Natural ASB/moisturizer

[vincentl]

After I read Kyle's excellent reviews on rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil I've been hunting for a natural skin product to function as my post-shave ASB/moisturizer.

I've found two possible sites (in the UK where I am currently located):

1. Kobashi Lotion Aloe Vera. Ingredients: Aqua, Organically grown Lavender & Frankincense hydrolat, Organically grown Aloe Vera, Apricot & Almond oils, Clyceryl stearate (vegetable), Jojoba, Organically grown Evening Primrose & Rosehip seed oils, Cocoa & Shea butter oils, Xanthan Gum, Vitamins: Natural Vit. E: y d a & b Tocopherols, Beta (b) carotene, Alpha (a) carotene, Preservatives: vitamin C (citric acid), potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol & phenoxyethanol.

2. Handmade Naturals ASB. Ingredients: distilled honey myrtle, rosehip seed oil, (rosa mosqueta) golden jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis) , aloe vera, calendula oil , vitamin E oil (d-alpha tocopherol), virgin shea butter (butyrospermun parkii), vegetable glycerine, organic beeswax (cera alba), emulsifying wax, grapefruit seed extract (citrus grandis), essential oils of rosewood, mandarin, palmarosa.

Has anyone used these products, or have any comments on the different ingredients?

[chop-chop]

Vince,

Just a comment on the ingredients. With respect to Kyle's recommendation: rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, Handmade Naturals ASB appears to be the better of the two, in my opinion. The ingredients are always listed in order of concentration. Kobashi Lotion Aloe Vera lists their first ingredient as "aqua" = water, and it uses preservatives. That's not a bad thing... but, despite the "organic" ingredients used, the "natural" ingredients used in Handmade Naturals ASB seems to have the edge.

Alas, you'll probably need to try both!

Tchau,
chop-chop

[mayes36]

Both look like they have good quality ingredients, so I don't think you could go wrong with either one. I've never tried the REN skin care line from the UK, but I believe their products are also natural, and quite highly regarded from what I've read.

Shawn

[vincentl]

I agree.

Kobashi also offers a cream version, which is costlier. The ingredients are the same, so it looks like the lotion is a diluted version of the cream with a smaller concentration of EOs (essential oils) and more water. This is most likely reflected in the price.

As it is I'm pretty tempted to just order the Handmade Naturals.... or both... once I finish my Budvar... Cheers!

UPDATE: I noticed that I'll have to consume the Handmade Naturals ASB within 6 months (this probably applies to Kobashi as well). Damn!

[Suzuki]

Originally Posted by chop-chop

Vince,

Just a comment on the ingredients. With respect to Kyle's recommendation: rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, Handmade Naturals ASB appears to be the better of the two, in my opinion. The ingredients are always listed in order of concentration. Kobashi Lotion Aloe Vera lists their first ingredient as "aqua" = water, and it uses preservatives. That's not a bad thing... but, despite the "organic" ingredients used, the "natural" ingredients used in Handmade Naturals ASB seems to have the edge.

Alas, you'll probably need to try both!

Tchau,
chop-chop

I agree that the HN product has better ingredients. I am a big fan of shea butter and the ingredients in it look great - I'm likely going to pick up a jar when I'm in the UK next month.

[fia1331]

Another option is Avalon Organics facial lotions. Though they're not intended to be used as aftershave balms, I've found they work quite well after shaving especially for those days when you need a bit more moisture. A wet face and a small dab works pretty well. Review here.

[herzi]

I recommend you Olivias ASB. Look here:
http://www.olivia-seife.de/Maennerpflege.htm
Sorry guys, the site is not translated yet.

The ingredients are:
Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Buxus Chinensis, Glycerin and Behenyl Alcohol

It's a very good ASB and post healer. It' not very expensive and handmade. You can ask for different fragrances or unscented.

When you order don't forget the shaving creams. They are the best I ever had.

Greetings,
herzi

[Suzuki]

Originally Posted by Suzuki

I agree that the HN product has better ingredients. I am a big fan of shea butter and the ingredients in it look great - I'm likely going to pick up a jar when I'm in the UK next month.

I've been using this for almost a month now and its one of the best aftershave products I've ever used. I'm going to do a full write up one of these days, but wanted to get back to you on this.

It is a little on the heavy side, so may not be ideal for gents with oily skin.

I've been using it in very warm/humid conditions, and while I find it a touch heavy, it doesn't feel like its clogging up my skin - it will be perfect during the colder months. There is no sting at all and I find that it really soothes my skin - I especially notice this after a so-so shave. I also use it as a moisturizer before bed and I think it does wonders for my skin.

A little bit goes a long way, so its good value as well.

For those who use eye cream, I've used this company's for about a month as well and think its very good as well.

Rossi (the woman who runs the operation) is a pleasure to deal with and will quickly answer any questions you might have about her products.

[GoBuckeyes]

Well as Kyle said, it isn't necessarily an aftershave per se, but I just recently picked up a bottle of organic jojoba and I LOVE it. I have combination skin, and it doesn't seem to make sense that adding oil to your skin would help, but it really does. I personally use witch hazel then aloe/tea tree gel then the jojoba after my shave, and it's worked well. I know this doesn't directly answer your question and YMMV, but I just thought I'd throw it in.

[vincentl]

Originally Posted by Suzuki

I've been using this for almost a month now and its one of the best aftershave products I've ever used.

+1

But I won't part with Proraso PP. I typically use it in the evening (or over a part where I had a rough shave). I also use it under the eye. Great stuff and, as you mentioned, lasts a long time.

[BarryR]

I have some QEDman After Shave Skin Conditioner (Lavender) and like it a lot. It's fairly soothing (although with a slight initial sting if you have a little razor burn), moisturizes nicely, but is not too thick. I've used it in the summer and haven't felt over-moisturized. I'd probably skip it on a really muggy day though (unless my face was a little raw). I don't know if it meets all your requirements but you can check it out at:
http://www.qedusa.com/

[Magnulus]

I'm of the opposite opinion of alot of folks- there's nothing wrong with an aftershave that stings a little. You want it to tighten your skin up and kill germs, right? OTOH, after you use an aftershave- maybe a half hour to an hour, if your skin is dry anything with shea butter or cocoa butter is fine. I like Everyman Jack, very good for skin that is dried out from shaving. But here's the catch, I don't always need it after every shave, and I don't have oily skin-type either. Moisturizing right after as have can actually make razor burn worse because moisture can fuel inflammation.

My favorite aftershave? At the moment, homemade witch hazel/tea tree brew or CVS Classic in the green bottle (smells like Brut). May have to get some of the blue stuff though for an extra-icy burn. I'm also learning to appreciate alum salts. If you can't get hold of an alum block, a broken stypic pencil rolled with the flat side across your (wet) face will do as well. I've also found the Thai deodorant crystals work fine for this. It really works to cut down on redness/razor burn even if it stings and my skin feels great.