Burt's Bees · Shaving Cream
Burt's Bees Natural Skin Care Shave Cream
Lower PFAS concern, natural formulation without known waterproofing, stain-resistance, or nonstick coatings.
Burt's Bees shave cream is a simple water-based cosmetic with plant-derived ingredients and does not appear to contain Teflon-family coating, nonstick coatings, or durable water repellents that typically introduce PFAS. The brand makes no explicit PFAS claims.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
Water, plant oils, glycerin, soap base
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 Natural Shave Cream uses a water and plant-oil foundation (coconut, soy, or similar) combined with glycerin and soap rather than synthetic surfactants or polymer foams. This formulation avoids common synthetic shaving-cream hazards like certain azo dyes or heavy-metal colorants found in conventional brands. The absence of silicones, mineral oils, and aerosol propellants further reduces exposure to volatile organic compounds and inhalation risks during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees maintains transparent ingredient labeling and holds third-party certification (USDA Organic for most product lines, though formulations vary). The brand does not explicitly advertise PFAS avoidance but has not faced documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this shave cream. Parent company Clorox's ownership (since 2007) raised some consumer concerns about corporate practices, but no material safety breaches have been established for this particular product line.
How it compares in its category
Natural shaving creams typically carry lower chemical hazard profiles than conventional foaming gels, which often contain synthetic fragrances, preservative systems with higher allergen load, and microbeads. Burt's Bees sits in the upper-safety tier of the category by avoiding synthetic dyes and relying on plant extracts for slip and conditioning. Compared to budget aerosol shaving foams (which may contain hexane residues or undisclosed propellants), this cream-based product offers better transparency and material simplicity.
If you buy it
Apply a small amount (dime-sized) to damp skin and allow a 30-second hydration window before shaving; overuse does not improve performance and may clog razors. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve plant-oil stability and prevent rancidity or mold growth, especially after opening. Discard if the product develops an off odor, visible separation, or discoloration, which signals degradation of the natural preservative system. Sensitive-skin users should patch-test on the inner arm first, as plant oils and essential extracts (lavender, eucalyptus) can trigger reactions in some individuals.
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 skin sensitization
Burt's Bees shave creams contain essential oils and botanical extracts (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint) that are common contact allergens. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity may experience irritation or dermatitis; patch testing is recommended before full facial use.
Microbial contamination from plant-oil base
Water and plant oils are nutrient-rich substrates that can support bacterial and mold growth if the preservative system is compromised or if the product is stored in humid, warm conditions. Natural preservative systems (often phenoxyethanol or plant extracts) are generally less broad-spectrum than synthetic alternatives, increasing risk if opened containers are exposed to moisture.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative system
No formaldehyde-releasing agents (such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea) are documented in Burt's Bees formulations; the brand uses gentler preservative chemistry, though exact proprietary blends are not always fully disclosed.
Heavy metals in colorants and mineral contaminants
Plant-oil and natural colorant bases carry minimal risk of lead or cadmium accumulation compared to synthetic pigment-heavy formulations. No recalls or contamination incidents have been reported for this product line.
Oxidative degradation of plant oils over time
Coconut and soy oils oxidize when exposed to air, heat, or light, potentially producing free radicals and reducing shelf-life efficacy. Users should monitor for changes in scent, texture, or separation and replace annually or sooner if stored in non-ideal conditions.
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.
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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.