| The original purpose of shaving cream is to give a | | | | actually the same formulation as that which comes in |
| closer, smoother shave. Shaving creams may come in | | | | a tube; it is simply canned with a propellant. |
| a spray can, tube, stick or tub. They may be applied | | | | The biggest emerging trend in shaving cream is the |
| as a lather, foam or gel. Shaving cream is applied to | | | | emergence of green options. These all come in a |
| the face for a few minutes prior to shaving to help | | | | tube or a tub, to avoid the need for the propellants |
| soften the hairs. During shaving, the cream will break | | | | used in aerosol sprays. Several brands now feature |
| down the surface tension of water droplets adhering | | | | organic ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals, and |
| to the face, thus allowing the razor to get closer to | | | | essential oils (think peppermint, eucalyptus and aloe - |
| the skin. | | | | not girly ones!) instead of perfumes. Some include |
| It is formulated to be a pH compatible with the skin | | | | witch hazel to help soothe irritation. To ensure a |
| and is made of oils, soaps or surfactants, and water | | | | shaving cream is truly 'green', look for ones that |
| or alcohol. There is little variation in the types of | | | | feature natural ingredients, preferably USDA-certified |
| ingredients present as there are only a few | | | | organic. Natural ingredients rather than synthetic |
| substitutions that can be made for each ingredient. | | | | make the biggest eco-friendly impact; organic simply |
| What sets apart different brands is the amounts of | | | | refers to how these natural ingredients are grown |
| each ingredient, as well as the substitutions made. | | | | and harvested. Although these products are typically |
| Other ingredients may be included to achieve specific | | | | more expensive than their traditional counterparts, |
| purposes, such as moisturizing agents or perfumes. | | | | prices are dropping as more companies include a |
| The shaving cream that comes in an aerosol can is | | | | green option in their product lines. |