Shaving cream is cream that is applie to the face or wherever else hair grows to avoid razor burn from shaving. Shaving cream is often bought in a can, but can also be purchased in tubs or tubes. Shaving cream in a can is commonly dispensed as a foam or a gel. Creams that are in tubes or tubs are commonly used with a shaving brush to produce a rich lather (most often used by Wetshavers). A relatively new product is shaving gel, which is dispensed as a gel then rubbed on the face to produce a lather. The main difference between these two types of lubricant is that the gel- and foam-based creams are usually alcohol based and often dry the skin excessively. The tube- and tub-based creams are based on glycerine soaps that are alcohol free and tend to be much easier on the skin. Technically, due to the drying effect of the can foams and gels, you cannot 'Wetshave' with them as they are very dry—the glycerine in the tub- and tube-based soaps, on the other hand, causes the water used to soften the beard to remain on the face, providing the 'Wetshave' effect.