Is Shaving Cream Flammable? Does It Catch Fire?

It’s no secret that shaving isn’t the most exciting thing in the world for men. As a grown-up, you have to do this, just as you should brush your teeth, pay your taxes, and so on. 

On average, most guys don’t put a lot of time into grooming habits. Especially when it comes to shaving.   

Have you ever tried shaving without shaving cream? It’s pretty unpleasant, isn’t it? That’s why it’s a crucial part of the shaving process. Here comes the question – Is Shaving Cream Flammable?

Yes, the shaving cream contains a highly flammable aerosol. In fact, when heated under confinement, the shaving cream may explode. It is advised to keep it away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces as it can cause some serious damage.

In this fireproof depot guide you’ll learn the following:

  • What’s Inside the Shaving Cream?
  • Is shaving cream a compressed gas?
  • Why does shaving cream have propane in it?
  • Is shaving cream considered a hazardous material?
  • Is Barbasol and Gillette shaving cream flammable?
  • And more..

Related: Is Shampoo Flammable? does it catch fire?

Is shaving cream an aerosol spray?

Is shaving cream an aerosol spray?

Shaving cream is an aerosol product that generates a foam lather intended to be used with a blade or cartridge razor, or other wet-shaving systems, to remove facial or other body hair.

Propylene glycol is generally found in aerosol creams. The FDA initially classified propylene glycol as a safe substance, although several studies have found direct contact with it can cause severe skin irritation and allergies. Additionally, studies have shown that exposure can increase the likelihood of developing eczema and asthma.  

What would be a good alternative?

You might now be wondering what is a good alternative to aerosol cream cans, now that we’ve talked about how they can cause some harm.

The truth is that there are a lot of options available and it’s definitely overwhelming, especially if you’ve always wet shaved with disposable razors and shaving cream cans.

Obviously, there are many high-quality products on the market, and some of them don’t perform the same way for everyone. We suggest that you begin by using a vegan shaving soap that contains natural oils that are therapeutic for your skin instead of being harmful.

What’s Inside the Shaving Cream?

When shaving cream is fresh out of the can, have you ever noticed it differently? If so, you’ve got lather. That foam is so dense and so strong that it’s almost structural in nature. This is one of the most loved toys among kids, as it’s almost moldable, like a lightweight foam. 

The lather is nothing like the one you get from soap. So what is it that gives this foam its properties? Why does it appear to be cool when touched?

There is nothing magical about the can or delivery system that makes this foam so cool. Rather, the chemicals in the can are responsible for creating foam. Shaving cream usually contains the following ingredients:

In a typical shaving cream, you will find approximately 8.2% stearic acid, 3.7 % triethanolamine, 5 % lanolin, 2% glycerin, 6% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, along 79.6% water.

This formula contains two major ingredients that are common in many current preparations. One of the main ingredients in soap is stearic acid, and triethanolamine is a surface-acting agent that performs the same function as soap, but much better. Surfactant molecules have two ends, one of which attracts dirt and grease, and one of which attracts water. 

The emulsifiers lanolin and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate hold the water to the skin, and the emollients glycerin and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate hydrate the skin.

This formula is formulated from glycerin, lanolin, Stearic acid, and triethanolamine to give shaving cream its rich and creamy lather. A mix of this and the propellant (usually butane or propane) expands when it leaves the can and instantly evaporates, filling the foam with billions of bubbles.

Is boric acid flammable?

It is not. Boric acid is non-flammable, non-combustible or non-explosive. In fact, the product itself is flame-resistant. 

In other words, Boric Acid is a white, odorless powder that isn’t combustible, flammable, or explosive, and it does not present any unusual hazards if exposed to fire. There is little or no risk of harm (to humans) with Boric Acid, while its acute oral and dermal toxicity is also low. 

Is shaving cream a compressed gas?

The shaving cream is a special type of mixture called a colloid, in which tiny air bubbles are dispersed throughout a liquid. In this case, the colloid is further classified as a foam. 

The unique property of shaving cream is that it exists in all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and of course gas. If the cream is in a can, it consists of soap mixed with water that has been compressed as a gas. As the cream is sprayed out of the can, it is released as a solid, which eventually condenses into a liquid. 

Why does shaving cream have propane in it?

You’ll need to be aware of propellants if you’re using shaving foam instead of shaving cream. Gases like isobutane and propane come from petroleum and natural gas. 

Typically, shaving cream is mixed with them and then propelled out of an aerosol can to create foam.

Is shaving cream considered a hazardous material?

In the event of a fire, this product can emit toxic and/or irritating fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. There is also the possibility of the contents bursting under pressure.

In addition to being toxic, shaving creams may cause infections and acne breakouts due to mineral oils that cause the skin pores to close, not allowing toxins to be released.

Is Gillette shaving cream flammable?

The company itself states that it contains extremely flammable hydrocarbon propellant. Here are some advisory precautions are given by the brand:

shaving with Gillette shaving cream, Is Gillette shaving cream flammable?
  • No smoking while applying.
  • Avoid spraying on open flames or other ignition sources.
  • Using a pressurized container.
  • You should not pierce or burn after using this product.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Ensure that the temperature does not exceed 50 °C/122 °F

Is Barbasol shaving cream flammable?

The company itself claims that it does contain some extremely flammable aerosol. Here are the warnings were given by the brand itself:

  • The container contains gas under pressure; it may explode upon heating. 
  • Do not expose yourself to open flames or other sources of ignition.

Will shaving cream explode on a plane?

Well, shaving creams can explode when left in a heated compartment for an extended period of time. When the liquid in the can warms, the carbon dioxide inside becomes pressurized and seeks a way out. As the pressure continues to rise, the can will eventually explode violently.

Nevertheless, shaving cream and aftershave lotion may easily be taken on the plane. Just remember, they’re considered liquids. Shaving cream, lotions, and gels that are in their original bottles should be packed in checked baggage. In checked bags, you can pack these items over the 3.4-ounce limit.

Verdict

Applied to the skin, shaving cream creates a barrier between the razor and your skin that serves as a protective, moisturizing layer. By using this, you will be able to reduce the risk of cuts and nicks from your razor and minimize skin damage. Shaving cream will also help you achieve a more comfortable shave.

However, being cautious is highly admired. As they are used in aerosol cans, push shaving cream out of the can, mixing it with it to form foam. 

Several studies have shown that these ingredients can negatively affect the skin, but they evaporate quickly when used in this context, meaning they are not harmless.

Some important sources

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