Best Pre Shave Oil: Your Starting Point to Flawless Shaving Routine

Ah… Smooth and Close shave! The thing we dream of every morning. I do! Well, besides getting patted on the back by my boss of course.

If I ask you: “What do you do to get the smooth shave that you desire so much?”

I am sure people will answer me, “We make passes as close as possible by dragging the razor close to our face.”

While it is a good tactic, dragging the razor too close to your face and multiple passes can backfire on you. Most people with normal and sensitive skin suffer from nicks and cuts. It is an “Everyday” story. Others suffer from red spots, swollen face, and rashes.

Here’s where the best pre shave oil will help you. It lubricates your face, protects it from razor burns, and depending on which brand you choose; nourishes it as well.

In this “Expert Guide,” I’ve jotted down the benefits and the way you should use the product. You’ll find a buying guide into the mix. While I was at it, I decided to throw my own recommendations in there to aid your quest to find the ideal Pre Shave Oil.

Benefits of Using an Oil Prior to Wet Shaving

As it turns out, many of us use shaving oil as a part of our daily shaving ritual. If I ask why, people will say they use it out of habit. But believe it or not, a tiny bottle of shaving oil has its own benefits. Curious to know what they are? Let’s find out.

  • The obvious thing is that these shaving oils make your beard go soft. People with hard beard have difficulties moving the safety razors through their thick stubble. With the oil in play, you can move the blades seamlessly quick through the face without any problems.
  • People with sensitive skin can find peace in the fact that these oils are natural. They calm your face and allow you to enjoy a shave without nicks and cuts. If you are allergic to razors, rubbing a Pre-Shave Oil will neutralize that effect and provide a soothing feeling. Some pre shaving oils cool your face as you apply them. There won’t be any need of an aftershave.
  • Aside from Lubrication, these shaving oils often nourish the skin with all the natural oil and vitamins. Yes, these oils feature vitamin as well. It is Vitamin E. Vitamin E rejuvenates your face by removing all the dead cells that get accumulated all day.
  • People who use aftershaves, know how Alcohol aftershaves leave the skin dry. Good Pre Shave Oil negates the effect through lubrication. Due to the layer created by the liquid, very little aftershave seeps through. Some products don’t even require an aftershave if you use them. Others come with a shaving bundle of their own that goes well with the oil.

Best Pre Shave Oil – Comparison Table

ImageProduct NameOur RatingPrice
Lather & Wood-pre-shave-oilLather & Wood Pre-Shave Oil4.8/5
The-Art-of-Shaving-Pre-Shave-OilThe Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil4.8/5
Taconic-Shave-Pre-Shave-OilTaconic Shave Pre-Shave Oil4.7/5
Truefitt & Hill-Pre-Shave-OilTruefitt & Hill Pre-Shave Oil4.6/5
Premium-Lubricating-Pre-Shave-OilPremium Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil4.6/5
 B.I.G.-Natural-Pre-Shave-OilB.I.G. Natural Pre Shave Oil4.6/5

Top 6 Pre Shave Oil Choices – Products I Picked

I understand that this piece will help you research on your own when you are out to find the top pre shaving oil out there. However, out of the thousands, here is my pool of these products. These will certainly help you come up with the right choices.

1. Best Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood, Premium Shaving Oil for Effortless Smooth Irritation-free

Lather & Wood-Shaving-Unscented-Pre-Shave-OilThe name says it all. If you are looking for something to ease your skin into shaving, this is your product. In-grown beards will not be a problem for you much longer. Additionally, I love the sandalwood scent it gives off.

This Sandalwood oil is essentially a combo of seven natural oils. The mixture is in perfect proportion. The comfort you get while applying it is unparalleled. Add to that it doesn’t cause any irritations.

I love this product as I use a safety razor. It moisturizes the skin and preps it for shaving. If you have a sensitive skin like me, you’ll love this thing to the bits. Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil softens up the tough beard people have.

It is great for ingrown hair too. This makes it the perfect choice for shaving armpits and hair in tough-to-reach places.

Pre-shave oils have a special bond with your shaving soap, cream, and gel. This one is no exception. You just need to apply this thing as a base before applying the lavish products on your skin. You’ll notice the beard is very soft and ready to be cut by the sharp razor you use.

Don’t worry about the bumps on your face. This oil will make the razor glide smoothly over it and condition your skin for a sleek shaving experience. The sweet scent will linger long after you’ve finished shaving.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • This is a natural product with 7 essential oils.
  • It conditions your skin when you apply it.
  • Sandalwood Pre-Shave oil acts as a base to shaving cream or soap.
  • Lingering Sandalwood smell stays long after you are done with your shaving routine.
  • Makes the shaving razors glide faster on the face than usual.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • Applying few drops of shaving oil is hard with the pump bottle at hand.

2. The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood

The-Art-of-Shaving-Pre-Shave-OilMy hunt for best Pre Shave Oil brings me to the next product on my list. The Art of Shaving is known for more than the Pre Shave Oil. As it stands, this oil is just a part of the full-fledged shaving products.

Art of Shaving gives us an oil that’s derived from Olive Oil and Castor Oil combined. The result? You get a “Thick” oil that provides lubrication like no other product.

Apply this with your fingertips. Don’t take more than a Dime’s size of the oil as it is thick. So, it will take you less oil to cover the whole bearded area of your face.

One small bottle is good for use for a long time. Most pre shave oil reviews mention that one bottle is good for at least a year of using.

This oil is actually good for average and slightly sensitive skin. This product smoothens the skin during the shave and moisturizes the skin after.

One thing good about the product is that it doesn’t come with any synthetic elements. Nope, not even dye or the synthetic odor. It doesn’t even contain Alcohol. You are safe there.

Another plus is that it won’t leave your skin dry after you shave. Nicks and bruises are also not any problems. This thing is natural and has a pleasant Sandalwood smell that lingers long after shaving.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • This thing doesn’t contain alcohol or dye; it won’t dry out your skin like most shaving products.
  • The Sandalwood scent is subtle in this case but it will last for a long time.
  • This is a thick solution; you’ll need few drops only to work its magic.
  • One bottle lasts for more than a year if you use it correctly.
  • Art of Shaving Pre Shave Oil comes from olive, castor oil and a bunch of natural elements.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • After shaving, it may leave your razor with thick oil residue.
  • Using it too much might close the pores of your face temporarily.

3. Taconic Shave PREMIUM All Natural Pre-Shave Oil

Taconic-Shave-PREMIUM-All-Natural-Pre-Shave-OilSince we are focusing on natural pre shave oils for our list, what better than to take on a brand with organic history? Yes, it is Taconic Shave PREMIUM All Natural Pre-Shave Oil itself! I do have a soft corner in my heart for this brand and for good reasons too! Let us explore them.

First thing I noticed in this oil is Castor Oil. This is pretty good when you need some fatty acids. In case you don’t know, castor oil and fatty acids are antibiotics. So, even if you suffer nicks and bruises, the elements should serve as protectors your skin against nasty infections.

The thing I like most about this brand is that it infuses Vitamin E among other natural elements that go into producing this oil. Vitamin E is a known moisturizer and nourisher of your skin. So, that’s some skin treatment right there!

People get an oil pump with a precise 2-ounce bottle. You’ll find the pump really easy to operate. This is a thick solution. So, I’ll advise you to use four drops of oil at best. Rinse it through your face before you apply any cream, soap, or a gel. It should spread through the bearded area of your face pretty nicely.

This will build up a layer in between the skin and the shaving cream. The blade will slide smoothly. There will not be any nicks or cuts.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • This thing creates a protective layer between skin and the razor to save you from nicks and cuts.
  • This oil nourishes your skin through vitamin E and Castor Oil.
  • Castor Oil serves the skin well because of its antibacterial properties.
  • Lubricates and softens the skin before you proceed to shaving.
  • This is one Pre Shave Oil that comes at a cheap price for people to buy.
  • You get a pump to get the oil out of the vial safely; it is easy to use.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • Some shaving soaps or creams might not react too well with this oil.

4. Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil

Truefitt & Hill-Ultimate-Comfort-Pre-Shave-OilIf you want an oil that would repair your skin besides making the thick beard soft, Truefitt & Hill is the route to venture on. This oil claims to provide “Barber Shop” level cleanliness in shaving. It delivers comfort and ease minus the nagging.

This oil has a citrus scent that feels pleasant during and after the shave is complete. With 10 natural oils for skin, it is easily the most nourishing Pre Shave Oil there is.

It comes in a plastic bottle. Don’t worry. It’s not glass and it won’t break. It doesn’t feature any pump to get the oil out. You just have to squeeze the bottle hard enough to get just the amount necessary to rub on your face.

Comfort Pre-Shave Oil is good for people with stiff facial hair. Thick beard gives you a lot of trouble if you don’t shave carefully. Rubbing this oil makes the beard go soft and prepares it for shaving cream.

After you are done shaving, you can rinse it off quickly. Unlike other products, it won’t cling to your face. It doesn’t close the pores of your skin either. I didn’t find any residue of the product on my razor blades or even on the sink for that matter.

T&F Pre Shave Oil features conditioners that make the skin soft after shaving. The antioxidant in this product heals your skin faster than normal from cuts and nicks.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • T&H Ultimate Comfort Pre Shave Oil features 10 natural oils in its making.
  • It is easy to use; just squeeze the bottle and rub it on your skin before you shave.
  • This Pre Shave Oil provides Barber shop quality moisturizing and conditioning of your skin.
  • It contains antioxidants that repairs your skin if it suffers cuts during shaving.
  • This shaving oil lasts for a long time compared to its peers.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • I’d classify this as pricy compared to few of the popular brands.

5. Premium Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil

Premium-Lubricating-Pre-Shave-OilBest Pre Shaving Oil must do three things right. First of all, it should lubricate and soften your beard, facial skin, and the surrounding skin.

Secondly, it should nourish the skin by providing elements that razor blade takes with it and thirdly, it should smell nice. Fortunately, Premium Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil does all that and more.

Not only you get walnut and Vitamin E, you get to enjoy the essence of Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Sunflower Oil as well. These nutrients do well to lubricate your face. Massaging this oil soothes the skin and prevents razor burn during shaving.

The thing is, these ingredients moisturize your face even after the shave. Vitamin E and Walnut play a key role in removing dead cells from the face you treasure so much.

Jojoba oil, Sunflower Oil, and Avocado Oil condition skin so that people recover from any nicks and cuts that they might suffer.

The price is just right for this product. The fact is, you don’t need much for each shave. So, even a small bottle can last for a year or so. I take it along during my trips abroad as well. The size makes it perfect for traveling. This Shavology product is backed by lifetime guarantee of efficiency by the manufacturers.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • Premium Pre Shave Oil does a great job locking the moisture in between beards and skin.
  • If you have a thick beard, this product is for you.
  • Suitable companion when you are packing your bags for traveling.
  • It does a good job by helping to dodge razor burns and nicks or cuts.
  • I enjoyed every shave I did with this product; it was an exquisite experience for me.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • This one comes in a small bottle. I mean very small.
  • I found it thicker than other products that I have used.
  • Few pre shave oil reviews mentioned that this product isn’t that good at the job after one pass.

6. B.I.G. Natural Pre Shave Oil

B.I.G.-Natural-Pre-Shave-OilThe last product on my Pre Shave Oil list is the natural oil from B.I.G. The manufacturers claim that this oil is just for people with sensitive skin. B.I.G. Pre Shaving Gel has castor oil, Sweet Almond oil for nourishment and Vitamin E for facial skin treatment.

As you can guess, the ingredients are all natural. You won’t feel itchy skin, skin irritation, and burns when you apply this oil on your face.

This Pre Shave Oil does exactly as it says. The layer between your skin and shaving cream is very thin. As a result, razor blade glides smoothly without you stopping and starting every few seconds to run a check on the procedure.

Applying this on skin makes it soft. That part is clear, right? Well, this one is different. Instead of disappearing, the softness stays with you for the whole day. Plus, the vitamin E and Almond oil do a good job in rejuvenating the skin after the shave. It nullifies any nicks and cuts that you might suffer.

The lingering freshness and subtle fragrance stay you for hours. In fact, the effect of this product is similar to those we find at professional barbershops.

This franchise guarantees satisfaction with its product. To assure the users even further, the manufacturers offer free shaving guide to people. Follow that and you’ll definitely be rectifying some old habits.

Things I Like about this Pre-Shave Oil
  • Every ingredient of this pre shave oil is natural.
  • Manufacturers offer fee shaving guide with this product just to educate users.
  • Vitamin E and Almond oil nourish the skin of the users.
  • The scent is not strong, yet it remains there for hours after the shaving is done.
  • You’ll be surprised to see just how quickly the razor glides over the face once you apply this oil.
  • Grants you a slippery beard within seconds after you use it.
Things I Didn’t Like About this Pre-Shave Oil
  • I couldn’t find any fault with this product whatsoever.

How to Choose the Top Pre-Shave Oil for the Money?

Finding a pre-shave oil that responds to your facial skin is tough. This is what most people will tell you. However, I am not most people. I say, “If you filter products according to the following characteristics, you’ll find the ideal one.” Let me point you to the factors.

How Good is It in Softening the Beard?

Let me make one thing clear from the start. If your pre shave oil doesn’t soften your beard, it is of no use to you. Every brand will claim to do the basic thing well. You just need to sort out which one is better than the rest and which one does it quicker than the others.

Some of the products go to the roots of your beard and soften it little by little with each rinse. These are the best if you ask me. If your skin is sensitive, make sure you purchase a shaving oil that complements your skin type.

How Does the Oil Perform on Sensitive Skin?

This is another puzzle you must seek answer to. Razor blades are sharp. Very often our razors cause burning sensation to our face. We feel itchy right after the shave. Some people feel bumps and acne buildup. The Pre Shave Oil should be able to counter these issues.

These oils create a thin layer between shaving cream and your skin. Your razors glide smoothly over your skin as a direct result. The fact that the oil softens your facial hair, people apply less force on the razor to cut them. Skin irritation, cuts, and nicks go away. Facial bumps and acne due to sensitive skin vanish too.

The Best Pre Shaving Oils Are Natural

Indeed, this is something you need to get into your head. Anything that comes in touch with your face, cannot contain chemicals. Chemicals and various compounds destroy the smoothness of your face.

It doesn’t matter if you have sensitive skin or not, the shaving oil you choose, cannot contain chemicals like dye or alcohol. Dye triggers allergies and red spots on your face. Alcohol sucks all the water out of the tissues and leaves your skin dry.

That is why you need to pick a product that utilizes natural oils and vitamins. Natural elements don’t bear any vengeance towards your skin.

Your Pre Shave Oil Should Be Able to Repair Skin

I just spoke about a pre shave oil having natural ingredients and vitamins like vitamin E, Almond oil, Jojoba, Sunflower extract or useful nutrients inside.

Although the main function of a pre shave oil is to save your skin from close calls like cuts and nicks, accidents can happen. That is why you need to go the extra mile.

These ingredients not only help to put up the barrier, they also repair the skin by removing dead cells, and nourishing targeted areas.

Pre Shave Oil Should Cool Your Face

More often than not, we are in a hurry. And that’s why we shave rapidly. The result, irritation, itchy skin, mild bleeding, and nasty cuts while shaving. Yes, it happens to the professionals as well.

I believe a pre shave oil should have lasting cooling effect. While it softens the beard, it should also cool your face. Peppermint is a good ingredient to have in these oils. Just to provide a fresh feeling and negate the burns and itchiness.

I want to tell you that this is completely optional. I know people who are allergic to this thing. For people like these, I suggest normal pre-shave oil.

The Oil Should Smell Right – I Mean Fantastic!

I don’t know about you but fragrance is an important part of the lubricant I am using pre shave. The product should have a subtle yet wonderful fragrance when you use it before the act itself. This sets everything into motion by refreshing the mood. My suggestion: Go get the Sandalwood oils or the ones that smell like lemons.

How to Use a Good Pre Shave Oil to Your Advantage?

Before I begin, let’s go over few things we’ve covered so far:

We’ve touched on Pre Shave Oils, why we need them, and how to choose the ideal one for each person. But if we don’t know “How” to use this oil, it will all be for nothing. Let’s briefly lay our hands on that subject.

  • My advice would be to take a hot shower before you decide to shave. Hot shower does wonders to your facial skin. It opens up the pores and makes your skin soft.
  • The next thing to do is to pat your face with a dry towel. This step preps your face for the next act.
  • It is now when we apply the Pre Shave Oil. Best Pre Shave Oil only takes a few drops to work its magic. I advise you to use three to five drops on your face. Most products arrive with a pump action where you can pump it to get the oil out. Others you need to squeeze to get 3 – 5 drops out. Take the drops onto your palm. Rub the two hands together. Make sure you rinse your skin properly.
  • The next step is about applying a shaving cream. Why am I discussing it in an article about shaving oils? Well, you need to decide which shaving cream you want to pair up with the oil (Hint: I may have few suggestions in mind). There are ones for sensitive skin as well.
  • The final stage is making appropriate passes with the razor. Beware, some Pre Shave Oils don’t last more than one pass. You better make sure you buy others.
  • A number of Pre Shave Oil Reviews actually recommend people to apply it again after they are done with the shave. There are a few brands that have oils that do the part of aftershave lotions too. Call them two-in-one if you will.

Before I Say… Goodbye

Finally, I’m glad that I managed to conclude my guide on “Best Pre Shave Oil.” I’ve got to be honest with you, I had a hard time testing a few for my Pre Shave Oil Reviews. It is natural to struggle to find the “BEST” when there are so many good ones.

But I did. I even spilled the beans on how I chose these products in the “Buying Guide” section. That should help. I even made a make shift guide on how to use these oils as a part of the shaving routine for beginners.

I urge my readers to try these products themselves and form an opinion. Please tell me if there’s anything I missed. Let me know your thoughts in the “Comments” section below.

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