Shaving soap that burns the face

**California Cajun** · 10-05-2010, 11:27 AM

I got Mama Bear's Beau Brummel shaving soap, basically because I love the scent of Alt Innsbruck. I like the smell of the Beau Brummel but it burns my face (and contributes to a great shave).

Does anyone know, is it the scent ingredients or the glycerin that create the burn sensation?

**VT_Hokie** · 10-05-2010, 11:39 AM

It's the scent oils.

Companies like Mama Bears and QED that offer heavily scented glycerine based melt and pour soaps are loaded to the gills with fragrance and essential oils which can really give folks the burn

**DFrancis** · 10-05-2010, 12:11 PM

From the title of the post I thought this was another Williams thread.

But yes, some people are sensitive to scents and essential oils. The glycerin would only do it if you had an allergy.

**California Cajun** · 10-05-2010, 03:54 PM

That leads me to my follow-up question:

Since I got such a good shave, were the whiskers shaved off or burned off?

I just couldn't imagine feeling a burning sensation from a shaving soap. Now I can.

**WinstonSmith** · 10-05-2010, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by VT_Hokie

It's the scent oils.

Companies like Mama Bears and QED that offer heavily scented glycerine based melt and pour soaps are loaded to the gills with fragrance and essential oils which can really give folks the burn

I'm sensitive to certain ingredients, I suspect because of allergy. The eucalyptus oil in Proraso gives me a real honest "chemical" burn, and has from first use.

Derby cream, which I started out with, also seems to have something in it that I react to after a few days. I think I sensitized myself to it. Used it for months without issue, then started noticing irritation. Now I notice it every time I use it. It smells strongly of coconut, maybe that's the problem. No idea.

I notice a "tingle" with Erasmic cream, TOBS "Shaving Shop", Williams, and Tabac soap if I leave 'em on too long.

Arko works. VDH works. Conk Lime was fine, Conk Bay Rum not so much.

I've not tried QED, Mama Bear's, or SCS. I've got enough Arko to last the next few years (cheaper in bulk).

If you've got a sensitive mug, I say find what works and stick with it.

**ramon** · 10-05-2010, 04:27 PM

Herban cowboy is the worst is not a soap is made for yours enemies

**Ru4scuba?** · 10-05-2010, 04:33 PM

Certain soaps out there can burn from the FO (as the first responder said). Madame Scodioli's soap, when it was first advertised here, did the same to me.

But hey...you only learn what works for you through trial and error right?

**Dean W** · 10-05-2010, 10:11 PM

I had a similar situation recently and have concluded that it's the fragrance oils in the soap. Mama Bear has been very helpful and now I'm trying one of her 100% natural soaps which doesn't burn. You might want to let her know your situation. I know she will try to help in any way she can.

**joec22** · 10-27-2010, 07:58 AM

I also feel the burn on Mama Bear soaps, especially after the 2nd or 3rd pass. But I love the scents aged spice and earl, and would love to try more. Do you think it is a problem if I can tolerate the burn? I don't notice any additional problem like rashes or redness.

I don't know feel a burn with proraso cream or tabac soap.

**Snargle** · 10-27-2010, 08:17 AM

I had the burning problem with both Mama Bear's Basil & Lime and Caribbean soaps, but the Lavender Mint soap is fantastic and feels terrific on my skin. Since both have lime oil as a primary fragrance, I suspect that's the ingredient that scalded my epidermis.

**drandall** · 10-30-2010, 06:36 AM

keep in mind that mama bear sells her unscented pure glycerin soap too.

you can microwave it down and add whatever scent or oil your face can tolerate. in my case, i wanted a tea tree oil soap since it's good for troubled skin. mama bear didn't make one, so i made my own and it turned out great.