Well, I have tried to stay away from menthol since the icy hot in underwear prank when I was a teenager Looks like its time to face the Fear!! Hahahaha
Menthol stimulates "cold receptors" in the skin and act as a numbing agent for skin soreness. I prefer not to shock the skin after scrapping it and prefer something more ph neutral and moisturizing that gives a small layer of protection while the skin returns to a normal ph balance and heals itself against razor burn. Menthol, I believe is a chemical compound found in peppermint which is why some mints have that cooling sensation. I also avoid any product that has benzocaine in it. I used to use the original Aramis shave cream (long before Lab Series) as a young man. It numbed the top layer of skin to take the sting out of any razor burn.
There are so many creams I love and have tried. If you are looking for a 'brick and mortar' cream that holds its' own, try the Art of Shaving Lavender or Sandalwood.
I find this in some creams also. It can be hard to pinpoint the exact ingredient which cause 'reactions' when using certain products. I suppose the fun is in the trial and error. As long as the 'reactions' are not too severe of course.
Not tried yet, just arrived. But should this gonna be the Best Shaving Cream Ever ???? !!!! Not exactly smooth and elegant smell ;-)
As much as I love the smell of bacon, it's just not something I'd want to be smearing all over my face first thing in the morning.
Just used TDS wheat shaving cream, the first quarterly sampler, all I can say is that it produced a great lather, kept moister during each pass afterward my face felt moisturized, I did not even use a alum stick because my face felt great, no nicks or weepers. Great cream! Oh maker of TSD soap, I bow to your mastery
I'm not quite sure that it should be classed as the best cream ever as I've not tried them all, but, my top cream is Acqua Di Parma. It smells great and lathers like a banshee.
It could be you scored some old stock, ADP have reformulated the cream. It still has a little scent but not the same as it was previously They would now like peope who like the scent to use another ADP product from the range, namely a balm or cologne.