Shaving cream
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 212666795 by [[Special:Contributions/69.235.87.107|69.235.87.107]] ([[User talk:69.235.87.107|talk]])
[[Image:Shaving gel.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shaving gel]]
{{for|the song|Shaving Cream (song)}}
:''See also [[Chemical depilatory|depilatory cream]] for the cosmetic potion of this name.''
'''Shaving cream''' is cream that is applied to the face or wherever else hair grows to avoid [[razor burn]] from shaving. Shaving cream is often bought in a can, but can also be purchased in tubs or tubes. Shaving cream in a can is commonly dispensed as a [[foam]] or a [[gel]]. Creams that are in tubes or tubs are commonly used with a shaving brush to produce a rich lather (most often used by Wetshavers). A relatively new product is shaving [[gel]], which is dispensed as a gel then rubbed on the face to produce a lather. The main difference between these two types of lubricant is that the gel- and foam-based creams are usually [[alcohol]] based and often dry the skin excessively{{Fact|date=October 2007}}. The tube- and tub-based creams are based on [[Glycerin soap|glycerine soaps]] that are alcohol free and tend to be much easier on the skin{{Fact|date=October 2007}}. Technically, due to the drying effect of the can foams and gels, you cannot 'Wetshave' with them as they are very dry—the glycerine in the tub- and tube-based soaps, on the other hand, causes the water used to soften the beard to remain on the face, providing the 'Wetshave' effect{{Fact|date=October 2007}}.
The compressed gas in shaving cream canisters originally contained [[CFC]]s but to avoid [[patent]] restrictions it was found that gaseous hydrocarbons such as mixtures of [[propane]], [[butane]] and [[isobutane]] could be used instead of the CFCs. Because of the large proportion of water in pressurized shaving cream the normally flammable hydrocarbons were not a fire hazard. Many years later the substitution of [[hydrocarbon]]s for CFCs proved to be an unanticipated environmental boon.
The cream itself commonly consists of a mixture of oil, soaps, surfactants, and water or alcohol, manufactured under carefully controlled conditions to ensure proper [[pH]] and consistency.<ref>[http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Shaving-Cream.html How shaving cream is made - Background, Raw materials, The manufacturing process of shaving cream<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
If shaving cream is not available, regular [[soap|facial soap]] may be used in its place; however, some{{Who|date=October 2007}} consider this an inadequate substitute for proper shaving soap as the lather is often far too runny and inconsistent{{Fact|date=October 2007}}. Some people{{Who|date=October 2007}} prefer not to use shaving cream at all, and may shave simply with water, for example, after a hot shower. However, this is often{{Who|date=October 2007}} regarded as more uncomfortable than the use of shaving cream.
Shaving cream is not normally used when using an [[electric razor]], however some newer models feature a wet shave.
==See also==
*[[Aftershave]]
*[[Burma shave]]
*[[Barbasol]]
*[[Shaving]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 Shavemyface.com shaving cream forum]
*[http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shaving-cream.php How to use Shaving Cream]
*[http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Shaving-Cream.html Manufacturing process of shaving cream]
[[Category:Personal hygiene products]]
[[Category:Depilation]]
[[es:Crema para afeitar]]
[[fr:Mousse à raser]]
[[it:Schiuma da barba]]
[[nl:Scheerschuim]]
[[pl:Pianka do golenia]]
[[pt:Creme de barbear]]
[[fi:Partavaahto]]
[[sv:Raklödder]]