What Is Pre-Shave Oil and How To Use It?

We've all been there - razor burn, nicks, and irritation after a shave, leaving us frustrated and uncomfortable. What if we told you there's a secret weapon that can make your shaving experience much smoother and more enjoyable?

Enter pre-shave oil, your new best friend in the quest for the perfect shave. But what is pre-shave oil? It's a product designed to soften your hair and provide a protective barrier between your skin and the razor, reducing the chances of irritation and nicks.

Short Summary

• Pre-shave oil is essential for a smooth, irritation-free shave.

• Natural oils provide skin protection and lubrication before shaving.

• Look for natural ingredients when selecting pre-shaving oil to get the best results!

What Is Pre-Shave Oil?

Pre-shave oil is a lubricant specifically designed to hydrate your skin and prepare it for shaving. It works alongside your favorite shaving cream, foam, or gel to provide a smoother and more comfortable shave. 

So, how does it work, and what should you look for in a pre-shave oil? Let's dive deeper.

Natural Oils

The best pre-shave oils use natural oils from plants that have been used for skin and hair care for ages. Common natural oils used in pre-shave oils include olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil.

With such a wide array of natural oils available, you'll surely find a pre-shave oil that's perfect for your skin type and preferences.

Their Role in Your Shaving Routine

Pre-shave oil plays a vital role in your routine by lubricating skin, guarding against razor burn, and making shaving more comfortable. It softens and lifts your facial hairs, creating a protective barrier between the razor and your skin, making it easier for the blade to glide across.

Pre-shave oil also helps prevent inflammation or irritation. If you're prone to razor burn, ingrown hairs, or other skin irritations, adding pre-shave oil into your routine can provide a smoother and irritation-free shave every time.

Selecting the Right Pre-Shave Oil

With so many pre-shave oils available, it can be tough to find the perfect one. Here are some tips to find the right pre-shave oil for you.

Ingredients to Look For

When selecting a pre-shave oil, look for ingredients that provide the best results. Natural carrier oils such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil are known to soften hair and reduce irritation. These oils also help protect your skin, making your shave better overall.

In addition to carrier oils, essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and cinnamon oil can provide additional benefits. Vitamin E and aloe vera are also common ingredients, offering hydration and soothing properties to help protect and nourish your skin.

Pre-Shave Oil for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, finding the right pre-shave oil is essential to avoid irritation and razor burn. Look for oils with few ingredients, mostly oils, and consider fragrance-free options to minimize the risk of irritation.

Some examples of pre-shave oils suitable for sensitive skin include olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil. By choosing an oil specifically designed for sensitive skin, you can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable shave without the worry of irritation or razor burn.

Avoiding Razor Burn

To avoid razor burn, make sure to apply pre-shave oil before your shaving cream, foam, or gel, and allow it to sit on your skin for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before shaving.

Best Pre-Shave Oils in 2025

Best All-Around: Freebird Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil

The best all-around pre-shave oil in 2025 is Freebird's Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil. This oil uses a 100% natural blend of grapeseed, sweet almond, olive, and avocado oils to protect your skin, whether you're shaving your head, face, or anywhere else.

Plus, it's packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and condition the skin, all while keeping your skin healthy and looking great.

They also offer a convenient subscription plan to save you up to 37% on their already affordable prices, plus you get free shipping and a 30-day free trial.

Pros:

• Made for head shaving
• Contains 100% natural oils
• Prevents razor burn and bumps
• Suitable for the head, face, and body
• Hydrates skin
• Gives a closer shave
• Available in a full shave care kit for the best value
• 30-day trial

Cons:

• Need to subscribe for the best price (up to 37% off)

Who it's for: This is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile, natural pre-shave oil that works for the head and face. It's also ideal if you want a product that nourishes your skin while providing a smooth shave.

Buy at MyFreebird.com

Best for Coarse Beards: Lather & Wood Pre-Shaving Oil

For those with coarse beards, a slightly heavier pre-shave oil is recommended to provide a solid protective layer on the skin. Look for pre-shave oils containing castor, olive, sweet almond, argan, jojoba, and grapeseed oils.

Lather & Wood Pre-Shaving Oil is made with a blend of natural oils like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil, which help protect your skin from the razor and make your beard softer for a smoother shave.

It's suitable for most skin types and offers excellent value for money, making it a top choice for those in search of the perfect pre-shave oil for beards.

Pros:

• Made for coarse beards
• Designed for wet shaving
• Protects skin from irritation

Cons:

• May not be suited for other body parts

Who it's for: This oil is spot-on for guys with coarse or really thick beards who need a strong protective layer. It's also a fantastic option if you're searching for a natural oil blend that genuinely softens hair for an easier, closer shave.

Buy at Lather & Wood

Best Budget-Friendly: Shave Secret Pre-Shave Oil

If you're looking for a budget-friendly pre-shave oil that doesn't compromise on quality, Shave Secret Pre-Shave Oil is an excellent option. It's made with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil, and is free of synthetic fragrances and dyes.

This affordable pre-shave oil will help you achieve a smoother, more comfortable shave without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Good quality despite a lower price
• Made with natural ingredients
• Gives a smooth and comfortable shave
• Free of synthetic fragrances and dyes

Cons:

• Mentholated (not for everyone)
• Some reviews say it clogs razors

Who it's for: This oil is a great pick if you're a budget-conscious shaver who still expects good quality pre-shave protection. It's a good choice if you're new to pre-shave oil and want an affordable way to give it a try.

Buy from Shave Secret

Best for Sensitive Skin: The Art of Shaving Unscented

If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid scented pre-shave oils, as the oil (even if it's natural) might irritate your skin.

The Art of Shaving's unscented pre-shave oil is formulated with olive and castor oil, with clove bud essential oil to help soothe sensitive skin.

The only caveat is that it's expensive, but if you're looking for the highest quality, this one will serve you well.

Pros:

• Made for sensitive skin
• Lessens pulling and tugging
• Leaves no oily residue
• Softens facial hair
• Designed for all beard types

Cons:

• Unscented (not for everyone)
• Pricey

Who it's for: This oil is a must-have if you have sensitive skin and find scented products often cause irritation. It's also perfect when you prioritize premium quality for a genuinely soothing and comfortable shave experience.

Buy at The Art of Shaving

How to Apply Pre-Shave Oil Like a Pro

You should apply pre-shave oil before you put on shaving cream, but don't forget to wet your skin with warm water first. Wetting your skin with warm water helps open up your pores and soften the hair, making it easier to shave.

1. Wet Your Skin with Warm Water

Wet your skin with warm water before you start shaving. You can use a washcloth or a soft towel.

This step will help open up your pores and soften your facial hair, creating a smoother and more comfortable shave.

2. Apply Pre-Shave Oil

Start by massaging a small amount of pre-shave oil into your face or head for around 20 to 30 seconds. Then wait for another 30 seconds before applying your shaving cream, foam, or gel.

This process allows the pre-shave oil to work its magic, softening your whiskers, prepping your skin for a close shave, and reducing friction, irritation, and nicks.

3. Apply Shaving Cream or Gel

After applying pre-shave oil, follow up with your favorite shaving cream, or gel to ensure a smooth and comfortable shave.

4. Shave Away!

By wetting your face or head with warm water first, applying the pre-shave oil, and finally the shaving cream, you're prepping your skin, hair, and hair follicles for a comfortable shave that will leave your face or head feeling soft and irritation-free.

Amount Needed

When it comes to applying pre-shave oil, a little goes a long way. You don't need to drown your face or head in oil - just massage a small amount into your skin for about 20-30 seconds. The exact amount needed will depend on the area you're shaving, but generally, a few drops will suffice.

Massaging Technique

To ensure even distribution of pre-shave oil across your skin, use circular motions when massaging it in. This technique helps the oil penetrate your skin and hair and makes sure it's evenly distributed across your skin, providing optimal protection and softening for a comfortable shave.

Waiting Time

Once you've massaged the pre-shave oil into your skin, it's important to let it sit for a short period before applying your shaving cream. A waiting time of around 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the product and your skin type, will allow the oil to work its magic and provide the best results.

The Bottom Line

Pre-shave oil is an essential addition to your shaving routine, helping to protect your skin from irritation, soften your hair, and provide a smoother, more comfortable shave.

By selecting the right oil for your skin type and preferences, and following our techniques for applying and using pre-shave oil, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect shave.

FAQs

How Often Should I Use Pre-Shave Oil?

You can use pre-shave oil every time you shave. Regular use helps maintain softer hair and adds a protective skin barrier, leading to a smoother, more comfortable shave with less irritation each time.

What Shaver Should I Use if I Have Sensitive Skin?

For sensitive skin, an electric rotary shaver is often recommended to minimize irritation. They cause less friction and direct blade contact compared to manual razors.

What is a Good Substitute for Pre-Shave Oil?

Olive oil is a good substitute for a pre-shave oil. It's an effective lubricant, and it provides a barrier from razor blades.

Just be prepared - instead of smelling like sandalwood, you might smell like Italian food! Additionally, since olive oil is heavy, it can also clog pores, leading to acne. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your skin afterward.

What's the Difference Between Shaving Cream and Pre-Shave Oil?

Shaving cream and pre-shave oil are two different products meant to do different things - pre-shave oil is used before applying shaving cream to condition the skin for a smoother shave, while shaving cream conditions the skin to prepare it for the razor.

Both products help ensure a better, closer shave, but pre-shave oil should be applied first to get the most out of your shave. 

Can I Use Pre-Shave Oil if I Have Acne-Prone Skin?

Yes, you can use pre-shave oil if you have acne-prone skin, but choose wisely. Look for non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or grapeseed, which are less likely to clog pores. Always thoroughly rinse your skin after shaving to prevent residue buildup.