Shaving gel vs foam: how they’re different & why you should always choose gel (2024)

Take a walk down the shaving aisle of your local supermarket, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of different shaving products. From shaving gel to foams, to creams, to soaps – there are so many options to choose from, but are you making the best choice?

Shaving foams and gels are two of the most popular choices when it comes to shaving, so we’re going to take a dive into the differences between them and help you decide which one is best for your shaving routine.

Understanding the difference between shaving gel & foam

The purpose of shaving gels and foams is the same – to provide a lubricating barrier between the skin and razor, making it easier to glide over the surface of the skin. But, there are obvious differences in the formulations, consistencies, and appearances.

Shaving foams

Starting with shaving foams; they’re typically airy, light and fluffy in texture. When you dispense the product, it quickly expands and turns into a thick foam. You don’t need to lather up the foam as it already has a rich consistency, so you can apply it directly to your face or body.

If you’re a fan of the foam, you might be surprised to hear that you don’t necessarily need a huge lather to protect yourself from the wrath of your razor. This is where shaving gel comes in…

Shaving gels

Shaving gel is designed to be used just as it is without the need for lathering. The clear or translucent formula allows you to see exactly where you’re shaving, making it easier to navigate around tricky areas like the jawline and under the nose.

You can usually get a closer shave with shaving gel, too, as it provides a smoother glide for your razor, reducing the risk of nicks and irritation.

What is canned shaving gel?

It’s important to note that when we talk about regular shaving gel, we’re not talking about the stuff that comes in a can.

If you’ve ever used canned shaving gel, you’ll be familiar with the suspiciously vast amount of foam that suddenly appears when you rub it into the skin.

Do you see where we’re going with this? If shaving gel isn’t supposed to lather, then canned shaving gel isn’t actually shaving gel at all… Technically speaking, it’s just a different type of shaving foam, so don’t be fooled by the name!

The issue with shaving foam

Canned shaving foam is a staple item in bathrooms across the country; perhaps there’s some sitting in yours as we speak.

These metal aerosol cans have pretty much been the standard in shaving lubrication since they were invented in the 1950s. It was rather cutting-edge (pardon the terrible pun) technology at the time. No more did you need to use a shaving brush and bowl to create a lather, saving shavers a considerable amount of time and effort.

Fast forward to the modern day, and the people’s love affair with canned foam continues, as many believe that these ultra-foamy formulations provide the best protection whilst shaving. But like a significant other who insists you’re the one but still cheats behind your back, canned shaving foams really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Post-shave irritation & early ageing…yikes

If you use a canned shaving foam and find that you often suffer from post-shave irritation, you might be surprised to hear that the can could be the culprit.

Many of us forget to consider how this instant super-foam is created. Although it looks like magic, it’s actually the result of a bunch of gases and chemical-foaming agents, which don’t tend to be very kind to the skin.

Bear with us whilst we get a bit sciencey… These foaming agents, also known as surfactants, make it difficult for hydrating compounds to penetrate the skin, leaving it dry and more prone to irritation.

Even if you currently use a shaving foam and don’t suffer from any visible irritation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe… Studies have shown that the regular moisture loss caused by long-term exposure to surfactants can cause premature skin ageing.

The benefits of shaving gel over shaving foam

As you may have already guessed, we’re rather big fans of shaving gel here at grüum HQ, providing, of course, that it’s made with the right ingredients and doesn’t come out of a can.

But what is it that we love so much about it?

1. No foam, no faff

We love the convenience that shaving gel brings to the table. No faffing around making a lather – just slide it on, and you’re good to shave away.

2. Better for precision shaving

The majority of decent shaving gels (much like our danne Clear Shave Gel) have a clear formulation, so you can see where you’re shaving. This is particularly handy for precision areas like beard lines.

Of course, if you can’t quite let go of your love of the lather, danne can also be gently foamed. Just don’t expect an eruption!

3. Less product, less waste

You’ll find you get through one shaving foam can pretty quickly and often end up using more than you really need. Shaving gel goes a long way, and with its transparent formula, you can see just how much you need to cover the area you’re shaving. No more wasted product!

4. Natural is always best

When it comes to avoiding any unwanted reactions from the skin, it’s always safer to keep things natural.

Our danne Shave Gel uses a refreshing combination of aloe vera, eucalyptus, and witch hazel to naturally soothe and calm the skin. It also contains glycerin, which helps to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

For us, it’s an all-round winner, and we know it is with many of you, too, receiving a whopping 4.7/5 rating from our customers.

5. Ditch the tin

Aside from the stuff that’s in the bottle, there’s also the packaging to consider. Most shaving foams come in those pesky aerosol cans, which not only create unnecessary waste but can often contain harmful chemicals that can harm both you and the environment. Our danne Shave Gel comes in a recyclable plastic bottle, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

The best shaving gel on the block

We’ve name-dropped our danne Clear Shave Gel a couple of times, we know, but it’s just that good. We’ve formulated this versatile product with all skin types in mind, so don’t worry if you’ve got oily, sensitive or dry skin – we’ve got you covered.

Containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera, eucalyptus, orange, and rosemary, our Clear Shave Gel not only provides a comfortable shave, but also nourishes and protects your skin. These ingredients work together to soothe and calm any potential irritation and hydrate your skin to prevent dryness.

But don’t just take our word for it – our customers are raving about the results.

It performs even better when you buddy it up with one of our razors, too, so you can achieve the best shave results possible both on your mug and limbs.

The verdict: shaving gel comes out on top

If you’re currently using shaving foam in your grooming routine, we’re here to tell you that it’s time for an upgrade. Shaving gel proves itself to be a clear winner when it comes to achieving the ultimate shaving experience. And our danne Clear Shave Gel is the best of the bunch.

Grab yours for your next shave, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

Love, grüum.

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