Lavera Men Sensitive Shaving Foam is made predominantly with natural and organic ingredients and includes mild plant-based cleansers and organic jojoba oil for a smooth shave without clogging pores. It is free from methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, dimethicone, polymers, BHT, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colors, mineral oil, petrolatum, triethanolamine, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals. It is also certified cruelty free and vegan, and the company was a listed Germany Green Brand in 2017/18.
Lavera Men Sensitive Shaving Foam
Highlights: Contains mild plant-based cleansers and organic jojoba oil for a smooth shave without clogging pores. Available in a pump dispenser without propellants. Company was a listed Germany Green Brand in 2017/18.
iLavera Men Sensitive Shaving Foam at a glance:
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| Ingredients: | Water (Aqua), Sodium Palmitate, Potassium Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Myristic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Alcohol*, Bambusa Arundinacea Leaf Extract*, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Bisabolol, Hydrated Silica,* indicates Certified Organic Ingredients, ** for natural essential oils |
| Certifications: | Cruelty free Vegan Society certified |
Overview
While we like that this cream is available in a pump dispenser without propellants (you have to pump it fairly vigorously by hand), the formula does include some potentially problematic ingredients.
Sodium palmitate and potassium stearate, for example, raise some concerns. The first chemical is a sodium salt of palmitic acid and is typically naturally derived. The second, potassium stearate, is very similar, also typically naturally derived, but both are suspected to be environmental toxins. As these are the second and third ingredients in this formula, it may be best to choose a different product until more research is done on these chemicals.
Most of the other ingredients are easily recognizable. Those that stand out include bisabolol, a natural viscous oil found in the essential oil from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Myoporum crassifolium, which does not appear harmful. Glyceryl stearate SE (self-emulsifying) is a surfactant and emulsifier that also does not appear to be toxic. It is typically derived from palm, vegetable, or soy oil and is found naturally in the body.
So, while Lavera claims to offer a natural and organic shaving cream, it would be nice to see a revised formula without the potentially problematic ingredients.
Lavera vs. Kiss My Face vs. Be Green
Lavera Men Sensitive Shaving Foam is one of the few decent options for those who like their shaving cream in a handy pump dispenser. Kiss My Face Shaving Cream (which is a much better product in terms of health and eco-friendliness) also comes in a pump dispenser, but the Lavera product is more foam-like when dispensed. By far, the best option for a foaming shaving cream is Be Green Bath & Body Citrus Shaving Foam. This product has a 5 Leaf Score thanks to its eco-friendly ingredients, the availability of a refill pack (cutting down plastic waste), and the general environmental friendliness of the company.
Lavera is similar in eco-friendliness to Burt’s Bees, with both containing potentially problematic ingredients. Lavera is cruelty-free and vegan, however, while Burt’s Bees makes no such claims. Burt’s Bees are, arguably, the more eco-friendly company of the three, with carbon neutral operations and a recycling program, as well as a waste reduction strategy and their own non-profit organization supporting human and bee health.
If you’re looking for the most eco-friendly and healthy shaving creams, though, any one of the following are better options than Lavera: Soap for Goodness Sake, Be Green, Pacific Shaving Company, Kiss My Face, Nurture My Body, Badger Shave Soap or Dr. Bronner’s Shaving Soap. These all carry a 5 Leaf Rating from us for their eco-friendly ingredients, many of which are organic and nourishing to the skin.