Did you know that your razor has ingredients?? Yep. And some of them aren't pretty.
I used to use those pretty razor blades with the handy moisturizing strips. I was always annoyed at how expensive they are. Then I found an upgrade.
Here's the deal. Those handy, little moisturizing strips contain ingredients linked to allergies, cancer, and organ toxicity. If you get rashes or razor burn when using them, you might be having an allergic reaction. Add in the fact that hot water opens your pores allowing things you come into contact with to enter your bloodstream quicker & easier. This is especially concerning near your lymph nodes (armpits) and delicate, private areas.
Here are some common ingredients found in those overpriced razors with moisturizing strips like these and these and these:
- Tocopheryl Acetate: Strong evidence that it's a skin toxicant or allergen. Small concern that it is linked to cancer. Source.
- Polysorbate 20: Small concern for cancer, allergies, & developmental toxicity. Source.
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): Moderate concern for cancer and allergies. Source.
- Titanium Dioxide: Moderate concern for cancer, organ system toxicity, and classified as toxic or harmful by the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List. Source.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that is restricted in Japan and classified as an irritant by the European Union. Source.
- Colors: Linked to cancer, allergies, and toxicity. Source, source.
- Fragrance: This is the biggest offender and something I focus on avoiding in my house. Fragrance on an ingredient list refers to an "undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals." These mixtures are linked to all kinds of things including allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory distress. Yuck. Source.
Is this earth shattering news? Not really. I mean, it's a small little strip. The amount of product absorbed into the skin is minimal and most of the concerns are categorized as moderate. But anytime I can avoid some potentially harmful stuff, I'm going to do it. And to make it even better, I can do it at a fraction of the cost while reducing waste!
A Better Razor
My favorite shaving solution is this stainless steel razor. It's labeled as a "men's" razor but do women really need a special razor?! I haven't had any issues with it. I use these replacement razors. That's 100 blades! For the cost of a few of the disposables I used to buy, I got 100. The razor and blades are stainless steel, don't rust, and last much longer than the alternative. I change my blade every 2-3 months. That's 4-6 blades a year. My investment will last a couple decades! That's crazy!
My husband also has one of these razors and loves it.
I honestly love this stainless steel razor more than the disposables I used to use. Better shave, much less expensive, and less waste.
Word of caution: You cannot fly with these razors in your carry-on bag. Luckily, TSA took just the blade, not my razor!
Shaving cream.....that's a whole other can of worms....or ummm...can of yucky ingredients! I simply use a natural shower gel with clean ingredients. My current favorite is this Sensation Shower Gel.
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