I have a confession to make. The first time I shaved, I stole my dad’s shaving cream and disposable (unused) razor. I didn’t see the point of buying my own when those were readily available for free.
They did a pretty good job, so I kept using them, much to my dad’s puzzlement. He couldn’t figure out why his shaving cream and razors were running out much faster than usual!
Fast forward a few years, and I am now buying my own shaving stuff. But, 9 times out of 10, I still shop in the men’s aisle. It’s just cheaper, you know. For some weird reason, beauty companies just slap a higher price tag on everything that’s pink… *sighs*
But, a shaving cream is a shaving cream, and a razor is a razor. Sure, there may be some differences between men’s and women’s shaving creams and razors, but hardly enough to justify the outrageous difference in price, right? Let’s investigate:
Men’s VS Women’s Shaving Cream
What’s the same?
FORMULAS
Men’s and women’s shaving creams do exactly the same thing, so it makes sense that they use the same ingredients. They are made with stearic acid, palmitic acid, and triethanolamine, all ingredients that can soften hair and lubricate skin, so you can shave much more easily. They also contain moisturizing ingredients to keep skin soft.
What’s different?
FRAGRANCE
Both men’s and women’s shaving creams are fragranced, but these are based on gender. Men enjoy aftershave scents, while women are stuck with floral fragrances (can you tell I’m not a fan?).
PACKAGING
This too is different based on gender. The packaging of shaving creams designed for men often feature dark bold colours. Shaving creams for women usually come in pink bottles. So, yeah, our bottles and tubes are prettier (can you tell I LOVE pink?), but that’s hardly a good reason to spend more for them, is it?
PRICE
Here’s the frustrating part: women’s shaving creams often come with a higher price tag. Is it the scent? The packaging? I suspect it’s because women are willing to pay more for beauty, while men tend to go for the cheaper option (at least, the men I know do!). Whatever the excuse, the price difference is rarely justified.
The Verdict
Men’s shaving creams win. They’re uglier, but get the job done at a much cheaper price.
Men’s VS Women’s Razors
What’s the same?
BLADES
Well, they both use blades to remove those pesky unwanted hairs. By the way, if the blades of women’s razors get duller faster is not because their quality is poorer. We just shave bigger areas, so of course, the go dull more quickly.
What’s different?
BELLS AND WHISTLES
I find that women’s razors usually have bells and whistles men’s razors lack, like moisturizing strips, and easier to hold handles. Women’s razors also tend to have a more curved shape that better fits and follows the contours of the body. But (maybe because of these features?) I never seem to get as close as shave with them, as I get with men’s razors. Hmmm….
ANGLE AND BLADE DESIGN
Ok, there’s one difference in the blades. Here’s something you might not realize: men’s razors are typically designed for facial hair, while women’s razors are made for larger areas of softer hair. This can affect the blade angle and sharpness, making men’s razors feel more effective for precise shaving.
PACKAGING
Again, women’s razors are much prettier. They usually come in pink or purple shades, which are much more appealing. Men’s razors only come in dark shades, which is a bit depressing, don’t you think?
PRICE
Yep, women’s razors tend to cost more, too. It’s like we’re paying extra for the pink plastic.
The Verdict
Men’s razors win. They may be uglier, and have fewer bells and whistles, but I always get a much closer and precise shave with them.
FAQs About Men’s and Women’s Shaving Products
Are men’s shaving creams safe for women to use?
Absolutely! The formulas are nearly identical. Just be aware of the scent. If you’re not into smelling like aftershave, you might want to skip the men’s aisle.
Why do women’s razors cost more?
A lot of it comes down to marketing and packaging. Brands assume women will pay more for products that look prettier or are perceived as more luxurious, even when the functionality is the same.
Do men’s razors work better for women?
It depends on what you’re shaving. For large areas like legs, women’s razors might feel more comfortable due to their curved designs and moisturizing strips. But for a super-close shave, men’s razors often come out on top because of their sharper blade angles.
The Bottom Line
If a pretty packaging or sweet scent is important to you, by all means, shop in the women’s aisle. But, if you just want something that gets the job done at a cheaper price, men’s shaving creams and razors are the way to go. I know I’ll stick to them.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
