Finding The Best Shaving Cream For Men and Women

I f you have been using the wrong shaving cream, now is the time to find one that suits your skin type. Using the wrong cream can give ris...

If you have been using the wrong shaving cream, now is the time to find one that suits your skin type. Using the wrong cream can give rise to skin irritation and skin redness due to harsh and cheap chemicals used in the product. The best shaving creams must be free of toxic substances as it can also lead to dryness. This will eventually result in premature aging with fine lines and wrinkles being more noticeable.

Do You Need Shaving Cream?

Shaving cream will give a smoother and comfortable shave. It helps to moisturize the beard/leg hairs during shaving making it easier to shave. It also provides a layer of protection between the skin and the shaving blade. So, reducing the risks of cuts and nicks.

The cream also binds the hair and this will be easier to clean up. Lastly, by applying shaving cream it let you know where you have run the blade, so you know where you have already shaved and where you have not. Shaving over and over again on the same spot can lead to skin irritation.

Ingredients to Avoid in Shaving Cream

Before we dive into the best shaving creams for men and women, understand why the following ingredients must be avoided when you are out shopping for shaving cream.

Triethanolamine (TEA) 

Triethanolamine is a common ingredient used for industrial and consumer products ranging from cement production, cosmetics, medicine, in holography, electroless plating and in ultrasonic testing. For shaving cream, it is used to produce foam. 

With its varied usage, this ingredient will have a certain reaction if applied to our body. Studies showed that among the problems are skin allergy such as rashes, and in other studies, tumors and hormone disruption are also detected. Because triethanolamine is easily absorbed by the skin, it is even more reason why you should avoid shaving creams that has triethanolamine.

For more information on triethanolamine, check out the article on Wikipedia.

Palmitic Acid

This ingredient is used to evenly mix the formula but based on studies by the World Health Organization, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and also skin allergy.

Isopentane

This solvent is commonly used with liquid nitrogen and is very volatile and an extremely flammable liquid.

It is used in shaving cream or gel to help some of the ingredients to dissolve into others. Unfortunately, its side effects are dry skin, headache, skin irritation, dizziness, shortness of breath eye redness, and sore throat.

Surfactants Chemicals - Sulfates 

This is the chemical used in pressurized cans of shaving cream to turn the product 'foamy'. It is often listed as ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate and sometimes abbreviated as  SLS or SLES. Overexposure to this chemical will give skin problems such as dry skin and rashes, and impaired hair growth.

Glycols

Glycols is a petroleum by-product and used in shaving cream as a moisture-retaining agent. It creates a layer of oil over the skin to allow for a smooth razor glide. You will find it listed on your shaving cream can as either propylene glycol, butylene glycol, or ethylene glycol. Its side effect is dry skin, rashes, and long-term exposure can lead to blood and kidney disorders.

Parabens

Paraben is used in shaving cream to inhibit microbial growth but may cause you topical contact dermatitis. While there are lots of discussions on parabens being carcinogenic, studies showed that the very low paraben content in shaving cream or gel is not alarming enough for a cancer scare. But to be safe, it is best to avoid products with parabens.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene or BHT

BHT is used in shaving cream to prevent or to slow down the deterioration process as a result of exposure to air/.oxygen. 

Its side effects are skin and eye irritation, and hormone disruption.

Palmitic Acid

It acts as an emollient to keep the formulas evenly mixed. Environmental Working Group or EWG's Cosmetic Database gives Palmitic Acid a 1 rating based on a "fair" amount of available data.

But it can lead to dry skin depending on the ingredients used in the shaving cream.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is known for its slippery surface and resistance to most chemical attacks. You may know this chemical through its famous trademark names such as Teflon, Polyflon, Fluon, and Hostaflon.

So, why do you need this ingredient in your shaving cream formula? Apparently, it is added to improve the feel when applied to the skin. 

It may not be that harmful when applied to the skin as it is toxic only when it is heated above 464°F/ 240°C

Fragrance

You may and may not want your shaving cream to have any fragrance especially if you apply the aftershave lotion. Yes, no? 

I personally prefer shaving cream without fragrance. It is all a personal choice. Any danger associated with fragrances are those that use chemicals instead of natural ingredients. These chemicals can cause allergies, headaches, rashes and other skin problems. 

Do These, Before You Buy Shaving Cream

Now that you know all the nasty stuff, do the followings before you buy any shaving creams:

Read the Labels

Check if any of the above items are listed as one of the ingredients. Don't be fooled by their other ingredients that may be natural or raw ingredients such as aloe vera, essential oils etc. Or they might add 'sulfate-free' or 'paraben-free'. As long as any of the above are in their listing, skip this product. 

Instead, look for all natural ingredients formula and these can be:

• Natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, olive oil, macadamia seed oil, etc.
• Essential Oils 
• Brands that use organic ingredients

Best Shaving Cream For Men

Considering how harmful some of these ingredients can be to your skin, it is indeed surprising to find some websites that list their selection of the best shaving creams having the above ingredients. I have seen the recommendation for a premium shaving cream marketed as 'with all natural ingredients' but when you read the label, it has Palmitic Acid. OK, this may not be such a nasty ingredient and since Palmitic Acid (PA) is from palm oil, their 'all natural ingredients' is not misleading. But PA is not that desirable so it is important to read the label carefully even if it says 'natural ingredients'.

So my recommendation for the best shaving cream for men and even for women is for organic shaving cream and are as follows:

Helmsman Men's Shaving Cream

Our Top Choice: 

Helmsman Mens Shaving Cream is our top choice and voted the best shaving cream for men because of its high-quality natural ingredients to give you the smoothest and most satisfying wet shave. Ideal for sensitive skin and for a premium product, it doesn't cost much, either.

This natural shaving cream contains Aloe Vera to moisturize your skin and is infused with essential oils that act as a natural lubricant for an improved razor glide. It does not contain Surfactants Chemicals or Triethanolamine so it is a non-lathering shaving cream i.e. it does not foam or fluff when applied.

It is gentle on the skin and will not irritates and eliminates most of the common shaving issues. This made in America shaving cream is also a gluten-free formula with no BPA, paraben and not tested on animals.

Based on reviews by lady customers, Helmsman Mens Shaving Cream is found to be a perfect shaving cream choice for women as well.

Ingredients - Check Out their Amazing Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Purified Water, Stearic Acid, Sodium Methyl, Cocoyl Taurate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana, Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Siloxanetriol Alginate, Caffeine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Boswellia Carterii Resin Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Oleic Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Ceramide, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid.

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Best Shaving Cream for Women

Ship to Shore Shea Butter Shave Cream

This is an amazing shaving cream for women and uses mostly organic ingredients and none of the abusive stuff listed above. Hence, it is a non-foaming and non-lathering shaving cream. However, if you wet your skin with warm water, the shave cream will spread on easily for a smooth shave.

Ship to Shore Shea Butter Shave Cream includes Vitamin E-rich shea butter and aloe vera extract to hydrate and soothe the skin, any razor bumps, and burns. It is enriched with other organic ingredients that heals and conditions the skin as well as help sooth ingrown hairs.

Our Top Choice

Ship to Shore Shea Butter Shave Cream is our top choice and is voted the best shaving cream for women. With over 70% organic ingredients, it has none of the abusive stuff listed above and it spreads on easily for a close shave with superb glide. It also hydrates and moisturizes your skin after shaving.

Check Out their Ingredients Here

Olea Europaea (Organic Olive) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Organic Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Organic Calendula) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Organic Lavender) Distillate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Saccharum Officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract,  Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Organic Lemon) Peel Extract, Ananas Comosus (Organic Pineapple), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Organic Orange) Peel Extract, Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Fruit Extract, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid,Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

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DIY Shaving Cream Recipe

If you are tired of trying all the available shaving creams in the market or just want to give it a go, check out this post at bulk apothecary that list out four easy shaving cream recipes that you can try at home.

It uses only natural ingredients and essential oils but there is no foamy effect which you get with chemically made shaving creams.

So, there you are. It really is easy to look smart and take better care of your skin while you shave.

References

Cosmetic Info
Wikipedia