Ingredients Found In Moisturizing Strips Linked To Increased Breast Cancer Risk

Whether you stick to a preferred brand or you try a different one each time, it seems that every razor on the market has a moisturizing strip. Many razors that include the strip are often marketed in a way that shows off the moisturizing feature. After all, you do want your skin to feel moisturized while shaving, right? While the smooth, soapy texture might feel good on your skin, have you ever thought about the ingredients?

What’s Really In That Moisture Strip?

A moisture strip on a razor might give you a smoother shave, but it could also be putting your health at risk. The ingredients in moisturizing strips vary with different types of razors, but most have several dangerous ingredients in common.

1. Polyethylene Oxide (also known as Polyethylene Glycol or PEG)

Polyethylene glycol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics. While manufacturers maintain that it is non-toxic, it’s often contaminated with ethlyene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are known toxic ingredients.

2. Soy

Many lotions, cosmetics and other moisturizing products contain soy. If you’re sensitive to soy or allergic to soy, you may end up experiencing skin irritation and itchiness after shaving.

3. Aluminum Salts

You may know that deodorants containing aluminum have been shown to clog lymph nodes and raise the risk of breast cancer in women. Your razor’s moisturizing strip may also contain aluminum salts, which makes shaving just as dangerous as using deodorant containing aluminum.

DIY Shaving Cream

Keeping your skin moisturized while shaving can help ensure a smooth shave and minimum irritation. Instead of using a razor with a moisturizing strip, consider a safer and more natural option instead – a DIY shaving cream!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of olive, almond or coconut oil
2-3 TBSP of Shea or Cocoa Butter
1/4 cup of Aloe Gel or Honey
1 TBSP Kaolin clay or white cosmetic clay (optional)
2 tsp of baking soda
1/4 cup of Liquid Castille Soap
Vitamin E or GSE to preserve

Directions:

Melt the oil and shea/cocoa butter
Remove from heat and add the other ingredients
Whisk of blend well for several minutes
Transfer to jar or container to store
Check while the mixture is cooling to make sure it doesn’t start to separate. If it doesn, shake it or mix it.
Keep the mixture in a jar for up to two months and use!