Does Shaving Cream Do Anything?

Whether you rock sideburns or baby-smooth legs, all shavers share one concern –– the threat of razor-sharp metal. But luckily, shaving cream packs the right chemistry to keep us looking good while protecting our sensitive skin. What is this fantastic foam in a can? Today, with the help of Ms. Beautyphile, Reactions gets up close and personal with the chemistry of your bathroom's most magical soap.

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Credits:
Producer: Kirk Zamieroski
Writer: Alexa Billow
Scientific Consultants: Michelle Boucher, PhD; Brianne Raccor, PhD; Paul Cziko, PhD
Executive Producer: Hilary Hudson

Music:
Alandra Lightflower Jones - Strike it up

Sources:

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Produced by the American Chemical Society.

[ACSReactions]

What do you think of shaving cream? And would you like us to do more beauty chemistry?

[projectx]

People have pretty much figured out the best possible way to shave 100 years ago and it started going backwards as technology improved. From single blade razors that cut through like butter, regular and shaving soaps and brushes that gave the best slickness to skin and exfoliated skin the best, we went to these dry foams and multiblade expensive razors that give nothing but irritated skin and ingrown hair.

Imagine if cars today gave you worst milage, spent more gas, and gave you less comfortable ride, all that for much higher price than 50 years ago.

[agriperma]

I use soap and water, sometimes nothing at all, that's right, I often dry shave. never had an ingrown hair in my life, no irritation, no cuts. not saying this works for everyone, just my genetics I guess.

[ispeakforthebeans]

Can you guys please make a video on the effects of oil in cooking food? Seems almost like a miracle that a bit of hot oily substance can cook almost anything as a medium, while the major medium in the body for chemical reactions is oil. My best guess is that the oil has a higher boiling point; so it has attains a greater temperature (required to cook food), while water would just boil off.

[rewer]

I personally use shampoo when shaving or remove hair ... it works for me.

[rubberbumm]

okay thanks for solving my "showerthought" mysteries

[elisejonkheim]

I’m also curious about the chemistry behind shaving gel. For instance, what makes it go from a gel to a foamy substance?

[en]

So, let me get this straight: Isobutane is trapped by the cream's bubbles? Does being trapped help the cream stay bubbly and creamy? And isnt Isobutane flammable? Does that mean that I can literally burn my beard/face off if Im not careful/feeling incredibly masochistic? And are all shaving creams usefule for all body parts or does certain parts require more specific shaving creams? Thank you for your time and keep up motivating to learn more SCIENCE!

[ccoderproject]

Why do we need the foam? For raising up hair and seeing where we have already shaved?
That's it?
Thank you.
It makes even happier about having switching to the black soap
(which is a wayyy cheaper option by the way).

[lolmaker]

Literally asked myself this a couple days back.



Thank you reactions, very cool!

[fangorn]

I dont use shaving cream. I just use one of those foaming soap dispensers with regular soap in it

[erroneousbosch]

switched off goo in a can years ago and went to a brush and a puck. far superior

[dragonskunkstudio]

It also helps by softening to chop off my nail hard stubble somehow.

[RonnyNitro]

what's the optimal amount of blades for a razor though?

[anthonylowder]

I have been using shaving soap and shaving creams for years now and I can tell you that using a good brand of shaving soap like Williams Mug Shaving Soap is far better than using some can goop!
While it is a true that can goop is more available at your store than a puck of soap the can goop doesn't give your skin the protection that a good soap can it can dry out your skin even before the blade touches your skin and I have used even a bar of shower soap as well and it does a good job too. So in essence using a good shaving soap is far better than using some can goop!!

[MrAhamrick]

Brushed on soap from a bar marks the same place as can foam soap.

[ipeeontheworld]

i just shave when i shower and i have no issues, never found a use for those shaving creams

[LGDx]

so it has no use... thank you for confirming my doubts.

[dhindaravrel]

You should also point out eco-friendly alternatives to the mass produced stuff, so people can cut down on their footprint without having to cut down on their cleanliness.

[baileymccoy]

Hello I have a question for you so I have edge, gillette, and Colgate shaving cream and foam which one is safest most moisturizing and gentle for shaving legs and armpits on girls