Institut Karite vs. Provence Sante

[Loric]

I'm considering trying a French shay butter soap. The two forerunners are Institut Kaite and Provence Sante Green Tea. Has anyone used both that could give me some comparison between them? Thanks for your help.

[mblakele]

Between those two, I prefer PSGT. I have a hard time saying exactly why, but I don't reach for the IK as often.

[Loric]

Between those two, I prefer PSGT. I have a hard time saying exactly why, but I don't reach for the IK as often.

Can you comment on the scents? I know both are mild and understated. Lather wise they both seem to get very similar reviews in the review section, is this more or less accurate?

[Leche]

Both are excellent soaps and both are a good addition. However if I had to pick one it would be the PSGT. It lathers easier and slightly better, it is triple milled so it will last longer, its cheaper, and the scent is very refreshing and awakening. It reminds me of sprite. Also I feel it gives a better shave.

[mblakele]

I have an SOC to break in, so I just lathered the IK to remind myself of its character. It's almost scentless for me: it smells like soap. The PSGT smells like green tea, with some other notes that I can't analyze. Scent is fairly important to me, so that's probably part of why I use PSGT more often.

The lather is similar, but I find the IK a little drying, while PSGT is moisturizing.

[TheChefs]

Both are good, but like others have said, PSGT is much easier to leather. I find IK a lot easier once I started using it like a shave stick and face leathering with it.

Also I've heard some rumours that Provence Sante's current forumlation is getting discontinued, so it's worth giving it a shot and stocking up on it if you like it. It's hard to tell if the new formulation will be as good as the current one.

[Leche]

also i've heard some rumours that provence sante's current forumlation is getting discontinued,

nnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Why?!

[Dennis]

I've used the PS (not the green tea version) and IK . I prefer IK - excellent, basic soap. Lathers very well, huge shea butter concentration. It is just a fantastic, simple, every day kind of soap for me.

[TheChefs]

nnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Why?!

From what I've read, which was a while ago and my memory is bad... it's to make for more natural or more enviro friendly formulation. Something along those lines, I can't recall the exact reason. I'm sure you will find it with a bit of searching.

[goby]

I loved the performance of IK, but missed not have a scent. It is great soap, but the soap I got in the trade (Trumper Coconut) is much, much better.

If you are into scents, I would pass. If you like unscented soap, or have sensitive skin, it is amazing.