Hair removal is an essential beauty routine, especially for women. Shaving is a quick and easy way to get rid of unwanted hair, but it may come with some unwanted side effects -- you know, like razor bumps, ingrown hairs and irritation. This may be because the shaving cream you use is filled with harsh ingredients. If it contains the following ingredients, you may want to consider switching products!
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Fragrance
It's so tempting to get those fruity and floral scented shaving creams -- but don't! The fragrance added to shaving cream may be the cause of irritated skin post-shave, especially because there's no way of telling what the fragrance actually is. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), "Fragrance is the biggest cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis. It’s up there with nickel and poison ivy, which most people know how to avoid."
Sulfates
"Sulfates are harsh chemicals in many personal health products that are used primarily as foam makers and cleaning agents," says dermatologist Shani Francis, MD. If you experience razor bumps and irritation post-shave, you may want to try a sulfate-free shaving cream next time.
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is found in many foam-based beauty products, but it can be toxic nonetheless. According to The Dermatology Review, triethanolamine is considered "moderately dangerous."
"Despite FDA approval, it should never be used long term, as it has been proven to have detrimental effects on human skin, on the immune system and has been classified as a respiratory toxicant."
Before buying your next shaving cream, it is important to read the labels carefully and watch out for these harmful ingredients. There are many natural ways to shave (like with coconut oil) and plenty of chemical-free shaving creams on the market to choose from to avoid irritation!