Baxter of California · Shaving Cream
Baxter of California Super Close Shave Formula — Byron & Barclay
Lower PFAS concern, traditional shaving soap formula with no known triggers.
Baxter of California's Super Close Shave Formula is a conventional soap-based shaving cream with no publicly disclosed specialty coatings, water-resistance treatments, or Teflon-type coating/Teflon-family coating additives. The brand does not claim PFAS-free status, nor has it disclosed PFAS use.
Shop Baxter of California on Amazon →Material
Soap/surfactant base (likely glycerin, stearic acid, water)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Baxter Super Close Shave Formula is a soap-based shaving cream, likely built on glycerin, stearic acid, and water as primary ingredients. This traditional soap structure avoids synthetic polymers and stabilizers that commonly introduce problematic chemicals. The surfactant base breaks down easily and poses minimal concern for skin irritation in typical use; glycerin acts as a humectant to retain moisture during shaving.
The brand's record and disclosure
Baxter of California has not published detailed ingredient transparency statements or third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) that are readily available. The brand is known for premium grooming products but maintains a silent stance on PFAS or synthetic chemical policy. No recalls or established safety controversies are on record for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Traditional soap-based shaving creams like this are among the lower-risk formulations compared to gel-based or aerosol alternatives, which often contain propellants, synthetic thickeners, and preservative systems. This product sits in the conventional premium segment, less minimalist than single-ingredient soap bars, but simpler than mass-market gel formulas with opacifiers and fragrance complexes.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent separation of glycerin and oil phases. Use a clean brush or applicator each time to avoid bacterial growth in the jar. Discontinue if you develop skin irritation and test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin. A standard jar typically lasts 2-3 months with regular use; replace when the texture becomes dry or develops visible mold.
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
Baxter shaving creams typically contain fragrance blends; no ingredient list is widely published, so specific allergen identification is not possible. Users with fragrance sensitivities or contact dermatitis should patch-test or request full ingredient disclosure from the brand.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservatives)
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) in typical Baxter formulations of this type, but ingredient verification requires direct brand confirmation.
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing residue)
Soap-based formulas have lower risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination than ethoxylated surfactant systems. No testing on record for this specific product.
Heavy metals in colorants or pigments
Shaving creams are typically free of heavy metal concerns unless artificially pigmented; this product appears to rely on natural colorants consistent with its soap base, but verification requires label review.
Skin irritation from oxidized or degraded soap components
Glycerin-based soap can become oxidized or rancid if exposed to heat, light, or air over time, potentially causing mild irritation. Proper storage and timely replacement mitigate this low risk.
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.