Barbasol · Shaving Cream
Barbasol Sensitive Skin Thick & Rich Shaving Cream for Men, 2 OZ (Travel Size - TSA Approved), Size: Pack of 6
Lower PFAS concern for typical shaving cream; aerosol propellant unknown, skip if worried about minor risk.
Barbasol shaving creams are water-based formulations not inherently prone to PFAS use. The brand makes no PFAS disclosures. Aerosol propellants in travel-size cans could theoretically contain fluorinated compounds, but this is uncommon in consumer shaving products and undocumented for this line. No third-party testing available.
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Water-based shaving cream; aerosol propellant unknown
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
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.
Formaldehyde releasers
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.
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.
Heavy metals in pigments
Shaving creams are not heavily pigmented products and do not typically use metallic colorants. No established concern for this product category.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Shaving Cream
Baxter of California
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Lower concern, standard grooming tools with no known PFAS indicators, though brand discloses nothing.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Kiehl's
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Stainless steel blade; gel/cream formula (water, glycerin, botanical extracts)
Lower PFAS concern, standard razor and aftercare gel with no known PFAS triggers, but brand discloses nothing.
⚠Risky category by default
Aesop
Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet with 60ml Serum and Lotion
water-based serum and lotion emulsions in glass/plastic bottles
Lower PFAS concern for this leave-on cosmetic; no special coatings flagged.
⚠Risky category by default
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.