils are formulated with natural oils like castor, olive, and sweet almond oils, providing additional nourishment and skin protection. These natural ingredients can help moisturize your skin, reducing the risk of irritation and razor burn.

Size

Lastly, consider the size of the pre-shave oil bottle and how it fits into your grooming routine. If you travel frequently or have limited space, opt for a smaller bottle that’s easy to pack and store.

How to Properly Apply Pre-Shave Oils

To get the most out of your pre-shave oil, it’s essential to apply it correctly.

1. Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt and oil from your skin. This will help the pre-shave oil absorb more effectively and provide better protection during shaving.

2. Next, apply a small amount of pre-shave oil to your damp skin, massaging it gently. This will ensure a thin, even layer that provides sufficient lubrication without clogging your razor.

3. Allow the oil to sit on your skin for a minute or two to give it time to soften your facial hair and create a protective barrier.

4. Once your pre-shave oil has been applied, proceed with your regular shaving routine, using your preferred shaving cream or gel.

5. Remember to rinse your razor frequently to prevent any buildup of oil and hair, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shave.

Combining Pre-Shave Oils with Other Shaving Products

Combining pre-shave oils and other shaving products can give you double the benefits and performance.

You'll get a smoother and more comfortable shave as your pre shave oil creates a smooth lubricated surface while your shaving cream or gel provides a nice cushion between your skin and razor blades.

Freebird offers a shave care kit that combines pre-shave oil, shave gel, and post-shave lotion.

The Bottom Line

Pre shave oils are a good addition to your shaving arsenal especially if you have dry skin and constantly getting razor burn, bumps, and irritation.

They prep your skin before shaving and makes your shaving cream work better to give a smoother and irritation free shave.

We've made picking the right pre shave oil easier by listing the best ones you can buy in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Natural Oil to Use Before Shaving?

Olive oil or castor oil is the best oil to use before shaving. These oils have protective properties, lubricating properties, and a silky glide that can help prevent razor burn and irritation.

These oils are great for providing a smooth shave and can help reduce the risk of razor burn and irritation. They also provide a protective barrier between the razor and the skin, which can help reduce the risk of cuts and nicks.

Some of the recommended pre-shave oils above include these natural oils in their ingredients.

Are Pre-Shave Oils Worth It?

Yes, pre-shave oils are worth it! They can help keep your skin moisturized, protect against razor burn and irritation, and even help the blades glide more smoothly over the skin.

High-quality pre-shave oil is a worthwhile investment if you want to ensure a good shave and keep your skin healthy.

What is the Best Natural Oil to Prevent Razor Burn?

Tea tree oil is the best natural oil for preventing razor burns. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which helps reduce redness and itching caused by razor bumps.

Make sure to dilute it with warm water before applying directly to your skin.

What Does a Pre-Shave Oil Do?

Pre-shave oil softens hair and forms a thin protective layer on your skin, creating a smooth surface that helps razors glide smoothly and cut hairs easily.

Do I Need Pre-Shave Oil with an Electric Razor?

It depends on your needs.

• Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin that's prone to irritation, a pre-shave oil can provide a protective layer and help reduce irritation.

• Coarse hair: pre-shave oils can soften coarse hair, making them easier to cut.

• Dry skin: pre-shave oil can help prevent skin dryness.

Is Pre-Shave Oil Necessary if I Already Use Shaving Cream or Gel?

Similar to our answer above, you may use pre-shave products to enhance the performance of your shaving cream or gel, especially if you have sensitive skin, coarse hair, or extremely dry skin.

Can Pre-Shave Oil Clog My Razor?

Pre-shave oil may clog your razor depending on the following:

• Razor type: Pre-shave oils with thicker consistency may clog cartridge razors and foil shavers. These razor types have small spaces between blades where oil can settle and affect cutting.

• Oil type: Some pre-shave oils have a thinner consistency, like jojoba or grapeseed oils

• Application: A few drops of pre-shave oil is all you need; applying too much may clog your blades.

To avoid clogging, look for pre-shave products that are designed for electric razors.

Does Pre-Shave Oil Give a Closer Shave?

Pre-shave oil may help provide a closer shave, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Using a sharp blade, quality shaving cream, and proper shaving techniques all contribute to a smooth and closer shave.

Can I Use Coconut Oil as Pre-Shave Oil?

Coconut oil is a natural and cost-effective oil that can be used as a pre-shave oil.

Take note that coconut oil can be solid in colder temperatures. You need to warm it to make it spreadable. It may also affect the lather if you plan to use it together with shaving cream.

Can I Use Olive Oil as a Pre-Shave Oil?

Olive oil can be an alternative to pre-shave oil, but it can be thick in cooler temperatures like coconut oil. It can also hinder lather when shaving cream is used as your main shaving lubricant.

Can Argan Oil be Used as Pre-Shave Oil?

Argan oil is a good pre-shave oil option, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Its moisturizing properties may contribute to a closer and smoother shave.

Is Castor Oil a Good Pre-Shave Oil?

Castor oil isn't an ideal pre-shave oil on its own due to its thickness. However, when combined with other thinner essential oils, it has the potential to be one.

Does Pre-Shave Oil Prevent Ingrown Hairs?

Pre-shave oil may help prevent ingrown hairs, but like shaving closeness, it's just a part of what you need.

To avoid ingrown hairs, you need sharp blades, exfoliation, the proper shaving technique, and a powerful motor (electric shavers).

You can read more in our article on how to prevent razor bumps (ingrown hairs).

How Much Pre-Shave Oil Should I Use Per Shave?

A small amount, usually a few drops, is all you need when using pre-shave oil. You may add a few more drops if you have coarse hair or are covering a larger area like your head, face, and neck.

Do You Put Pre-Shave Oil on Wet or Dry Skin?

Pre-shave oil is applied to damp skin after washing and cleansing so it absorbs better. Water can dilute the oil, so you need to pat dry shaving areas before applying it.

Can You Make Your Own Pre-Shave Oil?

Yes, you can make your own pre-shave oil with some of the oils mentioned above as carrier oils.

Carrier oils are your base oil, and a few drops of essential oils can be added for fragrance.

Popular carrier oils

• Jojoba oil

• Grapeseed oil

• Sweet almond oil

Essential oils

• Tea tree

• Lavender

• Cedarwood

• Sandalwood

Use a dark dropper bottle and combine 1 ounce of carrier oil and 2 to 3 drops of essential oil. Swirl or shake to mix ingredients well.

Label your bottle and place the date because these oils expire. If you notice a change in smell, it's time to mix a fresh batch.

Does Pre-Shave Oil Cause Acne?

It depends on the type and quality of the oil used. Some oils may be harder to rinse off, which may clog pores and cause acne.

Pre-shave oils with all-natural ingredients will rinse off easily after shaving, reducing the chances of acne.

Is There a Difference Between Beard Oil and Pre-Shave Oil?

Yes, they have a different purpose.

A pre-shave oil is designed to prepare facial or scalp hair for shaving before applying shaving cream. On the other side of the coin, beard oil is meant to keep your beard healthy and manageable.