Under $25 Scores: This $10 caffeinated shaving cream has my face buzzing in the best way

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Caffeine has practically become part of most people’s DNA. They rely on it to increase alertness, concentration and energy before starting a lengthy eight-hour workday. But it’s not just a stimulant consumed through coffee, soft drinks or your favorite happy hour cocktail (a tasty espresso martini can do the trick). Skin care brands have also incorporated caffeine into their products because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pacific Shaving Company was one of the first men’s grooming brands to do so, releasing its critically acclaimed Caffeinated Shaving Cream. This invigorating lubricant makes it easy to plow through furry terrain without damaging skin. All the other benefits it provides, such as lasting hydration and reduced redness, are bonuses.

Scroll down to see why this is one of the best shaving creams and top budget options you’ll find for under $25.

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream

With a natural formula made from skin-enriching ingredients, the Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream delivers incredibly smooth shaves and improves facial skin health.

How I found the Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream

This is one of those low-priced shaving creams I discovered many years ago when starting my journey as a men’s grooming writer, and one that remains part of my weekly shaving routine to this day. The need for a re-up inspired me to share my expert opinion on this product.

Why it’s a score

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream is an effective shaving solution on multiple fronts. Not to mention, it complements the brand’s ecosystem of affordable and praiseworthy products.

The Caffeinated Shaving Cream forms a protective barrier that minimizes razor burn. I don’t recall ever experiencing redness when shaving with it. Organic aloe grants immediate relief to inflamed areas, while the combination of menthol and spearmint creates a refreshing sensory experience. It also contains hydrating glycerin, which helps condition the skin.

The cream’s lightweight texture allows razors to seamlessly slide across shaving surfaces. Very little product is required to develop a nice lather that spreads generously across skin; a dollop is sufficient for stubble. Men with hairier mugs should squeeze out a bit more to avoid dry shaving.

The shaving cream’s cooling effect on the skin has hair follicles ten-hut for slick razor passthrough — favorites like the Harry’s Truman Razor and the Philips Norelco OneBlade First Shave handle this with ease. The brand explains that caffeine’s ability to act as a vasoconstrictor (meaning it causes blood vessels to constrict) plays a role in this. Residue is also simpler to rinse off; thick-layered rivals such as Anthony Shaving Cream and The Art of Shaving’s Shaving Cream are harsher on single- and multi-blade razors.

As for long-term benefits, the antioxidants in caffeine neutralize free radicals to prevent collagen breakdown and the formation of fine lines. Using this shaving cream helps produce firmer skin and reduce dullness for a more youthful look.

The travel size is enough for several weeks of shaves, though you’ll get much more for your dollar with the larger tube. I recommend pairing the shaving cream with Pacific Shaving Company’s excellent Aftershave Balm, which cools skin down and doubles as a moisturizer. Another notable pickup is the Natural Shave Oil, which claims to “extend blade life by up to 95%.” That should save you several dollars on cartridge refills.

Pacific Shaving Company’s packaging could use a facelift, but that’s the only legitimate knock you’ll hear about this product. Everything else from performance to pricing is perfect. Toss it in your Dopp kit or grooming carousel if you haven’t already.

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.

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