Baxter of California · Shaving Cream
Super Close Shave Formula by Baxter Of California for Men - 8 oz Shave Cream
Lower concern, shave cream has no known PFAS application, but brand makes no disclosure.
Shave creams lack the functional reasons that drive PFAS use (waterproofing, nonstick, grease-resistance). Baxter of California does not publicly claim PFAS-free status or hold third-party verification. No public lab data exists.
Shop Baxter of California on Amazon →Material
cream emulsion (water, oils, emulsifiers)
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
Super Close Shave Formula is a water-based cream emulsion, a standard formulation combining water, oils (likely mineral and botanical), and emulsifiers to create a stable lather base. Shaving creams are brief-contact products (typically 2-5 minutes on skin) applied topically and rinsed away, which significantly limits systemic absorption of any chemical constituents. The cream format itself poses no inherent processing or leaching risk, unlike heated cookware or textiles prone to fiber release.
The brand's record and disclosure
Baxter of California is a heritage men's grooming brand (founded 1965) with no major public safety recalls or substantiated contamination incidents on record. The brand does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing statements or third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG verification or Clean Beauty standards). Ingredient lists are available on retailer sites, but the company makes no formal stance on PFAS avoidance or fragrance/preservative transparency beyond standard labeling.
How it compares in its category
Shaving creams fall into a low-risk personal care category compared to leave-on products like deodorants or lotions. Super Close Shave Formula is a conventional cream-lather formula, similar in safety profile to mass-market brands (Gillette Foamy, Cremo). Premium artisanal alternatives (e.g., Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso) often highlight natural or organic positioning but offer no documented safety advantage; the brief rinse-off use case makes formulation differences largely cosmetic.
If you buy it
Apply a small coin-sized amount to damp skin, lather with brush or hands, and rinse thoroughly after shaving (typically under 5 minutes contact time). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent emulsion separation; discard if the cream separates or develops an off odor. No special precautions needed beyond standard personal care hygiene (avoid eyes and open cuts). A typical 8 oz tube lasts 1-3 months depending on shaving frequency; replace when product separates or dries out.
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
Shaving creams typically contain synthetic or natural fragrance compounds. The product lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not disclose specific components (common practice in personal care). Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience contact dermatitis; patch test on inner arm if prone to irritation.
Preservative-related irritation (formaldehyde releasers)
Water-based emulsions require preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Common releasers in men's grooming products include imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin. No specific formulation data is publicly available for this product; risk is typical for the category but not elevated.
Emulsifier or surfactant irritation
Shaving creams use mild surfactants and emulsifiers (typically sodium stearate or glyceryl stearate); no established safety issues with this product or brand. Brief contact time and thorough rinsing further minimize irritation risk.
Contamination or degradation during storage
No recalls or reported quality control failures for this product. Standard cream formulations are stable when stored at room temperature; risk of bacterial or fungal contamination is absent if the container remains sealed and used with clean applicators.
Heavy metals in colorants or opacifiers
Shaving creams do not typically rely on pigments or heavy-metal colorants; no public data suggests contamination in Baxter of California products. This hazard is relevant to tinted personal care items but not to standard shaving creams.
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
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.