Gillette Shaving Foam Ingredients Are Safe. The Viral Claim Is Misleading. 

Concerns have been raised by many users on social media about the safety of ingredients such as BHT, Isobutane, and Triethanolamine used in Gillette shaving foam. The claim suggests that these ingredients are known to cause health issues in humans, so it is better to ditch Gillette.

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. After reviewing data and studies, expert panels had concluded that these ingredients are safe when used as intended and within the limits established. 

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Fact Check- 

Let’s find the facts about the safety of BHT, Isobutane and Triethanolamine in Gillette shaving foam.

BHT: Butylated Hydroxytoluene or BHT is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products at very low concentrations. Only a small amount of it is absorbed by the skin, but it remains in the skin with little to no systemic exposure. It is not considered to be genotoxic, carcinogenic, or harmful to reproduction. However, animal studies show that high oral doses can affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Usually these effects occur at levels much higher than typical cosmetic use.

According to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), BHT is considered safe when used within specific limits in cosmetic products. The review found that BHT does not pose a risk to human health. It is considered as safe when its concentration is up to 0.001% in mouthwash, 0.1% in toothpaste, and up to 0.8% in other cosmetic products. 

Isobutane: It is a common ingredient in cosmetics, used as aerosol propellants. It is produced from natural gas and petroleum. Cosmetic Ingredient Review considers it as a stable ingredient. During studies, it was found that it did not cause mutations in the standard tests, so the chance of this ingredient being genotoxic was ruled out. 

During animal studies it was found that a very high concentration of Isobutane can be fatal, but such levels are much higher than normal exposure. Some of the side effects are mild irritation of the skin and eyes, but it does not last much. Even in human studies no serious health effects were found. 

According to the National Institute of Health, Isobutane is a stable and non-reactive gas and does not form harmful substances. Therefore, it is generally considered safe when used as intended. Studies have shown that a very small amount of it comes in contact with people, due to which its exposure level is quite low. It was also found that it does not damage DNA or cause any other serious health hazards. 

Triethanolamine: According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the expert panel evaluated the available scientific data and found that Triethanolamine or TEA is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. The product containing TEA must be rinsed off the skin after a brief use. In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of TEA was restricted to 5%. 

In 2013, the Expert Panel reviewed the scientific data supporting the safety of TEA and 31 related TEA-containing ingredients and that they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. The panel was concerned with the levels of free diethanolamine that could be present as an impurity in TEA or TEA containing ingredients and cautioned that ingredients should not be used in cosmetics products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed, which can be a possible carcinogen. 

The National Institute of Health considers Triethanolamine a low-toxicity ingredient that is safe to use in cosmetics and personal care products at normal levels. It is mainly absorbed through the skin and is quickly eliminated from the body. Long-term animal studies also found it to be non-carcinogenic. 

However, at higher concentrations, it can act as a skin irritant or allergen and may lead to dermatitis. Animal studies show that very high doses can affect organs like the liver and kidneys, but these effects occur at levels much higher than normal human exposure.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. After reviewing data and studies, expert panels had concluded that these ingredients are safe when used as intended and within the limits established.