So I found a bargain mystery soap over at ABBS. My keen eye (and computer zoom!) caught the Surry logo, which lead me here on TSD and other places on the web. So here are my questions for the shaverati: 1. Is anyone a fan of Surrey? 2. Is it really the same as VdH? I was thinking about ordering some, but the ingredients listed here have lessened my enthusiam. In fact, looking through the ingredients list has cooled me against restocking on VdH (which I like rather well <sigh>). It's the dreaded SLS. I am not sure of the scientific evidence, but the hoopla is widespread and I have to wonder about smoke and fire! I know that I've used plenty of SLS in my life, but SWMBO wants us to eliminate it from our house. Here is one denunciation of SLS. I won't claim that the authors are experts, but they offer some official looking links. Has anyone else taken a "no SLS" position when casting your dollar votes?
Pretty good article. I think this part sums up our house, though: Still, even with the total lack of evidence linking SLS and cancer, some people would rather stay away from a potential irritant. For them, there are lots of SLS-free shampoos offered by natural-cosmetics companies. Once you've had breast cancer, you tend to be a little cautious. However, I have a puck of Parker shave soap that foams like mad dog (probably thanks to the SLS). I'll likely use it up (some day) and never buy it again. <sigh> But that's OK. The world of artisanal soaps is huge and they really appeal to me!
Dude, you could have followed my example and provided links for the unitiated (like me)! ADBB 4COL back at ya!
Sure, let me channel my inner 13yr old girl voice…. ADBB: All Done, Bye Bye! 4COL: For Crying out loud!
Followed to this link >click<. Very good article! Covers SLS hoax plus internet hoaxes at large. Hmm...
I'm not afraid SLS will give me cancer. I just don't see any reason to use a product containing it, if I have other options. And there's plenty of other options to choose from. I know my hands don't like too much SLS. They rash out like mad in the long run. And I know my hair don't like it either - it's natural habitat gets messed up, so I end up with nasty greasy hair within 24 hours. If I go without SLS products, it's much better. There might be hysteria about SLS in some areas, but bottom line - it has no place in a product in contact with your skin. It's a cheap additive to dissolve fat and make a product lather easily. It's like cheating, on behalf of your health!
I don't like SLS products only because I have a reaction to it and it tends to drys my skin out too much but if you use it and dont' have any issues I wouldn't be afraid of it. I didn't think they used the Surrey name anymore so that must be old stock.
I've used Surrey and it is different than VDH, it feels like it contains tallow, but I don't know that for a fact. It is a very, very solid performer, as is VDH. Here's a couple pics of some of mine.
No it is not decaf! I have too much Blood in my Caffeine System any way ! My coffee is usually strong enough to take the paint of the side of a U.S. Navy Ship 12ft below the water line! I learned how to make stand Up coffee from a U.S. Navy BMC. Then some times it's fortified with some good Irish Whiskey.
I know the thread is a little old, but I was doing some similar research recently and I don't think the VDH soaps have SLS anymore. There are so many different "potential" cancer causing agents in shave products (and beauty products in general) that it's almost impossible to find any that don't have at least one. SLS and parabens have largely been removed, but most soaps will have Triethanolamine, and most creams will have EDTA, both of which have links to cancer in animal tests. If you are really concerned, your best best is probably to stick with artisan products like Razorock, Stirling, Fields of Ambrosia, Mama Bear's, Petal Pusher Fancies, etc.
OR... you can become your an artisan yourself and make your shave soap. A starter recipe... a little trial and error... a shop on Etsy... and, if you are not careful, >this< thread could apply to you! It kinda applies to me, but I have only given shave soap away. If I fall into a recipe that really makes me go "Wow!," I may hang out an artisan's shingle. See... shaving is a gateway hobby!
