Does shaving Cream Go Bad?

In 1919, Frank Shields, a former Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) professor, developed the first shaving cream, a foamy substance applied on the skin, particularly the face, when shaving, or removing, hair. Prior to his invention, people used a brush to work soap into a lather, but the shaving cream design provided a more comfortable shave, especially for men with sensitive skin and tough beards.

Today, shaving cream generates huge retail sales due to the growing awareness concerning personal hygiene and grooming among men. For instance, the global shaving cream market value was $562.8 million in 2019 and is expected to rise further to $815.2 million by 2026, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% between 2020 and 2026. 

But does shaving cream actually do anything? Read up the insight below:

Does Shaving Cream Go Bad?

The shelf life of chemical-based products solely depends on their ingredients. This also includes the preservatives used. In our case, shaving creams are no exception as they fall under the same category, meaning yes they do expire. However, the implications of out-of-date creams may not be dire when compared to other products, but they can become gross or ineffective at best.

According to the founder of Oh, Oh Organic, Gay Timmons, chemical formulas exist in two types: anhydrous formulas and emulsions. The former, which includes shaving creams, lack water but contains essential oils, like bergamot or lavender, which has antioxidants. So, they are not likely to spoil, but their aromas may lose potency.

In extreme cases, you may experience allergic reactions, such as rashes or infections around the shaved area, a clear indication that your cream has gone bad. While some creams might lack the expiry date notation, users (mostly men) are advised to keep count of time from the day of purchase.

How Long Can You Keep Shaving Cream?

Truth be told, your environment and humidity levels are the determinants here. We have this habit of keeping our products (in this case shaving cream) for as long as it is not depleted. Imagine for as long as three years! But there’s bad news – scientifically speaking. 

If your environment (house) gets up to 30 degrees celsius with 90% humidity, then chances are that your shaving cream will turn on you. Scoping from shaving experience to cleanliness, there is a big range of implications from using an expired cream.

What’s more, many personal care containers have a number, normally 12 or 24, which indicates shell life duration (usually in months) after opening and exposing the product to air. When the time runs out, the ingredients start losing their potency or the fragrance weakens.

How Do You Know If Shaving Cream Has Expired?

Nothing that is chemically manufactured, including shaving cream, lasts forever. That means after some time of smooth shaving, you may need to throw away your cream for a new one to keep up with the amazing shaving experience. And yes, it is amazing shaving with a quality product. Men reading this can attest to that!

Anywho, the fact that shaving creams don’t have serious implications (well most of them don’t), change your product immediately you start seeing or experiencing the following after taking down your mane:

This is funny, but some shaving creams go from being creamy to powdery, just like wheat flour. Imagine waking up to wheat flour for shaving cream. Frustrating, I know!

All-natural shaving cream is prone to “go off” quickly. This also applies to products with water as the first ingredient in the listing.

Changes color after months of constant use. Some shaving creams will turn brown in color, but lathers to a wonderful white, and the smell does not go rancid.

Ingredients start separating, especially with water-based products.

Whenever you notice any of the above (though there are more signs), dispose of the cream and make your way to the nearest or your regular retailer.

What Do You Do With Expired Shaving Cream?

As men, we have this habit of stocking our products whether expired or not. Ranging from shower gels to shampoos to shaving creams. Yes, it is hygienically wrong, but some of the expired piled-up creams can be used creatively.

We discovered some of the uses you may be channeling your expired shaving cream too. I’ve explained them below. Nothing goes to waste for overstaying longer than it was meant to.

Polishing Metals

Expired cream can be used to polish metals. This is more like cleaning them, and it is only applicable to stainless steel metals. I know we don’t lack such metals in the house, so go ahead and clean them up. Use a clean cloth to apply the expired cream evenly before wiping it off.

Removing Stains on Carpets or Fabrics

We all have carpets in our homes, whether it is a doormat or the exquisite bigger carpet in the living room, or bedside. After some time, they get dirty, stained, or dusty. Now the solution is here. 

Expired shaving cream is the deal. Simply spray the cream on the dirty spots evenly and give time to dry. Using your vacuum cleaner, take off the dried cream, and just like that, your carpet or fabric is set and clean. Amazing, I know!

Oil Stains From Suede Leather

You may have a suede leather shoe, bag, or jacket that you rock on your best days. We all have that! But it doesn’t mean they don’t get dirty. 

Well, worry no more as your expired shaving cream may offer the needed remedy when you accidentally spill oil on any of the above. Simply, apply a small amount of the expired cream and rub it off. After it has dried off, use a soft brush, and just as simple as that, your suede leather bag, shoe or jacket is good to go.

Chrome Shin

Men love style as much as women do. But the accessories we use sometimes become a little rusty. No need to buy a new one yet. Why strain your budget post-covid? Take up your expired shaving cream and apply it on that Rolex chain, take a dry cloth and gently wipe it through, and it will be as good and new as when you bought it. Or even better!

Men, if you ask me, I think this is a major life hack. Go shine!

Final Thoughts

Shaving cream products you buy need to have been tested for the pH levels, rate of absorption, size of the foam once emitted, water purity and the standards are determined by relevant agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Go for a product that meets all the set standards.

For more information about shaving creams, stick along our website as we will not only help you to learn about the best selection but also get an insight into shaving cream pros and cons as well as an unbiased verdict.