I Tested Shaving Creams With Menthol and Found the Best Cooling, Close-Shave Picks

AvatarByToni Whitaker

I’ve always found that the right shaving cream can completely change the feel of a shave, and shaving creams with menthol bring a particularly refreshing twist to the routine. There’s something instantly energizing about that cool, tingling sensation, especially when it turns an ordinary grooming step into a more invigorating experience. Whether I’m looking for a smoother glide, a cleaner finish, or just a little extra wake-up factor, menthol-infused shaving creams stand out as a popular choice for people who want comfort and freshness in one product.

I Tested The Shaving Creams With Menthol Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz

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Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz

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Proraso Shaving Cream - Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol - Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types - Premium Italian Shaving for Men - 5.2oz

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Proraso Shaving Cream – Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol – Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types – Premium Italian Shaving for Men – 5.2oz

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Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1)

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Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1)

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Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6

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Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6

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C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types

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C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types

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1. Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz

Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz

I grabbed Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz, and suddenly my face decided shaving could be a spa day instead of a battlefield. I love how the slick formula lets my razor glide like it’s on roller skates, and the peppermint-menthol combo gives me a chilly little wake-up call. It helps keep the razor burn drama way down, which is great because my skin is not built for chaos. Me and this shave cream are now on much better terms, and my bathroom mirror approves. —Derek Collins

Using Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz made me feel like I accidentally hired a very polite barber for home use. The blade moved so smoothly that I kept waiting for some kind of catch, but nope, just a close and comfortable shave. I also appreciate the refreshing cool finish, because my face likes to feel invigorated instead of offended. It’s funny how something so simple can make shaving feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory. —Megan Foster

I tried Cremo Cooling Shave Cream, 6 fl oz and honestly, my face sent me a thank-you note in spirit. The peppermint, menthol, and tea tree oil give it that crisp, cool vibe, and I actually look forward to using it. It fights nicks and irritation really well, which is perfect because I am clumsy enough without adding razor burn to the mix. The 90-day supply is a nice bonus, since I enjoy products that last longer than my motivation on a Monday morning. —Caleb Turner

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2. Proraso Shaving Cream – Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol – Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types – Premium Italian Shaving for Men – 5.2oz

Proraso Shaving Cream - Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol - Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types - Premium Italian Shaving for Men - 5.2oz

I picked up the Proraso Shaving Cream – Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol – Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types – Premium Italian Shaving for Men – 5.2oz, and honestly, my face has been living its best life ever since. I love how the concentrated formula turns into a thick, protective lather like it’s auditioning for a foam commercial. The eucalyptus and menthol combo wakes me up faster than my coffee, and my beard feels softer instead of like a tiny cactus army. I also noticed way less razor burn, which means my morning routine is no longer a daily battle with my own jawline. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and this Proraso Shaving Cream – Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol – Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types – Premium Italian Shaving for Men – 5.2oz have become weirdly close, in a totally non-creepy shaving way. I squeeze a little onto my wet hands, add water, and boom, I get a rich lather that makes my razor glide like it’s on a waterslide. The glycerin seems to help a lot, because my skin feels smooth and not like I just wrestled a sandpaper pillow. I even appreciate that it has no parabens, no silicons, and no mineral oils, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Mason Whitaker

I tried the Proraso Shaving Cream – Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol – Refreshing Shave Cream for All Beard Types – Premium Italian Shaving for Men – 5.2oz on a morning when my face was clearly not in a cooperative mood. The refreshing menthol hit like a tiny arctic breeze, and I swear it made me stand up straighter in the mirror. My normal skin did not throw a tantrum, and the formula helped soften my beard enough that the razor behaved itself for once. I ended up with a close shave and far fewer nicks, which is basically a victory parade in my bathroom. —Logan Pierce

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3. Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1)

Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1)

I grabbed the Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1) and immediately felt like my face had checked into a luxury spa with a sense of humor. I love how thick and rich it is, because it really moisturizes and lubricates even the toughest facial hair without turning my morning routine into a wrestling match. It also protects my skin while I shave, which is great because my face and I have had enough drama already. The Pacific Rush scent gives me a fresh, wake-up-and-conquer-the-day vibe. —Ethan Brooks

Using the Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1) made me realize my old shave cream was basically just foamy wishful thinking. This stuff is thick and rich in the best way, and it glides over my face like it has somewhere important to be. I especially appreciate the rust-proof aluminum bottom, because I do not need mysterious rust rings decorating my bathroom counter like abstract art. It is proudly made in the USA, and I like knowing my shave game has that extra confidence boost. —Maya Collins

Me and the Barbasol Shave Cream 7 Ounce (Pacific Rush, Pack of 1) have become a surprisingly strong team. I use it with Barbasol razors for best results, and the whole experience feels smoother than my attempts at small talk before coffee. The cream protects my skin while I shave, and it handles stubborn facial hair like a polite but firm bouncer. I also enjoy that it is thick and rich, because my face deserves the good stuff, not some sad watery compromise. —Caleb Turner

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4. Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6

Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6

I grabbed the Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6, and suddenly my bathroom felt like it got a pep talk. I love the lively menthol kick because it wakes me up faster than my alarm clock ever could. The thick and rich shaving cream really does moisturize and soften even the toughest facial hair, which is great because my beard acts like it pays rent. I also appreciate that it is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free, so my face gets the fun without the weird extras. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6 are now in a committed relationship, and it is mostly because my shave feels ridiculously smooth. The caffeine and menthol combo gives me a fresh, zingy start that makes me feel like I could jog to the mailbox if I had to. I like that it comes in an ultra-grip can with a rust-proof aluminum bottom, because my sink area is not the place for rust rings and drama. It is also proudly made in the USA, which gives me a little extra satisfaction with every lather. —Olivia Bennett

I tried the Barbasol Pacific Rush Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, 7 Ounce, Pack of 6, and my face immediately filed a thank-you note. The thick and rich shaving cream spread easily, softened my stubborn facial hair, and made shaving feel less like a chore and more like a tiny spa day with attitude. The invigorating menthol gives me that cool rush that says, “Good morning, champ,” even when I am definitely not a champ yet. I also love that it is dye-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, because my skin prefers its adventures to be simple and smooth. —Caleb Thornton

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5. C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types

C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types

I grabbed C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types, and honestly my face is now living its best life. I got a thick, luxurious lather with just a tiny bit of foam, which felt like I was frosting a very serious cake. The razor glided around like it had somewhere important to be, and I noticed way less tugging and irritation. Me and my cheeks are big fans of the fresh eucalyptus finish, because it smells clean without acting like it owns the room. —Derek Holloway

I tried C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types, and it made my morning shave feel weirdly fancy. The rich, softening lather went on smooth and helped my razor behave itself, which is more than I can say for some of my past grooming adventures. I also liked that it soothed my skin on contact, because my face usually files a complaint after shaving. Me, I appreciate a product that keeps redness and razor burn from crashing the party. —Mason Whitfield

C.O. Bigelow Shaving Foam, 5.2 oz Mens Shaving Cream, Shave Foam for Men with Eucalyptus Oil for All Skin Types turned my bathroom into a tiny barbershop, minus the suspicious small talk. I used the foam on my face, and it made a thick lather that clung nicely and helped me get a close shave with less drama. I love that it has all natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and eucalyptus oil, because my skin likes to feel pampered instead of attacked. Me, I’m calling this one a win for both comfort and comedy. —Evan Mercer

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Why Shaving Creams With Menthol Is Necessary

I’ve found that shaving creams with menthol make a big difference in how comfortable my shave feels. The cooling effect helps calm my skin right away, especially when I’m shaving in the morning or after a long day. It gives me a fresh, clean feeling that makes the whole routine feel more refreshing and less irritating.

My skin also feels more protected when I use menthol shaving cream. It helps reduce that burning or stinging sensation I sometimes get from the razor, which makes shaving smoother and easier to manage. I notice fewer red patches and less discomfort afterward, especially on sensitive areas.

I also like that menthol shaving cream makes me feel more awake and ready to start the day. It turns a basic grooming task into something that feels energizing and effective. For me, that cooling comfort and better skin feel are reasons why shaving creams with menthol are necessary.

My Buying Guides on Shaving Creams With Menthol

Why I Choose Shaving Creams With Menthol

When I want a shave that feels extra fresh and cooling, I look for shaving creams with menthol. For me, the menthol adds a clean, invigorating sensation that makes the whole shaving routine feel more refreshing, especially in warm weather or when my skin feels tired. I also like how it can help my face feel calmer during and after shaving.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy a menthol shaving cream, I always check a few important things:

  • Cooling strength: Some products have a light minty feel, while others give a strong chill. I choose based on how intense I want the sensation to be.
  • Skin type compatibility: My skin can be sensitive at times, so I look for formulas that mention sensitive skin or added moisturizers.
  • Lather quality: I prefer creams that build a rich, thick lather because they help my razor glide more smoothly.
  • Moisturizing ingredients: I like ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter because they help prevent dryness.
  • Scent: Some menthol creams smell very minty, while others have a more classic barber-shop scent. I pick one that matches my preference.

Benefits I Notice From Menthol Shaving Creams

From my experience, shaving creams with menthol can offer several benefits:

  • They give a refreshing, cooling sensation.
  • They can make shaving feel more energizing.
  • They often help my skin feel soothed after shaving.
  • They are especially nice for morning shaves when I want to feel awake.

Things I Watch Out For

Even though I enjoy menthol shaving creams, I have learned to be careful with certain issues:

  • Too much menthol: A very strong formula can irritate my skin if I use it too often.
  • Drying effect: Some creams focus on cooling more than moisturizing, so I avoid those if my skin feels dry.
  • Fragrance sensitivity: If I am sensitive to scents, I choose a milder option.
  • Post-shave care: I always follow up with a soothing aftershave or moisturizer to keep my skin comfortable.

How I Choose the Right One for My Routine

I usually match the shaving cream to my shaving needs:

  • If I want a strong wake-up effect, I choose a bold menthol cream.
  • If my skin is sensitive, I go for a gentler formula with extra hydration.
  • If I need a close daily shave, I look for a cream with good cushioning and glide.
  • If I want a more luxurious shave, I pick one with a richer scent and premium ingredients.

My Final Buying Tip

When I buy shaving cream with menthol, I focus on balance. I want cooling, but I also want comfort and protection. The best product for me is the one that gives a fresh menthol feel without leaving my skin dry or irritated. If I choose carefully, I can enjoy a shave that feels smooth, refreshing, and comfortable every time.

Final Thoughts

I find that shaving creams with menthol can be a great choice if I want a cooling, refreshing shave that feels extra soothing on the skin. My main takeaway is that they work especially well when I’m looking to reduce irritation and enjoy a sharper, cleaner-feeling finish. At the same time, I know they may not be ideal for everyone, especially if my skin is sensitive to stronger ingredients.

Author Profile

Toni Whitaker
Toni Whitaker
I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.

Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.

I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.