Shaving Cream
Low-medium risk; typical shaving cream with no known water-repellent coating additives.
This water-based shaving cream is a simple soap, water, glycerin, and essential oils emulsion without waterproofing, nonstick, or stain-resistance treatments. The brand makes no PFAS disclosure.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
soap base, water, glycerin, essential oils
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Fragrance allergens (essential oils)
Essential oils in shaving creams can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in individuals with fragrance sensitivity. The Art of Shaving does not publish a full fragrance ingredient list, so specific allergen identification (e.g., limonene, geraniol) is not publicly available.
Skin irritation from high soap concentration
Soap-based creams can dry or irritate sensitive skin if left on too long or not rinsed adequately; this is a formulation property, not a contaminant, and varies by user skin type.
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 contamination
Soap-based formulations have lower theoretical risk for 1,4-dioxane (a byproduct of ethoxylation) than detergent-heavy cosmetics, but The Art of Shaving does not publish independent purity testing results to rule it out entirely.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No preservative system information is publicly disclosed; if present, a soap base typically requires minimal synthetic preservatives. No formaldehyde-releasing agents are typical in this product category at premium price points.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Shaving creams do not rely on pigments for color and contain minimal mineral fillers, making heavy metal contamination unlikely. No recalls or warnings exist for this product.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Art of Shaving's formula relies on a soap base (saponified oils), water, and glycerin as its core emollients and lubricants. Essential oils are added for scent and mild skin benefits, but are present in low concentrations typical of cosmetic products. This composition avoids synthetic surfactants and silicones common in mass-market creams, reducing the chemical load on skin during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
The Art of Shaving has maintained a positioning around traditional, craft-focused grooming without heavy marketing of third-party certifications. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing results or commit to PFAS-free language, though the formulation itself contains no obvious chemical triggers for PFAS inclusion. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Soap-based shaving creams like this sit in the middle ground, they outperform aerosol foams (which may contain propellant residues) but differ from modern gel-based formulas (which often rely on silicones and synthetic polymers). The glycerin-rich formula is comparable to other premium brush creams in terms of skin compatibility, though individual sensitivity to essential oils varies.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the essential oil profile and prevent rancidity of the soap base. Apply a small amount to damp skin with a brush; the product does not require heat activation and should not be heated. Shelf life is typically 24-36 months; discard if the scent becomes off or the texture separates significantly.
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
- 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.