When shopping for shaving cream, opt for products that are free of triethanolamine (TEA), isobutane, synthetic fragrances, and palmitic acid. Our favorite shaving creams are certified by EWG (which ensures the product is free from chemicals of concern), Fair Trade (which benefits the people making the product), and PETA or Leaping Bunny (which ensure no animal testing was performed using the product). Avoid buying aerosol shaving creams if you can, as they tend to require more harmful chemicals and can produce more waste. 

Ingredients

Triethanolamine (TEA)

Unfortunately, the top 5 selling shaving cream brands in the US are all made with TEA, the repeated use of which can irritate the skin, immune, and respiratory systems. It’s also a byproduct of petroleum production, which takes a toll on the environment in multiple ways. The good news is that removing TEA doesn’t diminish the performance of shaving creams, which is why many brands have done away with it. 

Isobutane

Isobutane is a chemical that is needed in aerosol shaving creams. Overexposure to isobutane can cause choking and eye irritation, and it is also a byproduct of petroleum production. Fortunately, you can avoid this chemical altogether by choosing a shaving cream that is not an aerosol. 

Synthetic Fragrances

The most elusive ingredient of all might be fragrances. That’s because fragrances are protected from disclosure. While “fragrance” might appear to be one ingredient on the label, that word could potentially comprise hundreds of chemical compounds just for one scent! It’s not the scent that worries us, but phthalates, which enable fragrances to become soluble. They are known endocrine disruptors in both humans and aquatic life and can even lower the production of testosterone. Studies have found that prenatal exposure to phthalates can decrease mental and motor development in children. 

Palmitic Acid

Four out of the five top selling brands use palmitic acid, which is derived from palm oil. About 66 million tons of palm oil are produced annually, making it the most common vegetable oil on Earth. It is a very productive crop, offering greater yield at a lower production cost than any other vegetable oil. The bad news is, palm plantations (which have become pervasive in the Amazon) destroy biodiversity and leave animals without shelter and food. Indigenous people also lose the ability to control their food supplies since they cannot hunt and gather traditional foods in areas where the forest has been destroyed. Unfortunately, “sustainable” palm oil doesn’t really exist, despite what the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil says.

Packaging

Over 90% of Americans that use shaving cream use one that comes in an aerosol can. These cans are made from aluminum or steel. Producing just 1 kilogram of either material can emit the equivalent of driving 30 miles in your car. Plus, to get that misting or foaming we associate with shaving cream, aerosol cans require hydrocarbons or compressed gasses that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are prevalent in asthma-induced smog. Unfortunately, tubes aren’t much better – whether made of aluminum or plastic, the energy-intensive production processes come with high levels of emissions. To reduce the impact of these packaging materials, look for shaving cream alternatives without packaging, such as shaving bars.

While some recycling programs accept empty aerosol cans that have their plastic caps removed, many still don’t due to the dangers of pressurized cans exploding in the sorting facility. Sadly, this means that plenty end up in landfills, where aluminum and steel can take centuries to decompose.

Certifications

Here are some certifications to look for when shopping this category.

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