Is Shaving Cream Toxic? And Its Alternatives

Shaving creams are commonly used to provide protection between the sharp blade and your skin to allow smooth and safe shaving. Although it appear harmless, shaving creams also contain a long list of chemicals just like depilatory creams.  Understanding the ingredients in shaving creams is crucial for making informed decisions about their use. These creams have been used for a long time to remove unwanted hair. But, recently, people have become more aware and want to use products that have gentle and safe ingredients. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that prioritize skin health and minimize exposure to harsh chemicals. Therefore, there is a controversy related to the ingredients of shaving creams and their safety. So, are you wondering “Is shaving cream toxic to use”? If yes, this article is for you. Addressing safety concerns is essential for consumers who are cautious about the products they apply to their skin. Table of Contents: Part 1: What Are The Main Ingredients of Shaving Creams? Part 2: Potential Health Hazards of Shaving Creams Part 3: What to Use Instead of Shaving Creams Part 4: FAQs Related to Shaving Creams Part 1: What Are The Main Ingredients of Shaving Creams? Shaving creams are foam-like substances that come in a small bottle but go a long way. These creams contain several ingredients, including common emollients, surfactants, and chemicals. Shaving creams are designed to create a smooth surface for shaving, helping to prevent irritation and nicks. While the ingredients are almost the same in all shaving creams, the concentration of the ingredients used plays an important role in determining its safety. So, here are the main ingredients of the shaving creams that are generally considered safe. Water  Water serves as the primary solvent in shaving creams, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create the desired texture. Myristic acid Myristic acid is often used as a surfactant, aiding in the formation of lather and improving the cream's ability to spread. Stearic acid  Stearic acid is commonly included to provide creaminess and stability to the foam, enhancing the overall shaving experience. Fatty acids Fatty acids contribute to the moisturizing properties of shaving creams, helping to soften the hair and skin. Glycerine  Glycerine is a humectant that attracts moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated during and after shaving. Linalool Linalool is often added for its pleasant fragrance, though it may cause irritation for some individuals. Benzyl Benzoate  Benzyl Cinnamate  Fruit Extracts for fragrance  Coumarin in low-concentration Allantoin  In addition to these ingredients, shaving creams contain many ingredients that are considered toxic or harmful to the skin. These ingredients include along with their major side effect include, Shaving creams often include a variety of ingredients, some of which may be harmful to your skin. It is important to be aware of these components and their potential effects. Limonene: Skin Irritation Limonene is commonly used for its citrus scent, but it can cause skin irritation for some individuals, especially with prolonged exposure. Eugenol: Liver damage if used in high concentration  Eugenol is a fragrant compound that, while generally safe in low amounts, may pose risks like liver damage when used in high concentrations. Geraniol: Immune suppression in high-concentration  High concentrations of geraniol may lead to immune suppression, which underscores the importance of using products with caution. MIT: Contact allergy  Exposure to MIT can result in contact allergy, making it essential for users to be aware of potential sensitivities. MCI: Allergic reactions and chemical burns at low concentrations plus carcinogen in high concentration  Both allergic reactions and chemical burns can occur even at low concentrations of MCI, highlighting the need for careful ingredient scrutiny. Benzyl Alcohol: Contact dermatitis  Benzyl alcohol may cause contact dermatitis, so users should be vigilant about skin reactions during use. Sodium hydroxide: Corrosive burns and damage to eyes if come in contact with them  Due to its corrosive nature, sodium hydroxide can cause burns and serious damage to the eyes, necessitating careful handling. TEA: Harmful for skin, immune system, and lungs TEA is considered harmful to the skin, immune system, and lungs, which raises concerns about its safety in personal care products. Potassium hydroxide: Irritation of eyes, skin, and lower respiratory tract  Exposure to potassium hydroxide can irritate the eyes, skin, and lower respiratory tract, making it crucial to avoid direct contact. Mineral Oils: Cause closed comedones Mineral oils can lead to closed comedones, which may affect skin health and appearance, especially for those prone to acne. While the ingredients on the top list raise no concerns, some of the ingredients given in the list below are harmful in high concentrations, and minor quantities of some cause damage even in low concentrations.  So, carefully read the list of your shaving cream to determine the concentration of any ingredient and guess its toxicity.  Understanding ingredient concentrations is crucial for assessing potential risks associated with shaving creams. Part 2: Potential Health Hazards of Shaving Creams Now we know what shaving creams do and what ingredients they have. Let us move to the potential hazards of shaving creams.  Acne Breakouts  One of the most common side effects of shaving creams that people might not consider a health hazard is the closing of the comedones. Mineral oils present in shaving creams close pores, cause acne, and prevent the removal of toxins from the body through the skin. Dryness of the Skin While several emollients are used in shaving creams, many ingredients cause skin dryness. These mostly include chemical surfactants, glycols, fragrances, and isopentane. Also, remember that dry skin is prone to premature aging.  It is important to note that prolonged exposure to harsh ingredients may lead to unwanted skin conditions, emphasizing the need for careful selection of shaving products. Skin Irritation  Skin irritation and burning of the eyes often occur on using shaving creams. The ingredients that are considered culprits in this case include surfactants, perfume, BHT, preservatives, glycols, and mineral oils.  This effect of surfactants has been demonstrated in a study [1].  Numbness of the Skin  Shaving creams also have topical anesthetic agents in mild concentrations to make your skin numb. As a result, you will get nicks, cuts, and razor burns without you knowing.  Neurological Symptoms  The use of fragrance and perfume in shaving creams can cause symptoms like headaches and dizziness. How perfume causes headaches is explained in an article by Medical News Today [2].  Fragrance sensitivity can vary from person to person, making it essential to be aware of how these ingredients affect you individually. Blood and Kidney Disorders  Shaving creams used in large quantities or used too often can get absorbed into the blood. Also, they can become concentrated in the kidney. Glycols are the main ingredients involved in this.  Excessive use of shaving creams may lead to potential health risks, particularly concerning the absorption of harmful ingredients into the bloodstream and kidneys. A case of glycol causing Acute Renal Failure has been studied already [3].  Research indicates that certain glycols in shaving products have been linked to serious renal issues, underscoring the importance of ingredient awareness. Nose and Throat Irritation  The Inhalation of ingredients like isopentane and BHT present in shaving creams can cause nose and throat irritation. A list of side effects of isopentane shows that it causes respiratory symptoms [4].  Inhalation of chemicals in shaving creams can irritate the respiratory system, highlighting the need for caution during use. Dermatitis Many ingredients like palmitic acid, alcohol, and more are known to cause contact dermatitis. Detailed information about how shaving creams cause dermatitis has been shared by Harlan MD [5].   Contact dermatitis is a common reaction to many ingredients in shaving creams, suggesting that those with sensitive skin should be particularly careful. Part 3: What to Use Instead of Shaving Creams Reading the ingredient list every time you buy shaving cream or being dubious about it does not sound convenient, right? So, let us ditch the shaving creams and find other options.  Exploring alternatives to shaving cream can help avoid potential irritants and make grooming more suitable for your skin type. Alternative Products to Shaving Creams If you want to shave without shaving creams, here are the products you can use to lubricate the skin. Using alternative products can provide effective lubrication while reducing exposure to potentially harmful ingredients found in traditional shaving creams. Body Lotion or Oil: You can use a rich body lotion or a non-comedogenic body oil to create a layer of lubrication on the skin before shaving.  Body lotion or oil can be beneficial for creating a smooth surface for shaving, especially for those with dry skin. Conditioner: Being thick, moisturizing, and sticky, hair conditioners serve as a great alternative to shaving cream. Hair conditioner not only conditions hair but can also provide excellent moisture and protection during shaving. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel is a foolproof substitute for shaving cream as it is organic, gentle, and hydrating.  Body Wash or Soap: If you do not have any other product to use before shaving, simply make leather of some soap or a body wash and use it.  Body wash can effectively create a lather that allows for smoother shaving, but be cautious of any potential skin sensitivities. Alternative Hair Removal Methods  Shaving is not a safe method of hair removal because of its side effects as mentioned in the risks and side effects of shaving. Therefore, we suggest you try some gentle, long-lasting, and skin-friendly methods of hair removal.  While shaving is common, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects it may cause, such as irritation and cuts. These include,  Laser hair removal Laser hair removal offers a longer-lasting solution by targeting hair follicles with focused light, but several sessions may be needed for optimal results. Electrolysis With electrolysis, hair is removed permanently by applying an electrical current to the hair follicle, making it a meticulous but effective method. Home remedies  Home remedies can include natural ingredients that might help in reducing hair growth, though their effectiveness varies widely. At-home IPL hair removal  At-home IPL hair removal devices provide a convenient option for reducing hair growth over time, often with less discomfort than traditional methods. While the first two methods are too expensive and too time-consuming, the 3rd method does not provide immediate results. Under such circumstances, Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal for Face, Pubic & Body Hair can save you from shaving. We suggest this device because,  This device is recommended due to its innovative technology and user-friendly design, making hair removal easier for everyone. It is economical in the long run Being economical means that while the initial investment may seem high, it can save money over time compared to regular shaving costs. It is safe, almost painless, and gentle It provides results within 2 to 4 weeks  Part 4: FAQs Related to Shaving Creams 1. Is Shaving Cream Toxic for Toddlers? While a shaving cream might not harm a toddler if he plays with it carefully, we all know that kids are uncontrollable. So, shaving cream can irritate his/her skin in case of sensitive skin. Furthermore, it can irritate the eyes if the cream gets into the eyes. Lastly, ingestion of a shaving cream might prove toxic. Therefore, it is best to keep shaving creams away from the reach of toddlers.  2. Is Shaving Cream Toxic to Animals? Although ingesting shaving cream will not kill an animal. But it will definitely cause diarrhea, abdominal aches, vomiting, and in some cases damage to the kidneys of the animals. So, do not let your pet or other animals inhale or lick shaving cream.  3. Can You Eat Shaving Cream? No, you cannot eat shaving cream. Many ingredients in shaving creams are not safe for ingestion. Also, they might damage your organs. However, accidental intake of a small quantity of shaving cream is not toxic.  Conclusion  Shaving creams might appear harmless because people have been using them for a long time. However, many ingredients in shaving creams are not safe to be used regularly or in a high concentration. Each of such ingredients with its details is mentioned in this article. Therefore, it is best to avoid shaving creams and try other hair removal methods like IPL devices.  References  Mechanism of Skin Irritation by Surfactants and Anti-Irritants for Surfactant-Based Products. C.T. Jackson, Marc Paye, H.I. Mailbach. April 2014. DOI:10.1201/b16716-33. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289638180_Mechanism_of_Skin_Irritation_by_Surfactants_and_Anti-Irritants_for_Surfactant-Based_Products Why does perfume give me a headache? Medically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito on May 16, 2023. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-does-perfume-give-me-a-headache A Case of Ethylene Glycol Intoxication with Acute Renal Injury. Chang Hun Song, Hong Jin Bae, Young Rok Ham. Electrolyte Blood Press. 2017 Dec; 15(2): 47–51. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788815/ ISOPENTANE: Health Hazards. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chris/IPT.pdf Shaving Rash, Irritant Dermatitis, and Male Friction Rash. JUNE 15, 2023. Harlan MD. https://harlanmd.com/blogs/smartlotion-blog/shaving-rash-irritant-dermatitis-and-male-friction-rash Laura