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Why do Women and Men Use Different Types of Shaving Cream?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Women and men may be equal in many of today’s societies. The question is: Does gender equality apply to shaving cream? The answer to this is roughly, yes, though different types of shaving cream marketed to men, women or to both may have some subtle differences. Chief among these are packaging, price, and fragrance.

For all the women out there who stole dad’s or continue to use a husband’s shaving cream: Relax! You have not been using the wrong shaving cream. The main ingredients that make up most creams, gels or foams for men and women are the same. Different types of shaving cream marketed for sensitive skin for men usually contain more moisturizers and less fragrance, but most share a more “manly” smell similar to aftershave products.

Women's shaving cream often contains a more appealing fragrance.
Women's shaving cream often contains a more appealing fragrance.

The shaving cream marketed to women may contain equal parts moisturizer and various chemicals, as do men’s shaving creams. However they may be more appealing in fragrance, containing scents that have floral notes instead of aftershave scents. They’re also generally packaged in colored containers that feature pastels, while men’s shaving creams tend to feature bold primary colors.

The main ingredients in men's and women's shaving creams are the same.
The main ingredients in men's and women's shaving creams are the same.

Lastly, women’s shaving cream tends to be more expensive ounce for ounce than does men’s. Check out the price difference between Barbasol® and Skintimate® for a comparison. Women will pay more, in most cases, than do men to get “feminine” packaging and fragrance.

So why would men and women use different types of shaving cream? The fact is, not all do. Some couples share their shaving cream. Others prefer the predominantly masculine or feminine fragrance and purchase gender specific types. Men are less likely to tolerate the floral scents of women’s shaving cream and are less motivated to purchase women’s shaving cream because of the extra cost. Women may be turned off by the aftershave smell of some men’s shaving cream or they may find the “feminine scents” offered by women’s brands, coupled with marketing and female appeal packaging, more attractive.

There is little difference between shaving creams marketed to women and those marketed to men.
There is little difference between shaving creams marketed to women and those marketed to men.

The bottom line though is that there are negligible differences between gender different types of shaving creams. Some smart companies have capitalized on appealing to the strict Mars or Venus types, and others now offer unisex shaving cream, with more neutral scents, or little to no scent. Either sex can choose to use either gender’s shaving cream, and for both sexes, those products for sensitive skin may be the best choices. Gels, for instance tend to contain fewer harsh chemicals (sometimes called beard softeners) than do foams.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent BeautyAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent BeautyAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Eli222

I think that shaving creams were invented by the manufacturers of razors.

When I shave using shave cream, the razors last half as long as when I shave with regular soap and water. I think it has to do with the oils and emollients in the shaving cream. The best shaving cream is Ivory soap and water.

Hannah77

My husband uses the women’s shaving cream that I buy for my legs. He says that it leaves his face feeling softer and not as dried out. He's funny about it though, he puts it on with a shaving brush. He wouldn't dare tell anyone he uses it, but I'm sure other men do.

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    • Women's shaving cream often contains a more appealing fragrance.
      By: Artem Furman
      Women's shaving cream often contains a more appealing fragrance.
    • The main ingredients in men's and women's shaving creams are the same.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      The main ingredients in men's and women's shaving creams are the same.
    • There is little difference between shaving creams marketed to women and those marketed to men.
      By: stefanolunardi
      There is little difference between shaving creams marketed to women and those marketed to men.