Barbasol Sensitive Skin Thick & Rich Shaving Cream for Men, 2 OZ (Travel Size - TSA Approved)
Lower concern for typical shaving cream; skip if worried about minor aerosol propellant risk.
This water-based shaving cream is not inherently prone to PFAS use, though the aerosol propellant is unknown. Fluorinated propellants are uncommon in consumer shaving products and undocumented for this line.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based shaving cream; aerosol propellant unknown
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.
Fragrance allergens
Shaving creams typically contain synthetic fragrances; Barbasol does not disclose fragrance composition publicly. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience contact dermatitis, though the product is labeled 'Sensitive Skin' and is meant to minimize this risk.
1,4-dioxane (contaminant)
Water-based cosmetics can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant from ethoxylated surfactants during synthesis. Barbasol does not publish trace contaminant testing. Risk is low for rinse-off products with brief skin contact, but the possibility cannot be ruled out without third-party lab data.
Aerosol propellant composition and VOC emissions
The specific propellant (butane, propane, or isobutane blend) is not disclosed. Inhalation of propellant vapors during use is minimal in well-ventilated bathrooms, but sensitive individuals may notice headache or dizziness if used in enclosed spaces.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (such as imidazolidinyl urea) in publicly available Barbasol formulations. This hazard is not a known concern for this brand's shaving cream line.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Shaving creams are not heavily pigmented products and do not typically use metallic colorants. No established concern for this product category.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Barbasol Sensitive Skin is a water-based aerosol shaving cream formulated without soap, relying instead on detergent surfactants and emollients to soften whiskers. The 'thick and rich' texture indicates added glycerin or similar humectants to reduce irritation. As a rinse-off product applied briefly to skin, systemic absorption risk is low compared to leave-on cosmetics. The aerosol propellant type is not publicly disclosed by the brand, which leaves minor uncertainty about VOC emissions during use, though propane/butane mixtures are standard in this category.
The brand's record and disclosure
Barbasol (owned by Edgewell Personal Care) does not publish detailed ingredient transparency reports or third-party safety certifications for this line. The brand has no established history of product recalls or safety controversies tied to shaving creams. However, the company's silence on PFAS use in aerosol propellants reflects an industry-wide lack of transparency rather than a specific Barbasol problem. No clinical or regulatory warnings exist for the Sensitive Skin formulation.
How it compares in its category
This product occupies the mainstream, budget-tier segment of men's shaving creams. Compared to premium brushless creams (which often claim fewer additives), Barbasol relies on conventional stabilizers and fragrance systems typical of mass-market aerosols. The travel size format (2 oz, TSA-approved) and multi-pack reduce shelf-life concerns and avoid accumulation of aged product. Safety profile is consistent with other non-soap aerosol shaving creams from brands like Gillette Foamy or Edge.
If you buy it
Apply a thin layer to damp skin and rinse thoroughly after shaving; the product is not designed for prolonged contact. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources or direct sunlight to prevent propellant pressure buildup. Replace the can if the spray pattern weakens, indicating propellant loss. Discontinue use if skin irritation develops, though the 'Sensitive Skin' formulation typically tolerates most skin types well.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.