Kiehl's · Shaving Cream
Kiehl's Get Up & Groom Shaving Gift Set
Lower PFAS concern; typical grooming set with no known high-risk components, but Kiehl's offers no transparency.
This shaving gift set contains soap, balm, and grooming tools, materials not typically formulated with PFAS. Kiehl's (L'Oréal) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or claim PFAS-free status for this product line.
Shop Kiehl's on Amazon →Material
soap, aftershave balm, brush (likely boar or synthetic bristle), packaging
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
This set contains soap-based shaving cream (not foam from aerosol), an aftershave balm, and a brush. Soap formulations for shaving are chemically stable and do not break down into hazardous compounds during normal use on skin. The aftershave balm is a topical leave-on product where concentration and skin contact duration matter; balms typically contain humectants, emollients, and preservatives. The brush material (boar or synthetic) does not leach chemicals into the lather under normal conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's (L'Oreal-owned) does not publish detailed ingredient safety data or certifications beyond standard compliance. The brand has no documented safety recalls or chemical controversies specific to this product line. Kiehl's maintains general ingredient transparency on product pages but does not independently test for heavy metals, 1,4-dioxane, or formaldehyde releasers. No third-party certifications (organic, clean beauty, toxicology review) are claimed.
How it compares in its category
Soap-based shaving creams are chemically simpler than gel or foam alternatives and carry lower volatile organic compound off-gassing risk. Most traditional shaving creams (Kiehls, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso) share similar formulation profiles with no documented category-wide hazard pattern. Premium grooming sets from this brand sit in the middle tier for transparency; niche indie brands often disclose more, mass-market drugstore alternatives disclose less.
If you buy it
Use the aftershave balm as directed (small amount, apply to clean skin post-shave) and do not ingest. Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent preservative degradation and microbial growth in the balm. If brush bristles shed excessively after first use, rinse thoroughly; some boar bristle shedding is normal. Replace the balm when separation or odor change occurs, typically within 12-18 months of opening.
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 in preservatives
Soap and balm preservatives may include imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin (formaldehyde releasers). Kiehl's does not disclose specific preservative systems; presence is unknown but not unusual in grooming products at this price tier.
Fragrance allergens
The product contains fragrance (listed as ingredient). Fragrance in aftershave balms can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization, especially on freshly shaved, irritated skin. Kiehl's does not provide allergen disclosure or fragrance component breakdown.
Heavy metals in cosmetic pigments (if present)
If the balm or cream contains colorants, lead and cadmium in synthetic dyes are a regulated concern in cosmetics. No recalls or testing results for this product are on record, and soap formulations typically use minimal colorants.
Talc contamination
Talc is not a typical ingredient in shaving creams or balms. If talc is used, asbestos contamination risk would apply; no evidence suggests it is present in this set.
Microbial growth in aftershave balm
Leave-on balms are more prone to microbial colonization than rinse-off products if preservative efficacy weakens over time or contamination occurs during use. Keeping the container sealed and using clean applicators reduces risk.
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.