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Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream
Aveda

Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Ceramide 3, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 12 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Prevent razor burn and other irritation with Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream, a 99% naturally derived, intensely moisturising formula.”
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: glycerin, hydrolyzed algin.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 3

Ceramide 3Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.75–1.1%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.2–3.9%
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~1.2–1.5%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~1–1.2%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.5–0.75%
Capryloyl glycineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Glycine soja seed extractKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.~0.4–0.65%
Hydrolyzed alginKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~8.1–9.9%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.35–0.65%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.3–0.55%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.5–0.75%
Silybum marianum extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin tone~0.35–0.6%
Ursolic acidUnder-dosed~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agentHigh~5.8–7.1%est.
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~1.5–1.8%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Silybum marianum extractMight be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin toneHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.2–3.9%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~2.5–3%est.
Lauramidopropyl betaine—Medium~2–2.4%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1–1.2%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.6–0.85%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Glycine soja seed extractAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.Medium~0.4–0.65%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.3%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
Hydrolyzed alginDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.3–0.6%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
Stearic acid~8.1–9.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate~5.8–7.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent

More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~2.5–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Cetearyl olivate~1.9–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Lauramidopropyl betaine~2–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing
More about Lauramidopropyl betaine
Decyl glucoside~1.5–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Glycerin~1.2–1.5%
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
Argania spinosa kernel oil~1–1.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Ceramide 3~0.75–1.1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide 3
Caffeine~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Aloe barbadensis leaf~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf
Tocopherol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil
Zingiber cassumunar root oil~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Zingiber cassumunar root oil
Ursolic acid~0.35–0.65%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationMoisturizing
More about Ursolic acid
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneReduces rednessAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Glycine soja seed extract~0.4–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.

More about Glycine soja seed extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Boswellia serrata extract~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Boswellia serrata extract
Silybum marianum extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Might be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin tone

More about Silybum marianum extract
Hydrolyzed algin~0.3–0.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed algin
Sorbitan olivate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Oleic acid~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Capryloyl glycine~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycine
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium gluconate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Sodium chloride~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Parfum~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Limonene~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Citronellol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Stearic acid, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Cetearyl olivate, Lauramidopropyl betaine, Decyl glucoside, Glycerin, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Ceramide 3, Caffeine, Aloe barbadensis leaf, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil, Zingiber cassumunar root oil, Ursolic acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Glycine soja seed extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Boswellia serrata extract, Silybum marianum extract, Hydrolyzed algin, Sorbitan olivate, Oleic acid, Capryloyl glycine, Xanthan gum, Sodium gluconate, Sodium chloride, Citric acid, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Phenoxyethanol

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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
AvedaMen Pure-Formance Shave CreamYOUR PRODUCTBaume.BePre Shave GelBulldogSensitive After Shave BalmBart's BalmBart's Premium Aftershave Balm - BEN VRACKIE
Match—23%22%22%
Price$26.00—$6.63−$19.37—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 92 of 94 of 9
Key difference—Rosemary ExtractAllantoinCocos Nucifera Oil
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Safety Assessment of Alkyl Taurate Amides and Taurate Salts as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionatejournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
  4. 4
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream
AvedaMen Pure-Formance Shave Cream
Buy at Aveda$26.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Aveda$26.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.