Problems with glycerin soaps

This morning after shaving with Momma Bear soap I noticed my face broke out with red bumps as if I was having a reaction.

I've been using Momma Bear soap for almost a month and each time I use it,(several times a week) I've noticed a burning sensation.

Several months ago I used Kiehl glycerin shaving stick and I had the same reaction.

I'm wondering if there is something in glycerin soap that bothers my skin? Am I alone or have any of you have had problems with glycerin shaving soaps?

Fritz

 

In my early days of doing the DE, brush & soap thing, I also thought I was allergic to glycerin. However, what was really causing my face problems was poor technique, the wrong blade for me (Feather) and insisting on doing as many passes in as many directions as necessary to achieve the ultimate BBS shave. Once I got my technique down pat and my shave gear squared away, glycerin not only ceased being a problem, it became my friend.

 

I doubt its the Glycerin. its probably the Scented Oil. it may be too strong.

 

I would try one that's unscented and see if that makes a difference.

 

What scent of Mama Bear did you use? The only soap I've reacted to was a glycerin base (Oglalala), but I've used many other glycerin shave soaps without issue. Then again, if you get better shaves with a good milled soap that's fine too. The only glycerin soap I've tried that's on the same level as milled soaps for me is TSD. I'd like to add - if I didn't react to the Oglalala I'd also consider it a top notch glycerin soap.

 

The two types of Momma Bear sopa I've used are Bay Rum and Walk in Northwoods.

I notice a burning sensation around my lips and sometimes on checks sometimes more, sometimes less with each soap.

I don't remember what scent the Kiehl's shaving stick was, but I had the same problem.

I appreciate the comments posted. I am wondering besides glycerin which is so common in other products, is there any other basic chemical or product that could cause a problem? I realize scented oils might be a problem, but like I said, I've had the same reaction with Kiehl.

The other soaps I use are not glycerin based. I use in a regular rotation Tabac, MWF and FA Oceanic, none of which cause problems.

Fritz

 

Go to the pharmacy and get a bottle of glycerine and test it.

 

Try unscented glycerin soap, which should be available at most grocery and drug stores. If you still get the rash, then it is the glycerin. Otherwise, it is something else in the problematic soaps.

 

I'd have to agree it's prob the oils in the soaps you bought. I had three soaps I had to gift away due to the FO's used and the burning reaction they gave me. If memory serves me correct EO's are natural and unless you are allergic would not tend to react with the skin. FO's on the other hand are artificial/chemical in nature and do bother some skin types (mine for example).

There is also the age old argument regarding glycerin soaps being somewhat subpar to consider as well. Lots of guys do like them, but many find that tallow or other soaps provide a smoother, better shave. As in everything personal preference and trial and error.

 

EO's are natural, but they can sensitize as much as fragrances. I know someone that's allergic to Lavender in any product.

 

My first guess would be a spice note being the common oil/problem. The spices added to bay rums vary, but the most common are Clove, Cinnamon, and Cardamom. Any of these could be in the Northwoods. The Mamabear site mentions clove in the Bay Rum description and it's a fairly common irritant.

 

I have often used stright glycerin as a shaving soap. It works perfectly without all the other stuff floating around in it. Melts in the micro and it looks kinda cool as semi transparent with a gold tint. Plus it's about 5 bucks a ton.