We were born with hair on our bodies in places we don’t want.  Shaving can be an irritating, expensive affair, but it doesn’t have to be.  The Dollar Shave Club has a solution. “Shave time, Shave money”.

How often should you change your razor blade?

The Dollar Shave Club recommends you change your blade once a week. They also offer a host of shave products to prevent and heal irritation.  Their monthly service ensures you get the products you need to for proper shave health.  You simply sign up, select your products, and select how often you want them delivered.

We were sent the following products to try:

THE 4X LOVER’S BLADE:  This is your new razor. And it’s also your girlfriend’s new razor. Or your boyfriend’s. You see, the 4X is also known as the Lover’s Blade. It was designed to satisfy the harshest critics of both genders, so you can share your subscription (but not your blades, gross) with someone you care about. It’s equally good for the face, legs, armpits, or anything else.

DR. CARVER’S EASY SHAVE BUTTER 6OZ.:  Transform the dread of shaving into the joy of softly wiping whiskers off your face. Like the friend you’ve been missing your whole life, you’ll wonder how you managed with anything else. Thoughtfully crafted to facilitate the closest, gentlest shave imaginable. It’s not shaving cream, it’s Shave Butter.

DR. CARVER’S MAGNANIMOUS POST SHAVE 3.4OZ.:  The ultimate amnesty for the disruptive act of shaving. Calming and healing. Moisture and renewal. Look no further; the Post-Shave is all you need to move on.

ONE WIPE CHARLIES 40CT.:  One Wipe Charlies gently afford the maximum clean in the shortest time. Harness the spirit of the gentleman pioneer and discover new lands of satisfaction – achieving no less than 100% with your performance. Treat your bum with the respect it deserves. Then thank yourself for such an exceptional level of service. Live the One True Clean.

Dr Carver’s Miracle Repair Serum is the ideal remedy for guys who suffer from razor bumps, burns and ingrown hairs. (Available only to members)

These products are not tested on animals and are paraben free.  There are some ingredients that are not all natural, like polysorbate 20 in the wipes, that could be a cause for concern because of possible contamination with 1,4 dioxane.

What is Polysorbate 20?

In its original form, polysorbate is a harmless sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol. For its use in personal care products, however, it’s treated with ethylene oxide—thus, the name “polysorbate 20,” because it’s treated with 20 parts of ethylene oxide.

The result is an ingredient used as an emulsifier in cosmetic creams (to help mix oil and water), lotions, cream deodorant, baby oil, sun lotion, etc.

What are the Concerns?

The problem with any ingredient that is treated with ethylene oxide (or “ethoxylated”) is that it can then become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product. In fact, 1,4-dioxane is a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin. (via:  annemarigianni)

Other ingredients, like Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, sound horrible to pronounce, but are actually quite safe.

These products are mostly natural, and they do not make any false claims of being natural or organic.  They have not been evaluated by Skin Deep, but the ingredients I did look up had relatively low hazard scores.

You can’t beat the convenience and prices of the Dollar Shave Club.  Great products delivered to your door monthly so you don’t have to think about it.  Or, you could just keep the fur on your body Mother Nature intended.