Pacific Shaving Company is owned by Stan Ades and Bill Franklin, childhood friends turned business partners. The two had a strong passion for low-impact environmentalism, the environment and travel and had the idea for the shaving product line in 2002.
With the decision of pursuing their dream of creating a sound, sustainable business, the two installed a website for the company in 2003.
Today, the company’s mission of creating low-impact environmentally-friendly products remains the same. “We believe that saving the environment shouldn’t hurt your wallet (or skin) and that you don’t have to pack up years of experience in the beauty industry to make an informed purchase decision,” their site reads.
With that mission, they have continued to create products that are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating ingredients.
In 2012, Pacifc Shaving Company won a Green Business Award from the San Francisco Business Times, which is awarded to ecologically responsible businesses in the Bay area. Stan Ades and Bill Franklin are committed to producing quality affordable and environmentally friendly products, and Pacific Shaving Company definitely exemplifies that commitment.
What ingredients should I avoid in shaving cream?
Ingredients vary in different brands and types of shaving cream, but there are some common ingredients that you should avoid in shaving cream.
First, there are some fragrances which can be irritating for sensitive skin and may cause allergic reactions. You should avoid parfum/fragrance, phthalates, and artificial colors.
Second, you should also be aware of preservatives and other additives in shaving cream. Some of these additives can be harsh and irritate sensitive skin. Avoid sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), magnesium aluminum silicate, triclosan, artificial coloring, and parabens.
Third, some shaving creams contain sulfates, which can be harsh on the skin. Sulfates are chemical compounds that are used to create bubbles and lather in shaving cream. So, avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate.
Finally, look for products with natural ingredients, such as Shea butter, essential oils, and jojoba oil, as these are all beneficial for the skin. Read the label before buying a product and make sure that it doesn’t contain any of the ingredients that should be avoided.
What is the active ingredient in shaving cream?
The active ingredient in shaving cream is typically some type of surfactant, which is a type of chemical that reduces the surface tension of liquids. This allows it to moisten and soften the skin so that the razor can glide across it more easily.
Common surfactants used in shaving cream include stearic acid, triethanolamine, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Other ingredients such as emollients, lubricants, and moisturizers are also added to prevent skin irritation, improve glide, and add moisture.
Fragrances are often added as well to give the cream a pleasant scent. While some shaving creams contain additives to help protect against bacterial activity, most of the time this is unnecessary as the razor will kill any bacteria before it can cause harm.
What shaving gel is cruelty free?
To ensure that any product you purchase is cruelty free, always check for certification from organizations like the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ Cruelty Free International or The Leaping Bunny Program.
Additionally, many companies specifically state that their products are vegan and cruelty free.
Some excellent cruelty free shaving gels include:
-Bulldog Skincare Sensitive Shaving Gel
-Kiss My Face Moisture Shave
-Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel
-Pacific Shaving Company All Natural Shaving Gel
-Tom’s Of Maine Natural Fragrance Free Moisturising Shave Gel
-Alba Botanica Very Emollient Vanilla Honey Moisturizing Shaving Cream
-Astra Moisturizing Shaving Gel
-The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
-Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shave Gel
These cruelty free shaving gels may contain natural ingredients or products derived from plants, seeds, and essential oils. Many are also vegan and certified as such by organizations like the Vegan Society, PETA, and the Environmental Working Group.
Is shaving cream vegetarian?
In most cases, yes, shaving cream is vegetarian. Many shaving creams are made with ingredients that are derived from plants and other natural oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and various plant extracts.
While some may contain animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, more and more brands are discontinuing such ingredients in favor of vegan-friendly options. Thus, as long as you check the ingredient list before purchasing, there are a good selection of vegetarian shaving creams available on the market.
Furthermore, some specifically cater to vegetarians and vegans by labelling them “vegetarian-friendly” or “vegan-friendly”, which makes it easy to identify those that don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients and are the best option for those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle.
How do you make vegan shaving cream?
Making your own vegan shaving cream is surprisingly easy and can be done with a few simple ingredients. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter, 2 tablespoons of skin-friendly oil (like almond, avocado, jojoba, or coconut oil), 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional for scent), and 1/4 teaspoon of liquid aloe vera.
Begin by melting your cocoa butter in a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, melt for about 20-30 seconds. Once the cocoa butter is melted, add the skin-friendly oil of your choice.
Mix the two together until the mixture has a uniform look. Then add the essential oils and mix together.
Once the mixture has cooled, place it in the refrigerator to harden. Once solid, blend the mixture until it is cream-like and fluffy. Then, add the liquid aloe vera and mix together until your fluffy shaving cream has formed.
Store in an air-tight container.
Your vegan shaving cream is now ready to use! Enjoy getting a smooth shave without the harsh chemicals used in other store-bought versions.
Are all razors vegan?
No, not all razors are vegan. Most razors are made with animal-derived materials such as glycerin, which is derived from animal fats and oils, or stearic acid, which is derived from animal fats. Many popular brands use animal products in their blades, handles, and components.
Therefore, you need to pay close attention to the ingredients label to make sure the product is vegan. Additionally, some razor blades use animal by-products to sharpen, such as cowhide, deer antler, or chrome-plated steel.
Therefore, it is important to look for blades and handles that are specifically labeled as vegan. As an alternative, you can opt for safety razor blades and handles – most of which are vegan and made from recycled plastics instead of animal products.
Does shaving cream have animal products?
No, most shaving cream does not have any animal products in it. Most major brands of shaving cream contain natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, glycerin, and other plant-based ingredients. Some shaving creams contain lanolin, which is a natural grease made from sheep’s wool, but these are usually clearly labeled and can be avoided by vegan or vegetarian shoppers.
There are also many vegan and cruelty-free shaving cream products available that do not contain any animal products. When in doubt, customers can always check the label for any animal products, or contact the manufacturer for further information.
What is shaving cream made of?
Shaving cream is a product designed to be applied to facial hair before and during the act of shaving. It is usually made from a mixture of oils, soaps or surfactants, and water. Common oils used include coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, and argan oil.
Soaps or surfactants help to reduce surface tension so the razor blade can glide through the hairs without snagging. Additional ingredients such as lubricants, humectants, emollients, and fragrances can be added to make the cream easier to apply, to moisturize and soften the skin, and make it smell nice.
The ingredients used in shaving cream may vary based on the brand or type.
Is whipped cream suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, whipped cream is generally suitable for vegetarians. Whipped cream is typically made from cream, sugar and sometimes flavoring, all of which are suitable for vegetarians. Whipped cream can be store-bought or homemade, and the ingredients used should be checked if the cream is store-bought.
Some store-bought whipped creams contain ingredients such as gelatin, which is not suitable for vegetarians, and should be avoided. Generally, however, whipped cream can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian diet.