American Made Shaving Cream Review: Lather, Skin Feel, and Performance

When it comes to a great shave, the cream you use can make or break the experience. A rich, protective lather not only helps the razor glide smoothly but also leaves your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. In this review, we dive deep into two American-made shaving creams from Proof Razor: the American Made Shaving Cream and the Watermint Gin Shaving Cream. We'll evaluate their lather quality, skin feel after shave, and overall performance to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your grooming routine.

Proof Razor is known for its precision-engineered razors and grooming accessories, but their shaving creams are equally impressive. Both creams are crafted in the USA with high-quality ingredients, and they promise a luxurious lather that protects your skin. We put them to the test over several weeks, paying close attention to how they perform with different razors, including the popular Benchmark 2.0 and Select 2.0. Let's see how they stack up.

Lather Quality: Richness, Cushion, and Slickness

The first thing we look for in a shaving cream is how well it lathers. A good lather should be thick and creamy, providing a cushion between the blade and your skin. It should also be slick enough to allow the razor to glide effortlessly without tugging. We tested both creams using a brush and also with the hand-applied method, as many shavers prefer a quick lather without a brush.

The American Made Shaving Cream produces a dense, yogurt-like lather with just a small amount of product. It has a classic, clean scent that many will find familiar and pleasant. The lather holds its structure well, offering excellent cushioning that protects against razor burn. The Watermint Gin Shaving Cream, on the other hand, creates a lighter, airier lather with a refreshing minty and botanical scent. While it's less dense, it provides ample slickness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter feel. Both creams lather easily with a brush, but the American Made version edges out in terms of cushion and longevity.

• Use a slightly damp brush to whip up a rich lather quickly.
• For a brushless lather, apply a small amount directly to your face and massage in circular motions.

Skin Feel After Shave: Moisture and Comfort

The true test of a shaving cream is how your skin feels after the razor passes. A quality cream should leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and irritation-free. We evaluated both creams over multiple shaves, noting any tightness, redness, or dryness.

The American Made Shaving Cream excels in this area. Its formula includes shea butter and glycerin, which provide deep moisture and help lock in hydration. After shaving, our skin felt smooth and supple, with no tightness or dryness. The Watermint Gin Shaving Cream also performed well, leaving a cooling sensation that lingers pleasantly. The menthol and mint extracts help soothe the skin, and the aloe vera adds a layer of moisture. However, for those with very dry skin, the American Made version offers a more substantial moisturizing effect.

Ingredients and American Craftsmanship

One of the key selling points of these creams is their American origin. Proof Razor takes pride in sourcing ingredients and manufacturing in the USA, ensuring high quality and supporting local industry. We examined the ingredient lists to see what goes into these creams.

The American Made Shaving Cream features a blend of natural oils, including coconut oil and avocado oil, along with shea butter and glycerin. It's free from parabens and sulfates, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin. The Watermint Gin Shaving Cream also boasts a clean formula, with peppermint oil, spearmint, and a hint of juniper berry extract (which gives it that gin-like aroma). Both creams are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, which is a plus for ethically conscious consumers.

Performance with Proof Razor's Razors

To fully assess performance, we paired each cream with two of Proof Razor's most popular razors: the Benchmark 2.0 and the Select 2.0. The Benchmark 2.0 is a precision-machined safety razor designed for a balanced shave, while the Select 2.0 offers a slightly more aggressive angle for a closer cut. Both creams performed admirably with these razors, providing enough slickness to prevent nicks and irritation.

The American Made Shaving Cream was particularly impressive with the Benchmark 2.0, allowing for a smooth, comfortable two-pass shave. The Watermint Gin Shaving Cream, with its lighter lather, was a great match for the Select 2.0, especially on warmer days when a cooling effect is welcome. If you're looking for a complete grooming setup, consider pairing your chosen cream with a razor from Proof Razor's lineup.

• For a closer shave, let the lather sit on your face for a minute before starting.
• Rinse your razor frequently to keep the blades clear of cream and hair.

Packaging and Value

Both creams come in sturdy, recyclable metal tubes that are easy to squeeze and control the amount of product. The design is minimalist and elegant, fitting well with Proof Razor's aesthetic. Each tube contains 4 oz (113g) of cream, which typically lasts about 2-3 months with daily use, depending on how much you use per shave.

At a price point that is competitive with other artisanal shaving creams, these offer good value for the quality. The American Made Shaving Cream is slightly more affordable, while the Watermint Gin Shaving Cream is priced a bit higher due to its unique fragrance blend. Both are reasonable investments for a premium shaving experience.

After weeks of testing, both the American Made Shaving Cream and the Watermint Gin Shaving Cream have proven to be excellent choices for anyone seeking a high-quality, American-made shaving cream. The American Made version is a standout for its rich lather and superior moisturizing properties, making it ideal for dry skin. The Watermint Gin offers a refreshing twist with its cooling sensation and unique scent, perfect for summer shaves. Whichever you choose, you're supporting American craftsmanship and elevating your daily grooming routine. We highly recommend giving them a try—your skin will thank you.