The Art of Shaving · Shaving Cream
The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
Lower PFAS concern; traditional shaving cream formula carries minimal forever-chemical risk.
The Art of Shaving's cream is a conventional water-based emulsion without the specialty coatings, water-repellent treatments, or Teflon-family coating that typically introduce PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims, but the product category and known formulation suggest lower risk.
Shop The Art of Shaving on Amazon →Material
Water-based cream emulsion (soap, glycerin, water)
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 Shaving Cream is a water-based emulsion combining soap, glycerin, and water as primary ingredients. This traditional formulation avoids volatile synthetic compounds and relies on simple surfactants and humectants rather than propellant-based aerosols or complex chemical stabilizers. The cream-based delivery means lower risk of inhalation hazards compared to foam or spray alternatives, and glycerin acts as a skin-conditioning agent rather than a drying agent.
The brand's record and disclosure
The Art of Shaving maintains a long-standing presence in the premium grooming market with no major product recalls or safety violations on public record. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party safety certifications, and takes a largely silent stance on PFAS or other emerging chemical concerns. Ingredient transparency is limited to standard labeling; independent testing results for this specific product line are not widely available in consumer databases.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream premium segment, positioned above dollar-store shaving creams but below niche natural or organic brands that emphasize chemical minimalism. Water-based creams like this are generally safer than aerosol foams (which carry propellant and inhalation risks) but may offer less lather longevity than glycerin-heavy formulas or soap bars. No significant safety differentiation exists between this brand and comparable products from Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, or store-brand creams in terms of hazard profile.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from extreme heat to prevent separation of the water and oil phases. Use as directed on skin; discontinue if irritation occurs, as fragrance or minor ingredient sensitivity is possible in sensitive individuals. A small amount (pea-sized) is sufficient for a full shave; overuse wastes product and may leave residue. Replace when product separates, dries out, or shows signs of mold or bacterial growth, typically within 12-24 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.”
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
The Art of Shaving products typically contain fragrance compounds; undisclosed fragrance ingredients may trigger contact dermatitis or olfactory sensitivity in susceptible users. No specific allergen list is published by the brand.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
Water-based cream formulas generally use mild preservatives (often sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate); no evidence of formaldehyde-releasing agents in this product line, but full preservative disclosure is not public.
Heavy metals in colorants or mineral additives
Standard shaving cream formulations do not require heavy-metal-bearing pigments; mineral-based shaving creams are not the brand's stated category. No documented contamination in this product class.
Skin irritation from soap or emulsifier residue
Soap-based formulas can leave mild residue or cause dryness if not rinsed thoroughly; some users report irritation when product is left on skin too long or when used in hard water conditions. This is a user-dependent sensitivity, not a manufacturing defect.
Microbial growth if packaging compromised
Water-based creams are susceptible to bacterial or mold colonization if the container is damaged, left uncapped, or stored in humid bathrooms. Proper closure and storage are user responsibilities.
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.