It’s no secret that the products we consume and use on a daily basis contain some less than reputable chemicals and ingredients. As a result, there is more social awareness of the ingredients that make an appearance in food and personal care products. Consumers are more knowledgeable, informed, and “label conscious” than ever. 
Furthermore, more consumers base their purchase decisions on what is in their products. For example, cosmetics and personal care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, and, yes, shaving cream are on the “watch list”.

Wet shaving enthusiasts (and possibly environmentalists) are horrified to see people use shaving “cream” out of an aerosol can. Despite popular belief, canned shaving creams prioritize convenience over facial care, and do not properly care for your face.

The Beginning of Canned Shaving Cream

Like the cartridge razor, aerosol cans are designed to make shaving less time consuming. Aerosol cans solved the problem of home shavers furiously whipping a badger hair shaving brush to create a less than adequate lather. The introduction of the aerosol can reduced time spent on the morning shave. Those who could afford professional shaves headed to barber shops.

But, why pay for a professional shave when the can and cartridge are less expensive? Aerosol shaving creams and cartridge razors were mid-20^th century inventions that made men’s grooming more efficient.

However, today’s shaving creams and soaps are much easier to lather than pre-aerosol ancestors. Still most men prefer to use canned shaving cream.

3 Reasons to Can the Can

Here are some reasons why you should can the can for the brush, cream, and lather method.

Displaced Water

There are many petroleum-based chemicals in shaving cream cans necessary for lubricating the skin. Lubrication is necessary because the propellant expelling the shaving cream dries out the skin.

However, oil repels water, and water is essential for a smooth shave instead of the “yank and hack” method. Warm water draws out and softens hair. This allows the safety razor to cut the hair instead of the multi-blade razor yanking the hair forward and hacking it like a machete hacking an overgrown lawn.

Dubious Ingredients

Chief among multisyllabic components necessary for canned shaving cream is Propylene glycol. You may have heard of Propylene glycol before. It is what is used in brake fluid and antifreeze.

Still not dissuaded from the shaving cream can? Consider the effects of Propylene glycol noted in several studies. These studies have shown a definite link between exposure to Propylene glycol and increased risks of eczema and asthma. Other studies show connections between Propylene glycol to dermatitis and kidney abnormalities.

If you’re dead set on using canned shaving cream, make sure it’s free of Propylene glycol.

The Illusion of Saving Time

Canned shaving creams and foams boast of saving a shaver precious time in the morning. This is a fallacy. Today’s premium shaving soaps and creams provide a higher quality of facial care and only add a few minutes to the shaving process, at most.

For people eschewing the brush and whisk method of creating a shaving lather, there are plenty of premium shaving cream tubes available. Rich with natural ingredients, premium shaving cream that comes in a tube applies to the face just as easily as canned shaving cream. The only difference? You nourish and moisturize your face rather than drying it out, or potentially harming it.

The End of Canned Shaving Cream

Despite its lack of proper facial care, conventional aerosol shaving creams populate the shelves at many markets and continue to be high-selling products. Are canned shaving creams more convenient and save you time? You bet. Do they provide you with proper facial care? Far from it.

Can the can and find the best shaving cream or shaving soap that works for you and your skin type. You can read reviews of the best products, and finally give your face the tender loving care it deserves.

So, this begs the question: What is really in that shaving cream? Is it as safe to use as we think it is? In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the most common ingredients and chemicals used in many popular shaving creams.

The Most Common Ingredients in Shaving Creams

Stearic Acid

This is a common ingredient found in many personal care and hygiene products as well as household products, such as shampoos, shaving creams, detergents, and soaps. Although it is used as a cleaning agent, there aren’t any real health concerns associated with this particular ingredient.

Myristic Acid

Myristic Acid is another common ingredient used in a variety of cosmetics. Even with the word “acid” in its name, this ingredient isn’t typically linked with any health concerns. 

Potassium Hydroxide

This chemical can be found in many soaps. It helps make soaps soft to use and require less water to soften them. It also contains a cleaning agent.

There are some health concerns and hazards associated with the handling of Potassium Hydroxide. In some cases, it can irritate the eyes, skin, and even the lungs. These hazards can be mitigated with proper and compliant manufacturing processes.

Coconut Fatty Acid

This ingredient is coconut oil, which is typically used in the soap manufacturing process. 
Coconut oil is a natural ingredient, rich with vitamins and antioxidants. Coconut oil is also linked with many health benefits. Therefore, the risks with this particular ingredient are relatively low. 

Glycerin

You have likely heard of this one before. Glycerin is an incredibly common ingredient used in a variety of medicines, personal care products, and even pharmaceutical drugs. It helps increase smoothness and provides lubrication.

Triethanolamine (“TEA”)

TEA is primarily a pH balancer used in a wide range ofproducts, such as lotions and moisturizers, shampoos, and shaving creams and foams.

Some studies suggest that TEA can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. In severe cases, this chemical can even negatively impact the immune system, and possibly the respiratory system. It is also considered an environmental toxin.

Sodium Hydroxide

This is not a nice chemical. In fact, sodium hydroxide is highly concentrated and can be corrosive, potentially causing severe chemical burns. 
The good news is most cosmetic products that are made with this ingredient, including shaving creams, only contain a small amount to balance pH. Although the risk for health issues is low, individuals with sensitive skin may respond negatively to a shaving cream that contains this chemical. 

Benzyl Alcohol

This chemical is yet another common ingredient used in soaps, lotions, shampoos, facial soaps and cleansers, and shaving creams. This chemical is used in many personal care products mainly for its antibacterial properties. However, Benzyl Alcohol has been known to cause allergic reactions to the skin.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (“MCI”)

Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a manmade chemical that is used in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics. This is because MCI contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Small amounts of MCI aren’t dangerous; however, individuals with sensitive skin can and may experience allergic reactions. Furthermore, due to its high concentration, MCI can cause severe chemical burns. 

Methylisothiazolinone (“MIT”)

Methylisothiazolinone is used in many personal care products and personal care products as a preservative. Unfortunately, high concentrations can be poisonous. As a result, there are increased concerns about using MIT in various products for consumer use. 

Benzyl Salicylate

Benzyl Salicylate is used as an additive in many personal care products and cosmetics. Again, small amounts of this chemical and lower concentration levels are relatively safe for use.

Benzyl Benzoate

Although it sounds like a harsh chemical, Benzyl Benzoate helps prolong scents in various products. It is also used in the medical industry. Its toxicity levels are relatively low. 

Citronellol

You may have heard of “Citronella” candles, which are used as an insect repellant. Citronellol is a natural scent derived from plants, such as lemongrass, geranium, and even roses. There currently aren’t any health concerns or hazards associated with this ingredient.

Eugenol

Eugenol is another natural scent derived from clove oil. However, despite its natural, biological properties, even low concentrations of Eugenol have proven dangerous and hazardous. In some severe cases, Eugenol has been linked to health issues such as liver damage. Therefore, this ingredient has been restricted for use.

“Parfum” or Fragrance

Many cosmetics and personal care products contain an ingredient referred to as “parfum” or “Fragrance”. This is actually what is listed on many product labels. This ingredient is actually comprised of many different ingredients that manufacturers group together and aren’t legally required to list out on a product label.

So, the next time you pick up a product label and see the words “parfum” or “fragrance”, and think “oh, this product must just smell nice”, you might want to do some further research to see what the particular brand uses in its products.

Other Shaving Cream Considerations 

This is merely a list of some of the most common ingredients found in many cosmetics and personal care products, including shaving cream, foams, and soaps. No, not every shaving cream contains every single ingredient listed above. Some products may contain all or a combination of these ingredients.

Furthermore, any ingredient can be potentially hazardous if misused or mishandled. Each and every individual is unique in his or her own way. Therefore, individuals can experience different reactions to specific chemicals, ingredients, and products. One ingredient that could cause allergic reactions for one individual may not have the same end results for another.

All in all, this guide is designed to help define the various ingredients that can and have been used in various shaving cream products. So, if you continuously suffer from skin irritations or frequent razor burn, take a good, hard look at the ingredients in your shaving cream or foam product. You might be surprised to learn the ingredients in your shaving cream are actually causing the irritation.