Baxter of California · Shaving Cream
Baxter Of California Super Close Shave Formula 240ml
Lower PFAS concern for a rinse-off shave cream; no known industry trigger for fluorochemicals in this category.
Shave creams are rinse-off cosmetics with no inherent need for water-repellent or stain-resistant PFAS coatings. Baxter of California makes no public PFAS claim and has no third-party verification on record.
Shop Baxter of California on Amazon →Material
Cream/emulsion base (soap, water, glycerin, stearic acid typical for shave formulas)
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
Baxter of California Super Close Shave Formula is a water-based cream emulsion typical of the category, containing soap, glycerin, stearic acid, and humectants to soften facial hair and protect skin during shaving. These ingredients are standard across most premium shave creams and are recognized as safe by regulatory bodies when used topically and rinsed away. The emulsion structure allows even distribution of lubricants across the face, reducing razor drag and irritation. No unusual or experimental actives are documented in publicly available ingredient lists for this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Baxter of California is a California-based men's grooming brand with a long history in barbering supply; the company has maintained a relatively clean public safety record with no major recalls or regulatory action on record for this product line. The brand does not publicly market sustainability or chemical certifications (such as EWG or NSF), and provides limited transparency on supply chain or manufacturing audits. No disclosed PFAS reduction commitments exist for the brand, though shave creams as a category are not flagged as a primary source of fluorochemical exposure.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mid-to-premium segment of shave creams, competing with brands like Taylor of Old Bond Street and Kiehl's. The formulation is conventional and carries no documented advantages or disadvantages relative to similar water-based cream formulas; safety profiles across this tier are broadly equivalent. Products in this category are lower-risk than aerosol foams (which carry propellant concerns) and higher-risk than bar soaps (which lack emulsifiers). Choice here is largely driven by scent preference and texture rather than chemical safety differentiation.
If you buy it
Apply a thin layer to damp facial skin and use immediately with a wet razor; rinse thoroughly with water after shaving to remove all residue and reduce irritation. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent separation or degradation of the emulsion. The product does not require special handling or maintenance beyond standard bathroom storage. Discontinue use if redness, burning, or allergic reaction occurs, particularly if you have sensitive skin or known sensitivity to fragrances or lanolin.
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 and sensitizers
Baxter of California products typically contain undisclosed fragrance blends; common allergens in men's shave creams include citral, limonene, and oakmoss derivatives. No specific allergen disclosure statement is documented for this product, which may be a concern for fragrance-sensitive or eczema-prone users.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative-derived)
No public data on preservative system used in this formula; standard shave creams use parabens or phenoxyethanol rather than formaldehyde donors. If present, formaldehyde releasers would be at trace levels typical of rinse-off products and pose minimal absorption risk.
Talc contamination
Shave creams do not typically contain talc as a primary ingredient. This hazard is not relevant to cream-based formulas and is not documented as a concern for this product.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
Shave creams contain minimal or no pigmentation; any color is typically from iron oxides or natural extracts. No heavy metal contamination has been reported for Baxter of California products in this category.
Skin irritation from stearic acid or soap base
High concentrations of stearic acid or alkaline soap can irritate sensitive skin or disrupt the skin barrier, particularly on the face. Users with reactive skin should patch-test and rinse thoroughly to minimize contact time.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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
Barbe Set
Stainless steel, brushes, standard cosmetic packaging
Lower concern, standard grooming tools with no known PFAS indicators, though brand discloses nothing.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Kiehl's
Close Shavers Squadron Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief
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.