Kiehl's · Shaving Cream
Kiehl's Close-Shavers Squadron Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
Lower PFAS concern for a standard brushless shave cream; no inherent triggers, but brand transparency is absent.
Kiehl's brushless shave cream is a water-based cosmetic with no known PFAS-prone chemistry (no waterproofing, grease resistance, or non-stick coatings required). The brand does not disclose PFAS awareness or testing.
Shop Kiehl's on Amazon →Material
brushless shave cream (aqueous base, typical emulsifiers 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
Brushless shave creams are water-based emulsions combining glycerin, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, and surfactants to create a slick layer without requiring a brush. This formulation avoids the silicone-heavy texture of gel products but relies on emulsifiers to prevent separation. No inherent chemical red flags in this class, though individual ingredient sourcing and preservative choice matter for skin irritation risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's has not published detailed ingredient sourcing, heavy metal testing, or formaldehyde releaser screening as public documentation. The brand operates under parent company L'Oreal's safety framework but does not voluntarily disclose PFAS testing or restriction policies. No major safety recalls or documented formaldehyde complaints for this product line are on public record.
How it compares in its category
Brushless creams occupy a middle ground between foaming gels (higher surfactant concentration) and traditional soap creams. Kiehl's product is priced at premium tier and marketed for sensitive skin, but this claim is not independently verified. Comparable products from brands like Art of Shaving and Cremo have similar aqueous bases; some competitors voluntarily disclose absence of parabens or heavy metals.
If you buy it
Apply a small amount (roughly pea-sized) and work it into skin with fingertips or a brush; overuse does not improve performance and increases preservative exposure. Store at room temperature away from direct heat; water-based formulas can separate if frozen. Discontinue use if redness, stinging, or rash develops within 48 hours of application. Replace if product shows visible mold, separation that does not remix, or odor change.
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.”
Formaldehyde releasers
Brushless creams commonly use methylisothiazolinone or similar preservatives that can release trace formaldehyde under heat or time. Kiehl's does not publicly specify preservative chemistry for this product, so presence cannot be ruled out.
Heavy metals in pigments (colorants)
No published recalls or complaints document lead, cadmium, or chromium in Kiehl's shave creams. The product is typically white or off-white, requiring minimal synthetic colorants, lowering this risk relative to pigmented personal care products.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
The product contains fragrance (not specified as natural or synthetic on available labels), which can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive users. Kiehl's does not itemize fragrance components as a standard practice, consistent with industry norms but limiting user transparency.
Skin irritation from emulsifiers or glycerin
Water-based formulas rely on potassium hydroxide and emulsifiers that can cause transient stinging, dryness, or sensitization in users with compromised skin barriers. Individual tolerance varies; this is a use-dependent rather than formulation defect risk.
Bacterial growth if contaminated
Water-based products require preservatives to prevent mold and bacterial colonization, especially after opening. Proper storage and avoiding direct water introduction into the container minimize this 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.