Barbasol Classic Shaving Cream
Lower concern; typical shaving cream formula unlikely to contain intentional PFAS, brand silent.
This conventional aerosol shaving cream contains no known PFAS-bearing additives like water-repellent or specialty coatings. The brand makes no PFAS disclosures, and no third-party testing or recalls exist.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
soap base, water, propellant (hydrocarbon or isobutane)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Hydrocarbon/Isobutane propellant inhalation
Aerosol propellants can cause dizziness or CNS effects if inhaled directly in enclosed spaces; risk is low with normal ventilation and intended use. No recalls or poisoning incidents linked to Barbasol Classic on record.
Fragrance allergens
Barbasol Classic contains 'fragrance' as a listed ingredient; fragrance mixes often include limonene, linalool, and other sensitizers. Contact dermatitis from shaving creams is documented in dermatology literature but rare relative to user population.
Soap irritation to sensitive skin
High soap concentration may dry or irritate facial skin or mucous membranes if contacted; this is a known limitation of cheap aerosol formulas and affects a minority of users with sensitive skin or pre-existing dermatitis.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No public test results or regulatory actions indicate heavy metal contamination in Barbasol Classic. Fragrance and pigment suppliers are regulated; risk is theoretical and not documented for this brand.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Barbasol Classic is not known to contain formaldehyde preservatives; soap-based formulas typically rely on alcohol or other stabilizers. No recalls or safety alerts on file.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Barbasol Classic is a soap-based aerosol shaving cream propelled by hydrocarbon or isobutane gas. The formulation is simple, soap surfactants suspended in water with chemical stabilizers and fragrance. Unlike cream or gel alternatives, the aerosol delivery system means the product never contacts skin until it expands into a lather, reducing direct exposure to raw chemical concentrates. Soap-based formulas are generally lower-risk than cream bases that may contain synthetic polymers or thickeners prone to skin irritation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Barbasol makes no public disclosure of ingredient sourcing, safety testing, or PFAS-related decisions. The brand is owned by Energizer Holdings and has been in continuous production since 1919 with no major product recalls or safety controversies on record. Ingredient lists are available on packaging and online, but the company does not provide third-party certifications (e.g., EWG, cruelty-free, clean beauty) or environmental sustainability statements. This reflects typical practice for mass-market shaving creams rather than a specific liability.
How it compares in its category
Barbasol Classic is among the most basic aerosol shaving creams on the market, with simpler chemistry than premium gel-based or cream-based alternatives. It avoids some hazards (e.g., silicones, complex polymers) that appear in higher-end brands, but also lacks transparency and third-party testing that some consumer-conscious competitors offer. Cost and accessibility make it standard; safety profile is typical for the aerosol segment, not differentiated.
If you buy it
Use in well-ventilated bathrooms to minimize inhalation of propellant mist; do not spray toward face or eyes. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent pressure buildup. Discontinue use if skin irritation develops; fragrance and soap base can trigger sensitivity in a small fraction of users. The can will depressurize as it ages; replace when spray weakens. No special storage or maintenance required beyond standard aerosol precautions.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Barbasol has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More shaving cream grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.