The Art of Shaving · Shaving Cream
Shaving Cream
Lower PFAS concern; typical shaving cream with no known water-repellent coating or grease-resistant additives.
The Art of Shaving's shaving cream is a water-based emulsion without reported waterproofing, nonstick, or stain-resistance treatments, the primary PFAS risk factors in cosmetics.
Shop The Art of Shaving on Amazon →Material
soap base, water, glycerin, essential oils
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
The Art of Shaving's formula relies on a soap base (saponified oils), water, and glycerin as its core emollients and lubricants. Essential oils are added for scent and mild skin benefits, but are present in low concentrations typical of cosmetic products. This composition avoids synthetic surfactants and silicones common in mass-market creams, reducing the chemical load on skin during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
The Art of Shaving has maintained a positioning around traditional, craft-focused grooming without heavy marketing of third-party certifications. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing results or commit to PFAS-free language, though the formulation itself contains no obvious chemical triggers for PFAS inclusion. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Soap-based shaving creams like this sit in the middle ground: they outperform aerosol foams (which may contain propellant residues) but differ from modern gel-based formulas (which often rely on silicones and synthetic polymers). The glycerin-rich formula is comparable to other premium brush creams in terms of skin compatibility, though individual sensitivity to essential oils varies.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the essential oil profile and prevent rancidity of the soap base. Apply a small amount to damp skin with a brush; the product does not require heat activation and should not be heated. Shelf life is typically 24-36 months; discard if the scent becomes off or the texture separates significantly.
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 (essential oils)
Essential oils in shaving creams can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in individuals with fragrance sensitivity. The Art of Shaving does not publish a full fragrance ingredient list, so specific allergen identification (e.g., limonene, geraniol) is not publicly available.
1,4-dioxane contamination
Soap-based formulations have lower theoretical risk for 1,4-dioxane (a byproduct of ethoxylation) than detergent-heavy cosmetics, but The Art of Shaving does not publish independent purity testing results to rule it out entirely.
Formaldehyde releasers
No preservative system information is publicly disclosed; if present, a soap base typically requires minimal synthetic preservatives. No formaldehyde-releasing agents are typical in this product category at premium price points.
Heavy metals in colorants or pigments
Shaving creams do not rely on pigments for color and contain minimal mineral fillers, making heavy metal contamination unlikely. No recalls or warnings exist for this product.
Skin irritation from high soap concentration
Soap-based creams can dry or irritate sensitive skin if left on too long or not rinsed adequately; this is a formulation property, not a contaminant, and varies by user skin type.
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.