Healthy alternatives
Fragrance-free
Brand name | Product description |
Dr. Bronner’s | Organic Shaving Soap, Unscented |
Kiss My Face | 4-in-1 Moisture Shave |
Nurture My Body | Shave Cream |
With essential oils
Brand name | Product description |
Badger | Shaving Soap |
Be Green | Bath & Body Citrus Shaving Foam |
Dr. Bronner’s | Organic Shaving Soap |
Pacifica Shaving Company | Shaving Cream |
Qet Botanicals | Fresh Body Oil for Shaving, Showering & Massage |
Soap for Goodness Sake | Shaving Soap, Babassu |
DIY
Healthier (and cheaper) alternatives to shaving creams sold in shops exist.
For nostalgic lads, consider using a shaving brush. You may choose a cruelty-free one with a high quality wooden or metal handle (list available here). Then all you will need is water and soap.
If you fancy preparing homemade products, several recipes are available here.
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products:
BHT: possible carcinogen, endocrine disruptor
Methylisothiazalone and methylchloroisothiazolinone: skin and respiratory sensitizers
Mineral oil: possible carcinogen depending on the degree of purification, allergen
Parabens: endocrine disruptors
PEG (polyethyleneglycol): possible carcinogen (by release of 1,4-dioxane), irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
Propylene glycol (PG): allergen, irritant
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: skin and eye irritant
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: irritant to skin (may cause contact dermatitis), eye and respiratory tract
Synthetic fragrances: allergens
TEA: skin, eye and respiratory irritant, respiratory and skin sensitizer