Shaving foam is a product that is used to lubricate the skin during shaving. It is important to note that unless you are buying "all natural" shaving products, the ones you use are filled with chemicals that might not be as harmless as you would like to believe. Here are some of the ingredients that are commonly found in shaving foam:
Positive:
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Aqua (water): This is the base of most shaving foams and is used to dissolve other ingredients.
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Glycerin: This is a humectant that helps to moisturize and soften the skin or hair, and can also help to lubricate the shaving process.
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Essential oil derivatives: These can add antiseptic qualities, serve as skin toners, increase shelf life, etc. but more importantly, they make each formulation unique.
Negative:
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Triethanolamine (TEA): This ingredient is often found in products that foam, like shaving creams and gels. Studies have found that chemicals like TEA, DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are readily absorbed by the skin and can be linked to hormone disruption and can develop cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines.
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Parfum (fragrance): This ingredient helps keep the shaving cream/gel formulas mixed evenly and prevents separation. However, it can cause allergic reactions.
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Isopentane: This ingredient is a solvent that helps the other chemicals dissolve, but the downside is that it can cause headaches and nose/throat irritation, dry skin, dermatitis, and dizziness.
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Propylene glycol: This ingredient is used to balance pH, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
It is important to note that not every shaving foam contains every single ingredient listed above. Some products may contain all or a combination of these ingredients.
