Ahava

Ahava Men's Foam Free Shave Cream

Name: Ahava - Men's Foam Free Shave Cream
Brand: Ahava

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Urea, Panthenol + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“It’s enriched with nourishing Dead Sea Minerals as well as extracts of Ginseng, Ginger and Aloe Vera that help soothe and hydrate skin during and after shaving.”

Source: Mankind

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: allantoin, cyclomethicone.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, cyclomethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, urea

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~9.7–11.8%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

CyclomethiconeKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer~4.6–5.6%

Decyl oleateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.2–3.9%

AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1–1.3%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.65–1%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.55–0.8%

Dunaliella salina extractKey activeEffect: MediumA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%

Stearyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.8%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.45–0.65%

Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.8–1.2%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.6–0.9%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.4–0.6%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Dunaliella salina extract + 3 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (ginkgo biloba leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.6%

Dunaliella salina extractEffect: LowA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%

Calendula officinalis flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.3–0.5%

Panax ginseng root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

13 strong irritants: Parfum, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate + 11 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–0.65%est.

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.02%est.

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Menthyl lactateUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergenHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehydeA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

EugenolA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.65–1%est.

Maris salUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentrationMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.4–0.6%est.

Peg-4 dilaurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.25–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Decyl oleateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~3.2–3.9%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Urea~9.7–11.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Cyclomethicone~4.6–5.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer

More about Cyclomethicone

Decyl oleate~3.2–3.9%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Decyl oleate

Styrene/acrylamide copolymer~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Styrene/acrylamide copolymer

Glycerin~2–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Behentrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Behentrimonium chloride

Stearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Polyquaternium-39~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish

More about Polyquaternium-39

Allantoin~1–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane

Sodium lactate~0.65–1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Maris sal~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Exfoliation

Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration

More about Maris sal

Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract

Dunaliella salina extract~0.55–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dunaliella salina extract

Glyceryl stearate~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Peg-100 stearate~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Stearyl dimethicone~0.5–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Stearyl dimethicone

Dimethicone~0.55–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Parfum~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Lactic acid~0.4–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Peg-4 laurate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Peg-4 laurate

Peg-4 dilaurate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-4 dilaurate

Peg-4~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Peg-4

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract

Glycerin~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Butylene glycol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Menthyl lactate~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthyl lactate

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.3–0.6%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Panax ginseng root extract~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract

Methylisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen

More about Methylisothiazolinone

Ci 42090~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Linalool~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Limonene~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Coumarin~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritating

More about Coumarin

Eugenol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Eugenol

Benzyl salicylate~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate

Ingredient list view

Water, Urea, Cyclomethicone, Decyl oleate, Styrene/acrylamide copolymer, Glycerin, Behentrimonium chloride, Stearyl alcohol, Polyquaternium-39, Allantoin, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Sodium lactate, Maris sal, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Dunaliella salina extract, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Stearyl dimethicone, Dimethicone, Parfum, Panthenol, Lactic acid, Peg-4 laurate, Peg-4 dilaurate, Peg-4, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Menthyl lactate, Zingiber officinale root extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Ci 42090, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Coumarin, Eugenol, Benzyl salicylate

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/13 15:21 GMT

$26.00

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	AhavaMen's Foam Free Shave CreamYOUR PRODUCT	Edge2-in-1 Sensitive Skin Men's Shave Cream	ZirhAloe Vera Shave Gel	Paul MitchellMVRCK Shave Cream
Match	—	30%	27%	27%
Price	$26.00	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 10	3 of 10	4 of 10
Key difference	—	Mineral Oil	Retinyl Palmitate	Arginine
Irritancy	High	Medium	High	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop