Post Shave Balm
Low PFAS risk for typical post-shave balm formulation. Skip if concerned about disclosure.
Post-shave balms are cosmetics with no known PFAS applications. Harry's does not disclose PFAS status, but the product category poses minimal concern without water-repellent or grease-resistant claims.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water, glycerin, emollients, fragrance
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Post Shave Balm is made of, ingredients and materials
Harry's Post Shave Balm is a water-glycerin emulsion with added emollients and fragrance, a typical aftershave moisturizer structure. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into skin; emollients (likely plant oils or silicones) reduce irritation post-shave. Water as the solvent and glycerin as the hydrating base keep the formula stable and low-viscosity. No active ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids that would trigger heating, pH, or compatibility concerns.
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 sensitizers
Post-shave balms typically contain fragrance compounds that can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in individuals with fragrance-sensitive skin. Harry's does not list specific fragrance ingredients (declared as 'fragrance' per INCI rules), so patch testing is advised for sensitive skin.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Emulsified water-based formulas require preservatives; if Harry's uses formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea or DMDM hydantoin), residual formaldehyde can irritate skin. Specific preservative choice is not disclosed on typical product labels.
Source, ATSDR ↗Skin irritation from glycerin overuse
Glycerin in high concentrations can draw water out of skin if air humidity is low, causing dryness or irritation with frequent application. Not a product defect, but relevant to usage on sensitive or post-procedure skin.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
1,4-dioxane (solvent contaminant)
No test results or recalls on record for Harry's Post Shave Balm. Water-glycerin emulsions are lower-risk for 1,4-dioxane than surfactant-heavy foaming products, but independent testing is not public.
Heavy metals
No reported contamination in Harry's balm. Fragrance and emollient sourcing can introduce trace lead or cadmium; third-party testing is not published for this brand.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Harry's does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS testing or certification stance on their personal-care line, though the PFAS assessment flags low typical risk for this formulation type. The brand has no recorded recalls or safety controversies specific to this product. Harry's markets to a mainstream consumer base and complies with FDA cosmetic labeling but does not highlight third-party safety certifications or ingredient transparency beyond standard labeling.
How it compares in its category
Post-shave balms vary widely; some use silicone-heavy or talc-containing bases, while others rely on mineral oil or dimethicone. Harry's water-glycerin approach is middle-of-the-road, not premium fragrance-free therapeutic formulas, but also not heavy occlusive products prone to pore-clogging. It sits in the affordable mass-market category with brands like Gillette and Nivea, with similar ingredient transparency and hazard profiles.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, damp skin immediately after shaving to minimize stinging; the glycerin base absorbs quickly and does not require rubbing. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve fragrance and emollient stability. A standard 3.4 oz bottle lasts 4-8 weeks with daily use; discard if the product separates, smells off, or shows visible mold. No special skin patch testing is needed unless you have sensitivity to fragrance or glycerin.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Harry's 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.