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More than 50 years ago, in September of 1972, H.R. Phillips, President and CEO of High Time Products, made history by introducing the very first razor bump relief product to the open market.
At a time when razor bumps were treated as unavoidable, Mr. Phillips challenged the belief that the only solutions were to stop shaving altogether or rely on harsh depilatory methods—products that were often intolerable and damaging, especially for men with sensitive skin.
For Black men in particular, razor bumps and ingrown hairs were not just a minor inconvenience—they were a widespread, persistent issue that the grooming industry largely overlooked.
Mr. Phillips was determined to change that.
With pharmacy training from the University of Illinois and additional degrees in chemistry from Roosevelt University in Chicago and San Diego State University, Mr. Phillips brought extraordinary scientific expertise to the problem. His professional career included work as a nuclear research and developmental chemist at Argonne National Laboratories and General Atomics Corporation.
But this mission wasn’t just academic—it was deeply personal.
Having struggled with razor bumps himself since he began shaving, Mr. Phillips devoted years of research to developing a solution that truly worked. Through persistence, innovation, and an unwillingness to accept failure, he successfully formulated what became the world’s first ingrown hair and razor bump treatment.
Originally introduced as High Time Ingrown Hair and Razor Bump Treatment, the product quickly earned a devoted following. Users began referring to it simply as “The Bump Stopper,” and the name eventually became official—cementing its place in grooming history.
While Bump Stopper became his most recognized innovation, it was only the beginning of Mr. Phillips’ impact.
Over the years, he developed a wide range of grooming and skincare solutions designed to address the real needs of everyday people—particularly those whose skin and hair required specialized care. His pioneering work extended into shaving products, scalp care, and other treatments that helped redefine men’s personal grooming.
Among his most notable creations were Dare 2B Bald Shave Cream and Scalp Lotion, Arctic Shave Gel, and several other products that served loyal customers for decades. Though some of these formulations are no longer on the market today, they remain part of the founder’s enduring legacy of innovation.
H.R. Phillips was more than a chemist or entrepreneur—he was a visionary who used science to solve a problem the world had long ignored. His work helped millions shave with confidence and comfort, and his contributions continue to shape grooming and skincare generations later.
Today, Bump Stopper stands as a testament to Black excellence, perseverance, and groundbreaking innovation.
This Black History Month, we proudly honor the life and legacy of H.R. Phillips, the man who didn’t just create a product—he created a movement in men’s grooming.
