The #NoShave movement is one of the most popular things to rock the “fashion trends” (can we call it that?) for guys. Many guys are finding surprising benefits from ditching the shaving routine. I’ve heard countless accounts of dry skin, irritation, and even acne disappearing after switching to all natural shaving cream. So what’s going on?

Ever Watched A WWII Drama?

Remember the guy running in the heat of battle when suddenly the air turns thick with yellow smoke? The hero reaches for his alien-like gas mask for protection. Yeah, apparently you need one of those to shave every morning. Triethanolamine is a substance in shave creams and gels that is used to make that toxic Nerve Gas! That’s right! It’s listed as a Schedule 3 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Oh and by the way, it’s made of a known carcinogen (ethylene oxide) and ammonia. According to this article Triethanolamine also causes organ damage, and testicular cancer even in small doses and especially when applied around the eyes lips and mouth . Skin deep database lists it as a skin irritant, and allergen capable of causing dermatitis, and triggering asthma.

Did I hear the sound of an aerosol can hitting the trash?

Oh but we aren’t done! 

More Dangerous Conventional Shaving Cream Ingredients:

#1 Phthalates. As with most scented products in the U.S., shave creams are full of hormone disrupting phthalates.  Phthalates never have to be listed, but they are a dangerous chemical component of almost every ingredient that is listed as “perfume”, “fragrance”, or “scent.”  In fact, pregnant women are now being advised to avoid exposure to phthalates to prevent physical and mental problems in their unborn children. Even Harvard University released a study stating exposure to phthalates can cause miscarriages in early pregnancy. 

#2 Sulfates.  Sulfates are commonly used foaming agents and guess what? They’re in shaving cream (it’s foam after all).  Sulfates cause skin irritation, damage hair follicles (head’s up guys… it causes hair loss too and it’s in your shampoo!) Mercola lists it as “possibly carcinogenic” and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health lists it as threatening to the kidneys, liver and central nervous system.

#3 Polytetrafluoroethylene. Now for good measure let’s add a little Teflon… wouldn’t want the razor to stick after all!  Polytetrafluoroethylene is in that shave cream can and it’s the same thing they use to make Teflon. Remember the buzz a few years back about Teflon pans being linked to cancer? Yep, PTFE is a carcinogen. Oh, and it can really mess with your hormones. Who here signed up for early menopause or lower testosterone?

Shaving Is the Worst Application

Shaving removes the top layer of dead skin cells, and often removes some of your skin’s protective oil barrier (or worse if you’re not careful! Ouch!) This is a huge problem when the surface of your skin is littered with everything from mustard gas irritants to Teflon carcinogens and hormone disrupters. You’re essentially removing layers of your skin’s defense and applying a layer of toxins to the exposed and vulnerable skin. And, if you happen to nick yourself, you can potentially introduce those chemicals even deeper into the body.

Many of the chemicals listed above and more found in aerosol shaving creams wreck havoc on the environment. The carbon footprint and landfill requirements of aerosols are notoriously bad. Shave cream aerosols are particularly bad since 100% of the chemicals end up down the drain and can enter waterways where they damage fish, wildlife, and delicate ecosystems.

But I Can’t Toss The Razor

#NoShave is great if you’re a guy, but I highly doubt the #NoShave grace will extend to ladies! So unless she’s looking for an excuse to move to France, there needs to be another solution! Plus, not all guys like the maintenance or “appeal” of the no shave look.  Unruly whiskers might distract from his smooth “look,” but no baby face is worth risking testicular cancer over!

The Answer that Took 2 Years

We looked for a shaving solution early in our natural living journey, but recreating thick foam without foaming agents proved hard to do. We failed time and time again. Two years into researching the science of bubbles, we nailed it…then improved it…then improved it again. Today we offer a goat milk shaving soap that really puts others to shame. It lathers like an aerosol can but with thick creamy moisture. Check out the video below:

The lather on this soap is so stable the bubbles won’t pop. You can leave the foam on the brush, come back 12 hrs later and it will have dried in place! It’s thick, rich, creamy and loaded with goat milk to naturally soothe, moisturize and nourish skin instead of irritate it. This makes it a great option for anyone with dry skin, acne, psoriasis, or eczema.

Better for you, the environment, the wallet

Plus our shaving creams are truly all natural – made with essential oil blends, goat milk, tallow, stearic acid (a fatty acid in tallow), coconut oil, and castor oil. Never used a shaving soap? You’ll be surprised, it’s easier than it looks. You can actually use the soap right in the container it comes in. We sell a variety of imported shaving brushes to meet your needs. Simply wet the brush and whip the soap into a lather. Then apply the lather to the area to be shaved and let the razor slide! Ladies, this works in the bath too! Keep your can of shaving soap near the bath and steal his brush (or buy your own if he catches you) and use it the same way… you won’t need lotion again… this stuff makes the smoothest legs you’ve ever had!

While the initial investment may look a bit intimidating, it’s important to note that this soap lasts FOREVER! With an every other day shaving routine, David’s lasts around 12-14 months! Your average can of aerosol lasts 4-6 wks and costs $2-$4  meaning you could be spending $16-$34 in a year for the same amount of product that we sell for $10! The brush is an investment, but it should be a one time purchase if properly cared for. One of the great benefits of these soap and brush sets is that unlike a can of aerosol, they work great as a money saving, toxin-eliminating product for you or a great gift idea for a friend.  (Stocking Stuffers, Father’s Day Gifts, Valentine’s Gifts, Birthdays—Guys are hard to buy for!)

Whether you’re thinking of buying for him, her, or yourself, check out our Goat Milk Shaving Soaps and relax into a healthier routine that saves you money, improves your skin, and eliminates toxins from yourself and the environment one shave at a time!