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Best Pre-Shave Oils: Men’s Buying Guide in 2022

This product guide was written by Andrew Marshall
Last Updated March 5, 2018
Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshall is a writer, painter, photographer, and filmmaker. He primarily writes about the outdoors, though like most writers he's interested in just about everything. Andrew is a long-distance athlete with a passion for running and walking up and down mountains. Born and raised in the southeast, he now lives high in the Sierra Nevada with his wife and a freakishly large orange cat.
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Every man’s shaving ritual should contain pre-shave oil for softer hair growth, a smoother shave, and less skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, or you’re just looking for the ultimate smooth and close shave, you’re about to add some of these to your arsenal. Check out the best pre-shave oils for men in 2019.

The Best Pre-Shave Oil

1
Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil by The Art of Shaving

sandalwood pre-shave oil by the art of shaving

If you’ve never wandering into a store of theirs or been on their site, you have a void in your life. The Art of Shaving is excellent for everything you need for a closer, better shave. Their Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil is just the ticket you’re been looking for. While your missus can steal it every now and again, it’s intended specifically for men.

This protects your skin from razor burn (the dreaded devil of shaving), and is also excellent as a beard oil to soften your skin and hair, all at once. The light aroma is an excellent compliment to your casualwear or smart wear, and the sandalwood essential oil that makes up the main component is better for normal skin, or dry skin. Oily skin users won’t benefit from this as much. Get razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation off your mind.

Key Features:

Blend of botanical ingredients and essential oils

Softens and prepares skin for a close, comfortable shave

Suitable for all beard types

Naturally scented with Sandalwood

Specification:
  • BrandThe Art of Shaving
  • Model670535100034
  • Weight8.2 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

2
Lather & Wood Shaving Co. Best Pre-Shave Oil

lather & wood shaving co. best pre-shave oil

If you are looking for a premium pre-shave oil, then how about checking out our Top Contender product from the Lather & Wood Shaving Co? This Sandalwood infused, ultra-moisturizing oil comes in a one fl oz bottle with a pump dispenser. Just a few drops are all that’s required to hydrate and condition all types of facial hair intensely. Even if you have a harsh and coarse beard, the blend of 7 natural essential oils in this formulation will prepare and soften hair for your closest have ever. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and will help minimize razor burn, plus it also helps to protect against nasty ingrowing hairs.

Before shaving, simply massage one pump of the oil into your beard then leave to soak for 30 seconds. This is just the right amount of time for the nourishing and hydrating formulation to penetrate your whiskers so that your razor will effortlessly glide across the surface of your skin. Apply your favorite shaving cream or soap and prepare to enjoy an old school wet shave experience the likes of which you’d typically only expect to receive in a traditional barbers shop. This is a proprietary blend that beautifully hydrates and protects even the most delicate of skin. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, it’s also possible to shave with this oil alone. To enjoy a superior wet shave at home, go ahead and grab a bottle of this pre-shave oil for yourself or purchase as a gift for a male friend or relative.

Key Features:

All natural ingredients featuring a blend of 7 oils

Specially formulated for wet shaving

Proprietary blend softens beard and conditions skin

Old school nostalgic scent of Sandalwood

Specification:
  • BrandLather & Wood Shaving Co.
  • Weight1.3 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

3
Alonzo’s Natural Shaving Oil for Men

alonzo’s natural shaving oil for men

Packed with skin-loving ingredients that sound good enough to eat, the proprietary blend of seed and nut oils in Alonzo’s Sensational Shave making the act of shaving a real pleasure. This oil is all the modern man needs to perfect today’s shaving experience. The natural blend of oils is perfect for minimizing ingrown hairs, reducing razor bumps and fighting against skin inflammation and damage. The formulation is free of all nasties, including synthetic ingredients, parabens, colors, or fragrances. Instead, Alonzo’s shave oil is blended with wonderful natural ingredients like avocado, apricot and coconut oil. The combination of these fabulous extracts deeply moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores, reduces inflammation and skin redness while also have anti-microbial properties to help in the fight against breakouts.

Designed for use by men, the results are so spectacular that we recommend you purchase two bottles. One for you and one for your wife or girlfriend as trust us, they will be trying to steal your bottle. Skin is left silky smooth to the touch and irritation-free. For optimal results, splash the face with water first before massaging just 3 to 4 drops of this deeply lubricating oil into the skin. Rub the oil anywhere that you’d like to shave. Your razor will effortlessly glide over the skin’s surface, comfortably catching even the shortest of hairs for a close wet shave.

Key Features:

Made from 100% all-natural, healthy oils

A proprietary blend of seed and nut oils plus vitamins and minerals

Leaves skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth

Made with cold-pressed coconut, apricot, bergamot, avocado and olive oils

Specification:
  • BrandALONZO’S SENSATIONAL SHAVE
  • Weight2.4 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

4
Jack Black – Beard Lube Conditioning Shave

jack black - beard lube conditioning shave

Our final best pre-shave oil product recommendation comes from the Jack Black range. Formulated from only the finest natural ingredients, Jack Black men’s grooming products are all about delivering excellence. Designed to make the act of shaving comfortable and pain-free, this 3 in 1 formulation contains Macadamia Nut oil to intensely hydrate, soften and penetrate the skin. The advanced silicone blend prevents clogged razors, permitting a superior and smooth glide instead. With extras of Menthol providing anti-bacterial benefits, this Beard Laube cools and calms even the most sensitive skin, leaving it irritation-free. If you’re short on time but not on standards, then the multi-tasking nature of this translucent shave formula should be appealing. You can use it as a per-shave oil, shaving cream as well as nourishing facial skin treatment all in one. Imagine not only being able to enjoy a pain-free close shave but also better conditioned and softer skin at the same time? Well, with this Jack Black Beard Lube, you can do just that. The super-light, non-irritating formula is a joy to shave with and will turn your daily grooming routine into a pleasure, never a chore.

Key Features:

3 in 1 formulation

Works as a pre-shave oil, shave cream and facial skin treatment

Packed with natural ingredients including macadamia nut oil and jojoba

Invigorating and uplifting scent of peppermint and eucalyptus

Specification:
  • BrandJack Black
  • Model1017
  • Weight13.6 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

5
VIKINGS BLADE “Black Forest” Pre-Shave Oil

vikings blade “black forest” pre-shave oil

As aggressive on irritation as the title would suggest—it practically makes it disappear overnight. If you’re looking to keep certain areas of your face clear of stubble, while also softening the stylized section of your facial hair, you’ve found the ultimate item for you. Scented with western red cedar (product of Australia), you get a unique, subtle aroma that compliments your cologne.

Available in a 2oz bottle, VIKINGS BLADE “Black Forest” Pre-Shave Oil contains 100% organic oils, including olive oil, citrus aurantium dulcis oil, ximenia Americana seed oil, and more. For the sensitive skin that needs an aggressive handle on irritation and ingrown hairs, leave it to the VIKINGS.

Key Features:

100% organic oils, 2oz

Works well with any razor type

Softens facial hair for the styled look

Specification:
  • BrandVikings Blade
  • Weight5.6 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

6
Shaveology Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil

shaveology lubricating pre-shave oil

Ever wondered what it would be like to look red carpet ready? It starts with how you maintain yourself, and Shaveology gives you the perfect tool to take your facial hair and shave game to an entirely new level. Shaveology Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil is an excellent protection for your face reduces razor burn and practically eliminates the possibility for red bumps and irritation, while keeping your stylized facial hair plenty soft and looking bold.

Available in a 2oz bottle, this low-cost high-performance pre-shave oil works quickly and allows you to feel refreshed like you never have before. Apply for 5-10 minutes, hit the shower and shave, and you’ll feel like a million bucks.

Key Features:

Premium protection against razor burn, 2 oz bottle

Lifetime guarantee

Cleaner, sharper shave

Specification:
  • BrandShaveology
  • Weight1.6 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

7
Unscented Pre-Shave Oil by The Art of Shaving

unscented pre-shave oil by the art of shaving

We can’t get enough of these guys (in case you couldn’t tell). The Art of Shaving outputs superb quality and really brings your shave to a whole new level. Unscented, for those of you with sensitivity to smells or want the power of your cologne to do the talking, and ready to protect your skin—this has it all.

Ingrown hair, razor burn and aggravating red bumps are a thing of the past. Unscented Pre-Shave Oil is excellent for daily use, and utilizes a unique blend of botanical ingredients to give you a one-of-a-kind feeling that you don’t even get with their other products. For an entirely new experience, softer hair, and a closer shave, look at it as an art form.

Key Features:

Unique blend of 100% botanical ingredients, 2oz

Recommended for daily use

Unscented and hypoallergenic

Specification:
  • BrandThe Art of Shaving
  • Model670535100003
  • Weight2.08 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

8
Proraso Pre-Shave Cream

proraso pre-shave cream

Now now, hold on. We know it’s not a pre-shave oil, but this deserves an honorable mention and includes the same benefits we’ll be talking about in our buying guide down below. You want to feel you best? Then you need to go with the best. Proraso pre-shave cream allows you to save on a hint of cash, while also reaping the rewards of a smoother shave.

Eliminate bumps and razor burn by letting this soak for 5-7 minutes, and getting your shave on. This melts away to leave you feeling refreshed, and looking your best. For quantity versus cost, this is the best deal on our list.

Key Features:

Eliminates red bumps

Softens your stubble/stylized facial hair

Protects your skin from bacterial growth in your pores

Specification:
  • BrandProraso
  • Model8004395001019
  • Weight3.68 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

9
The Art of Shaving Bulk Pre-Shave Oil

the art of shaving bulk pre-shave oil

The Art of Shaving Bulk Pre-Shave Oil is a standard formula with anything but standard results—go big, or go home with this bulk offer on a pump-activated pre-shave oil reservoir from your good friends at The Art of Shaving. Get a comfortable shave and softer stubble, stylized facial hair, and a cleaner look all in one.

This bottle is expected to last you for well over a full year—take the investment in your style now, with the most underrated and proven-to-work item in your shaving arsenal. You can’t afford to give a shoddy first impression; they’re looking right at you, and they’ll notice attention to detail. Cleaner shave, softer skin, a complete win.

Key Features:

Biggest bulk item on our list w/ bulk savings

Promotes razor  glide

Eliminates razor burn

Specification:
  • BrandThe Art of Shaving
  • Weight10.1 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

Pre-Shave Oil Buying Guide & FAQ

Perhaps the most important component to your shave game, pre-shave oil acts as your secret weapon. It’s simple to put a product in a bottle and tell people why it’s good, but we always go one step above that—this is what you need to look out for in your pre-shave oil, and a few of your answered questions surrounding this necessary shaving arsenal product.

pre shave cream faq

Q: What is Pre-Shave Oil?

A: It’s the most important part of your shave, especially if you’re one of the millions of men who suffer from sensitive skin. As the title suggests, you use it before you shave, and grab a few excellent benefits, which we’ll get into in a moment.

Pre-shave oil is the secret weapon in your shaving arsenal. It’s not the same thing as shave butter, which is a common misconception. It’s the ally of sensitive skin; it provides comfort while shaving, and helps to reduce improper cuts. When you shave, you’re essentially cutting-off facial hair without removing the root. Your pre-shave oil helps keep the hairs at attention (kind of like how foaming shaving cream does for men without sensitive skin), ensuring that you get an even cut across your entire face, reducing the red bumps of irritation and ingrown hairs from sprouting.

Q: Why do I Need Pre-Shave Oil?

A: Have you ever shaved, only to feel the familiar sting of razor burn, or waiting eight hours to see an ingrown hair forming? Yeah. We thought so. Here’s why pre-shave oil rocks:

  • Reduces Irritation: For those of you with eczema or another skin condition that really makes your skin sensitive to just about everything under the sun, pre-shave oil can provide exceptional comfort while actually boosting your shave’s precision.
  • Precision: There are plenty of other shave products that help with this, and while it’s not the primary feature behind pre-shave oil, it does increase your shave’s precision a bit.
  • Softer Hair: Even if you’re going for the beard trimmer but still majestic mountain beard, you’ll need some pre-shave oil to keep the hair soft, not coarse. Apart from that, you’ll also see less frayed, split ends when you trim up certain patches.

 

Pre-Shave Oil Rarely Contains Chemicals

For the most part, they’re all-natural products formed or organic compounds you find in nature. The main target audience of pre-shave oil is men (and women, if they suffer skin irritation) who need to tone down the harshness that’s being applied to their skin. Psoriasis and eczema sufferers especially.

When you have skin irritation or conditions, chemical compounds are only going to mess with your skin that much more. In an effort to help your skin stave off irritation, they’re unlikely to contain irritants.

Tips When Using Pre-Shave Oil

  • Don’t over-oil. It’s very easy to apply too much, and have it actually clog your pores. It’s an essential tool to your shaving kit for men, but if you use it improperly (like anything else in the world), you’ll run into issues.
  • Keep it in a cool area. The natural components to your pre-shave oil are going to be drastically effected by sunlight penetrating the exterior of the bottle, as well as hot and cold temperatures. You don’t want it to separate, or not do its job properly.
  • Lather it up gently. Forcing it into your skin and applying too much pressure it going to command it to be absorbed by your pores; you still want some of it on the surface to actually aid in your shave and soften your facial hair, so be diligent about how you apply it.

pre shave cream faq

Shaving Hacks to Stop Skin Irritation

Whether you’re a wet shaver or dry, you’ll be able to use these little hacks to seriously get the most out of your pre-shave oil application.

  • The longer you wait, the more your pre-shave oil works. Most bottles recommend 5-10 minutes before applying, but when you give it about 15-20, you get the most comfortable shave ever. As a disclaimer, waiting too long can nullify the effects or have it completely absorbed into the skin with no benefit during your shave.
  • Pre-shave oil helps you exfoliate. You’ve heard that term on a million Dove commercials in the past, but it’s actually vital to your skin’s health. Exfoliate (with pre-shave oil) before you hop in the shower. This is what cuts down on bacteria getting trapped in your pores, and essentially means you’ll have a 90% chance of no bumps when you’re done shaving.
  • Whatever you do, dry and cap your razor. If you use a four, five, or six-blade titanium razor, or anything that’s better than dollar store ten-packs, you need to properly care for it. No amount of shave oil in the world is going to help if you’re working with crummy equipment.
  • Never go over the same area twice. Men make the mistake of pulling the thing back and going over the same area; you’re still running a razor across your skin, and it’s going to irritate the hell out of it.
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