Thanks for taking your time to read out information and reviews on the best shaving gels, that are currently available on the UK marketplace. High quality shaving gels sell really well on the UK market.
There are 4 options for wet shavers, when it comes to applying some type of lubricant and protection to the face before shaving. These are:
- A shaving cream
- A shaving soap
- A shaving foam
- A shaving gel
Of all of these options shaving gels are the most popular as far as UK buyers are concerned. Here at the Emporium we would recommend a soap or cream, but both of those choices do require either a shaving brush, or a bit more work before shaving.
The reason gels are so popular is that, it is very much like a cream lather, but without the hassle. We have explained the main reasons just below, why UK buyers prefer to use a gel.
- Affordability - most of these gels cost between £3-4 and you can usually buy them in multi-packs and get them for around £2-3 per item
- Convenience - the gel is faster than using a soap or cream
- See what you are doing - Creams soaps and foam all create a full lather which can make it difficult to see the area of the face or neck that is being shaved. Gels allow you to see the face as the layer of protection is much thinner
If you are in a hurry and simply want to know which the best options are, then directly below we have provided you with a top 10 list of the best shaving gels available on the UK market.
If you have more time, then we strongly suggest you read our buying guide first, before making a purchase.
All our product recommendations are based on our independent research which we conduct online by reading the many reviews we find at online websites. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.
You can read our affiliates page to find out more and also read about how we write our reviews.
Top 10 Shaving Gels
We have listed these creams by showing the highest buyer rated gels first. When we do our research we look at a number of online websites that sell this type of wet shaving product.
We then make notes of the rating each gel gets. We add those up and work out an average percentage score. We then list those in buyer satisfaction order as seen below.
Underneath the table, we offer some quick buying tips, and below that, more detailed reviews of each gel on our list.
Before You Buy - Top 5 Buying Tips
Just before checking out the main reviews, we have provided a few tips just below on buying a shaving gel, that we think will help you make the best choice.
- Buy a Known Brand -Shaving gels are a good and convenient option for men and women. The best brands, or at least the most popular are King of Shaves, Gillette, Nivea and Bulldog. Brands like Elemis and Clarins are at the higher end of the price points.
- Don't spend too much - These types of gels cost around £3 on average. There are more expensive options as well If you are a beginner to using gel, then it may take you a few tries to find the one you like. Try a few of the lower price ones first and then have the odd treat to see which you prefer.
- How long does a gel last? - They come in 100 ml, 150 ml and 200 ml options, and of course it also depends on how much you shave. On average assuming a daily shave, these last for about 30 days.
- Are gels hard to use? - These are very simple to use as you wet the face and apply the gel, usually from a tube or can.
- Creams vs soaps vs gels - We get asked a lot which is better a cream, a shaving soap or a gel. We think this is personal preference. Traditional wet shavers will stick with using a soap and brush. A cream is really just a lathered soap so most of the work is done for you. Gels are just easier to find in supermarkets and chemists, though not as good as these types of high quality creams.
Top 10 Shaving Gel Main Reviews
Just below you will find concise reviews of the top 10 shaving gels that are available in the UK. We have listed those showing those that have got the best reviews and ratings from online buyers.
Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel Pack of 6
96% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
86% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
No buyers so far have given this a bad review
This is made for sensitive skin
Enriched with chamomile and Witch Hazel
Contains no alcohol
You get 6 x 200 ml cans of shaving gel
Also lathers well with a brush
Men and women both like this Nivea gel
Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel
96% buyer satisfaction based on 600+ online buyer reviews
80% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
7% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
High performance foaming gel
Has aloe vera, witch hazel and English oak
Vegan friendly
Free of sulfates and paraben
Gillette Fusion Proglide Sensitive Active Sport Shaving Gel
94% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews
86% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
This gel uses a combination of 3 effective lubricants
The cap locks closed to seal off excess gel from escaping the canister
Has a see-through gel gauge to determine exactly how much gel you have left
The canister won't rust and won't leave a ring behind
Comes with Active Sport scent
King of Shaves Antibacterial Shaving Gel for Men
94% buyer satisfaction based on 1,200+ online buyer reviews
86% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
This is a twin pack
This is an antibacterial shaving gel for men designed for spot prone, problem skin.
This makes a thin lubricating and protective barrier between the blade and your skin.
Contains Aloe Vera shaving gel enhanced with Essential Oils and Tea Tree Oil.
Made in the United Kingdom
2 x 150 ml Antibacterial Shaving Gel for men.
King of Shaves Supercooling Shaving Gel for Men
94% buyer satisfaction based on 700+ online buyer reviews
- Buyer Satisfaction rating 92%
- 79% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
- 4% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
- This is a twin pack 2 x 150 ml
- Contains aloe vera shaving gel with menthol and tea tree oil
- Also available in a 4 pack
Gillette Series Shaving Gel Sensitive for Sensitive Skin
94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
81% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
No buyers so far have given this a bad review
You get a pack of 3 x 200 ml cans
This is a slightly perfumed gel formula for sensitive skin
Easy to apply
Recommended for sensitive skin
Good value for money
Gillette Series Sensitive Skin Shaving Gel
94% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews
79% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
No buyers so far have given this a bad review
Has a formula that soothes, hydrates and protects the skin during shaving
Made with aloe
Lightly fragranced for sensitive skin
Bulldog Original Shave Gel
90% buyer satisfaction based on 300+ online buyer reviews
69% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
1 x 175 ml tube
Contains only natural ingredients and oils
Designed specifically for men
Free from parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colours or synthetic fragrance.
Clarins Shaving Gel Men Smooth Shave
90% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews
76% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
2% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
This is a foaming gel
1 x 150 ml
Comes with a razor relief agent
How to Use Shaving Gel the Right Way
Like any type of wet shaving, the secret to getting a good shave is all about preparation. This is where a good quality gel comes into play. There are a few different methods of wet shaving which are:
No matter what type of razor or shaver you pick, you are going to need something to lather your face. Shaving gel is one of the convenient ways for doing that.
Step 1 - Prepare the Face
Ideally the best time to shave is just after the shower. Otherwise the face or area being shaved should be washed with hot water.
Ideally a hot towel should be used to soak the beard, but we also understand that not everyone will have the time to do that. If you do great, and if not, then make sure it is well soaked.
Step 2 - Use a Shaving Gel
Shaving gel can be applied by hand (unlike soap) so a good choice for that type of application. Some gels are foaming and some are not. It really depends on the type of lather you prefer.
With the thin layer type the skin is easier to see when shaving. If foamed up you do get a richer lather, but the skin is more difficult to see.
Step 3 - Shave with the Grain
When using a safety,disposable razor, cartridge or cutthroat it is important to shave with the grain, or in other words, the direction the hair grows in. With an electric shaver that is not important to do. That is because the cutting style of electric shavers is different to shaving with an exposed blade.
We recommend starting with the cheeks first, then the neck and finally finish off with the chin and the mouth.
Step 5 - Apply Moisturiser
When finished wash your face with cold water to close the pores in the skin. Then apply a balm, post shave cream or moisturiser before applying any after shave.
Shaving Gel Buyer's Guide
If you haven't used a shaving gel like this before, then our buying guide should really help you out.
When it comes to buying a lubricant for our face, for the purposes of wet shaving, then we have a few choices:
- Shaving cream
- Shaving soap
- Shaving gel
- Shaving foam
Our preferred selection would be a soap, then the cream, then a gel and never the foam. The reason we prefer soap is that it lasts longer than cream.
Gels are however the most convenient for both using at home, and also when traveling. They will come in either a tube or more commonly in a spray style can. Most come in a can that contains 150 ml.
Understanding Scents & Fragrances
Almost all gels are fragrance free so no actual perfume or scent has been added. That said many of them contain ingredients like Aloe Vera and witch hazel. These are natural products but they do have a light scent.
Invariably most shaving gels will have this light scent. It is not strong though and does not restrict or change the scent of your preferred aftershave.
Gels vs Shaving Cream/Soap
Gels are popular with both men and women as they are just more convenient to use and easier to find at supermarkets and chemists.
Hopefully we have given you enough information to be able to pick the best shaving cream for your needs.
