Burt's Bees · Shaving Cream
Burt s Bees Cooling Shave Cream Men 5
Lower concern for PFAS; typical personal-care formulation without high-risk coatings or treatments.
Burt's Bees Cooling Shave Cream is a water-based cosmetic with no known PFAS-prone ingredients or water-repellent coating/waterproofing treatments. The brand makes no PFAS claims, but standard cream formulations lack the fluorinated chemistry that triggers PFAS concern. No public lab data or recalls exist to suggest contamination.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
Water-based cream base with natural oils and glycerin
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
Burt's Bees Cooling Shave Cream is formulated as a water-based emulsion with plant oils (likely coconut or similar), glycerin, and cooling agents such as menthol or peppermint extract. Unlike aerosol shaving foams, the cream base avoids pressurized propellants and relies on mechanical whipping for texture. The water-dominant formulation minimizes the risk of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing typical of alcohol-heavy or solvent-based products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees is owned by Clorox but maintains independent certification as a natural personal-care brand, with ingredient lists publicly available on product labels and their website. The brand does not explicitly disclose PFAS testing or avoidance claims, though water-based shaving creams generally do not require water-resistance or stain-resistance treatments that drive PFAS use. No major product recalls or safety controversies have been established for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Shaving creams occupy a lower-risk category than aerosol foams (which may contain propellant residues) or bar soaps (which can vary widely in additive burden). Burt's Bees positions itself as a natural alternative to conventional brands with synthetic fragrances and preservatives; the water and oil base is chemically simpler than many commercial competitors. Compared to artisanal or indie brands, Burt's Bees benefits from larger-scale QA and regulatory oversight.
If you buy it
Use as directed on damp skin; the cooling effect from menthol may cause mild tingling but is not a safety concern for most users. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; the cream will not degrade or leach hazards from the jar if kept at room temperature. Do not ingest; keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Discard if the product develops mold, odor changes, or separation that does not remix, as this indicates loss of preservative efficacy.
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
The product contains essential oils and fragrance components (menthol, peppermint extract). While generally recognized as safe at these concentrations, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience irritation; patch test on a small area first.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
No public information links Burt's Bees shaving cream formulations to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. The brand emphasizes natural preservation; if present, they would likely be disclosed on the INCI list.
Heavy metals in plant-derived pigments or colorants
Shaving creams are not heavily pigmented products. Burt's Bees formulations typically use minimal colorants; no established contamination reports exist for this product line.
Skin irritation from menthol or cooling agents
Menthol is a mild irritant at high concentrations and can trigger vasodilation and cooling sensations that some users find uncomfortable. This is transient and not a health hazard for intact skin, but individuals with very sensitive skin or rosacea should test cautiously.
Microbial contamination from water base and preservative degradation
Water-based products require preservatives to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. If the jar is not sealed properly after opening or stored in damp conditions, preservative depletion can occur, though this is a usage and storage issue rather than a manufacturing defect.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 75% 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
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✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Kiehl's
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Stainless steel blade; gel/cream formula (water, glycerin, botanical extracts)
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⚠Risky category by default
Aesop
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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.