SMF

I seem to develop a sensitivity reaction (itchiness and finally a rash) to just about all scented shaving creams eventually, as well as to nearly all aftershaves and colognes. I'd appreciate any advice from others with this problem who have found higher end shaving creams (e.g. T&H, TOBS, Harris, Trumper) that are unscented (or nearly so) and don't cause reactions. Thanks.

I also have sensitive skin and very coarse hair..La Toja Sensitive cream is amazing!..made ONLY in Spain and yes it will have to be shipped and prices are in EU..I live in California and shipping wasnt bad..took a month to get but sooo worth it!..its got salts/minerals in it..I cant find anything else that has these types of ingredients

AOS unscented cream is good and nearly scent-free but I can't recommend the hard soap as it has an odd clay/dirt scent.

Scott

+1 for the AOS Unscented Cream for those with sensitivity issues. Out of curiosity, have rose scented creams bothered you? Rose is supposed to be good for those with sensitive skin. It's always easy on my face if it's irritated.

Yes, Craig, initially T&H rose didn't bother me, but after about a couple dozen uses it too started to cause problems.

AoS shave cream or soap are both very mild and easy on the skin. The soap does have a clay/tallow scent to it though.

Also, I would imagine that Queen Charlotte Shave soap might work for you. Certainly, the unscented version would, but I'm wondering about the other scents as well. QCS uses essential oils as scent instead of fragrance oils and the latter might be what you are allergic to. Worth a try anyways. I'm a big fan of QCS products.

Another option is Kiss My Face unscented, which can be found at a local supermarket. It's good, affordable (very) and whips up a surprising lather. Check it out.

Maybe Weleda shaving cream and aftershave.

So much of it is personal I think you probably need to experiment some to find what works with you. For instance most Trumper's soaps bother my skin over time even though I love the scents. Same with most of the 3T's shaving creams. On the other hand Proraso and Tabac don't bother my skin at all even though they both have a ton of stuff in there that irritates other guys. I have also had success with Art of Shaving/Valobra shave soaps. As far as after shaves go. I had a lot of bad experiences as well and have settled on Burt's Bees Rosewater and Clinique Post Shave Healer.


Clint

I react to almost everything I've tried. I actually have a much worse reaction to natural essential oils than to synthetic scents, but I haven't found a scent yet that doesn't eventually bother me. I went to an allergy doctor many years ago (before I started trying different shaving soaps) and when he tested me with about 60 different substances (most were pollen of some kind), I reacted to all but about 3, so it is not too surprising that I react to plant based essential oils. Rose was one of the very worst for me.

I used Kiss My Face unscented for many years without problems. Recently, I have had some problems with it. I don't think I react to it, but it has started drying out my skin. So, I rarely use it anymore.

My best results recently have been with Art of Shave hard soap. I don't notice any smell, but with my allergies, I don't notice many smells unless I really pay attention and I'm having a good day.

I have recently gotten some Gentleman's refinery unscented which seems fine on my face, but I struggle a bit getting the water/cream ratio right.

I used some Art of Shave cream a few years ago. I don't remember a reaction, but I didn't like the cream as much as some other creams I was trying (all of which I had to stop using due to reactions). I should try it again.

Col Conk soap didn't cause any problems that I remember, but I prefer hard soap to glycerin soaps so I haven't used any in a while.

I actually had less problems with menthol than other scents. I used various menthol creams for a while, but rarely use them now because I have had some hints that I might be starting to react to them and don't want to go there.

I couldn't use Taylor sensitive skin or T&H ultimate comfort or Nancy Boy or any of the other recommended creams for sensitive skin unless it really was truly unscented. I find I can develop sensitivities to just about anything if I use it long enough. I get better results when I change products with some regularity. I never use anything like aftershave or cologne, the few times I've tried some, my face burned all day. You may have to try a bunch of products until you find some that work. Good Luck!

John, I'm afraid there is no hope. I think the solution is very simple here... grow a beard and sell me your Manchurians.

You're welcome.

Ravi,
I'd consider your thoughtful and logical suggestion, except that SWMBO says no beards. Now if I ever develop a sensitivity reaction to my Manchurians, I'll let you know.

Have you tried any of the budget creams such as Palmolive Classic or whomever took on Florena ... I can't believe I forgot the name change -- a company bought them and simply repackaged the cream. It does have a scent, but it may be something you can use as well.

Ah -- I remember now -- Nivea bought the brand a few years back. It was my favourite budget cream for quite some time -- then I got ahold of Palmolive Classic green from England, and found it topped Florena/Nivea -- but not by much.

Wendell,
I haven't tried either of those. I'll put them on my to-do list and see if I tolerate them. Thanks.

Aim for the CHEAP stuff, any high-end stuff is too bumped with ingredients.The Arko soft soap stick is unbeatable and it is so cheap, you cannot go wrong.There is an ultra high-end cream at a ridiculously low price, the Arko Maximum Comfort, pretty hard to find.If you have a sensitive skin, you need a soap, and trade all of your creams, this is what I did.The unscented Martin De Candre soap from France is expensive as hell and lasts forever.There are many Bulgarian creams that are the best solution, yet hard to find.Another cheap gem is the Hungarian cream Barbon, it freezes your face to death, it is like medicine, like if you use anesthesia.Experiment with cheap stuff, you will not break the bank that way and you may hit a simple formula that is just for you (but do not patent it LOL).Good luck and keep us all in touch!

Barbon is a lovely cream from Hungary and great for sure with a sensitive skin, but where is the menthol cooling?

I too react against all kinds of gels and have a helluva time with a tough beard and sensitive skin.

I fully realize that you are asking about traditional wetshaving products, but here are a couple of cheap, commercial options:

Edge Ultra Sensitive. This stuff is about as non-reactive and gentle as anything I've ever used. Is it SATISFYING and luxurious to use? No. Does it do the job with the "least harm" out there? For me, yes. Something to consider anyway. http://www.edgeshave.com/#!/products/ultraSensitive

This non-aersol, brushless, nonlathering shave cream from Earth Science, which I picked up in a health food store, is also completely skin "neutral" for me anyway. Again, I can't say it's as pleasurable as a great soap lathered up with a great brush, but it seems ABSOLUTELY non-irritating from my personal experience (for me). Might be worth the $8 to check it out. http://www.shopearthscience.com/pd_azul ... _creme.cfm

Good luck with your search!