Hey folks. I'm finding that I am very sensitive to fragrance (parfum). In shaving soaps it doesn't so much matter, but when it comes to balms and splashes especially, if it is in any way a medium to strong fragrance I experience problems. I love a good fragrance, but I'm thinking that with all new purchases I should probably start looking for more natural products, probably essential oil based. Products I current use and have had great success with include: Lucky Tiger Splash Witch Hazel Nivea Balm Are there any products out there you have used in this vein that you would recommend? Ideally something with a nice scent but that doesn't use perfume oil?
Well, I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that Speick uses botanicals. Now, whether that is in conjunction with or exclusion of 'parfum,' I've no idea. I will say that it is very soothing to my sensitive skin. Also, Thayer's brand witch hazel is the absolute best I've tried and it uses natural botanicals and because it's not distilled like some competitors, it doesn't have that rancid meat underpinning to the smell. I LOVE the stuff, and you can try a bottle for about $9 at a near by GNC. Lavender and Rose Petal come highly recommended. Also, kick around on Etsy for a bit. Most any purveyor of such goods is boldly forthcoming of the ingredients used for their products. It's worth a look. I will let you know that Ogallala Bay Rum products, quite popular around these parts and I use them too, appear to use a mixture of EO and synthetic aromas. I love the scent of the bay rum, lime and peppercorns, but it sets my face on fire! I try and use it well after the shave and on the back of my neck and chest as a cologne now. Can anyone chime in with an ingredient list for Proraso's new formula AS? Good luck and Happy Shaving!
You reminded me that I forgot to add Proraso to my list. That is my go to summer splash and for whatever reason I can use it with no problems (must be light enough). Thayers Lavender is what I have right now and I agree whole heartedly with your assessment. I was using Humphrey's and it smells rancid. I will look into Speick. It's strange how I can use some and not others, for example I picked up some Pinaud Bay Rum this summer and I can use that no problem, even though it is completely chemical. But Pinaud Clubman, or most any over the drugstore counter, old school aftershave, gives me crushing headaches. Weird. It seems to do with the level of potency to the fragrance itself.
I like the Honeybee Gardens aftershave. Here's the ingredient list: I've found that it feels quite similar to Lucky Tiger on the skin, and the fragrance is good,while not being terribly intense. I like the Vermont scent, personally, and am not fond of the bay rum (too anise-y). You might find something you like with them. The AS is here: http://www.honeybeegardens.com/product/for-men/mas.html
Queen Charlotte Soap as well as Mama Bear Soaps have some shave soaps and/or creams that are EO-based. Both make excellent products.
Thanks. They sound really great, I may have to give that a try. I see they have a Sandalwood too, I'm a sucker for Sandalwood.
