Barbasol Thick Rich Shaving Cream
Low-medium risk; standard aerosol shaving cream with no known fluorinated additives.
Barbasol Thick Rich Shaving Cream is a straightforward aerosol with a simple soap-and-water formulation. No public evidence links this product to intentional PFAS use, and the brand makes no PFAS claims.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
soap base, water, propellant (isobutane/propane)
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 and sensitization
Barbasol Thick Rich contains fragrance (listed as 'fragrance' in ingredient declarations without specificity). Fragrance mixtures commonly include limonene, linalool, and cinnamates; these can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in 1-5% of users with sensitive skin, though incidents are rarely reported for this product.
Propellant inhalation risk
Isobutane and propane are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can cause dizziness, headache, or CNS depression if inhaled in high concentrations in poorly ventilated spaces. Risk is low for normal facial shaving but higher if the product is misused (e.g., inhaling directly from the nozzle). Users with asthma may experience bronchial irritation.
Skin irritation from preservatives
Typical shaving cream preservatives (e.g., parabens, methylisothiazolinone) are not declared on Barbasol packaging but are likely present to prevent bacterial growth. These are recognized contact sensitizers in a small subset of the population; incidence is below 1% for parabens but higher for isothiazolinones in some studies.
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 that Barbasol Thick Rich uses formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea), which are less common in aerosol shaving creams than in leave-on cosmetics. Full ingredient disclosure would be required to confirm absence.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic or silica particle contamination
Aerosol shaving creams do not typically contain microbeads or solid particles; no recalls or reports of microplastic content in Barbasol products exist. Emulsion stability relies on soap structure, not abrasive additives.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Barbasol Thick Rich is a water-based soap emulsion propelled by isobutane and propane gases in a pressurized aerosol can. The formulation relies on surfactants and humectants (likely glycerin or sorbitol) to soften beard hair and provide slip during shaving. No Teflon-type coating (Teflon) non-stick coatings are present in shaving cream products, and the aqueous base does not leach metals or degradation byproducts the way ceramic or non-stick cookware can. Propellant gases themselves pose no dermal toxicity at use concentrations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Barbasol (owned by Edgewell Personal Care, a subsidiary of Energizer Holdings) does not publicly disclose ingredient sourcing, PFAS testing, or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this shaving cream. Industry-wide, aerosol shaving creams are not subject to strict cosmetic ingredient restrictions in the US beyond FDA baseline cosmetic rules, and Barbasol does not pursue premium certifications like EWG Verified or Leaping Bunny that might differentiate disclosure practices.
How it compares in its category
Barbasol Thick Rich represents a mid-tier, mass-market aerosol shaving cream with a formulation profile typical of the category since the 1970s. Premium alternatives (e.g., brush creams from Taylor of Old Bond Street, artisanal small-batch brands) often claim natural ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances, though safety profiles are broadly similar. Gel formulations and solid shaving soaps eliminate propellant exposure entirely but require different application technique. Price and performance are competitive; safety hazards are not a differentiator within standard mass-market aerosol creams.
If you buy it
Use in a well-ventilated bathroom to minimize inhalation of propellant gases, especially important for individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivity. Avoid spraying near eyes or open flames; isobutane and propane are flammable. Do not puncture or incinerate the can. Replace the can if the nozzle becomes clogged or pressure drops significantly, as this indicates seal failure. Discontinue use if skin irritation or rash develops; contact dermatitis from fragrance or preservatives is rare but possible in sensitive individuals.
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.