Dec 11, 2006, 11:46 GMT
Berlin - Shaving has less of an impact on the user's health and on the environment than using a hair removal cream, a German environmental group says.
The creams, which contain the water-soluble chemical thioglycol acid, have a longer-lasting effect on hair regrowth, but have a negative impact on the health of the user and the environment, said the Berlin-based group, an alliance whose German acronym is BUND.
Thioglycol acid in the creams removes hair from below the skin's surface, but BUND says when it reaches sewage treatment facilities, it damages organisms in the water. Using a razor, on the other hand, creates little trash and requires no electricity. The blades, however, must be sharpened regularly.
Organic shampoos are available to soften the hair and skin before shaving. The BUND said they are better than conventional shaving creams, which often have formaldehyde derivatives and polyethylenglycol, compounds that BUND says cause allergies and cancer.
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