Mild shaving soaps, another point to Tabac

Hello folks, I have a new compliment to give to the much-loved Tabac here.

To begin with, I didn't particularly like its lather, which tends towards a "roapy" slippery feel (kind of like the lead white used in old paintings by Rembrandt, for those who are into that). It did give good razor glide though. Scent was just OK for me. But then I noticed that I chose to use it more and more. The reason is a simple one that I haven't seen anyone mention; it is extremely mild on the skin. I have quite sensitive skin, and many a soap that feels delicious at first start feeling a bit uncomfortable by the end. Some itch a bit around the lips, and others make me feel like I need a ton of lotion after the shave. Not tabac. It is even milder than some soaps whose selling point is "mild".

Have you guys noticed the same? Do you guys have any other recommendations like that?

Possibly MWF may suit you if lanolin does not bother you. I find it leaves my skin feeling very good. Also, if you have not tried it, Tabac after shave leaves my skin feeling good.

Bob

For my sensitive skin (mild rosacea), tabac is quite good. However I have found the soaps from Saponificio Varesino to be truly superb. I get no itch, burn, or drying of my skin. Zero irritation. After shaving with these soaps, I don't feel the need to use any post shave product. My skin is left smooth and nicely hydrated. They do cost more than other soaps, but they are reasonably hard so last a while. At the end of the day they work for me, so the cost doesn't matter. As usual with all these things YMMV.

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Originally Posted by Tathra11

For my sensitive skin (mild rosacea), tabac is quite good. However I have found the soaps from Saponificio Varesino to be truly superb. I get no itch, burn, or drying of my skin. Zero irritation. After shaving with these soaps, I don't feel the need to use any post shave product. My skin is left smooth and nicely hydrated. They do cost more than other soaps, but they are reasonably hard so last a while. At the end of the day they work for me, so the cost doesn't matter. As usual with all these things YMMV.

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Interesting! Any favorite scent? Stella Alpina by Saponifico Varesino sounds nice :)

Stella Alpina has a pleasant mild scent, very nice. Don't ask me about scent descriptions and profiles etc. coz I have no idea sorry. Check their website, it has detailed info regarding scents and ingredients. I have all but 2 of the Saponificio Varesino soaps and I like all the scents. Generally the scents are quite complex. MIRTO DI SARDEGNA, MANNA DI SICILIA and FELCE AROMATICA are standouts. But I don't buy a soap based on scent. It has to perform, and for me Saponificio Varesino are top notch soaps. But please remember YMMV.

I like SV soaps. They are quite good.

The SV scents are outstanding. They are really good ASs. Each leaves my skin feeling great.

OK I tried SV, and I really like the way it lathers up but.......Tabac is still much milder on my skin (YMMV). I'll use SV for quick DE shaves.

So, while I am getting used to Tabac, I would still be interested in similar mild soaps for the variation, if you have more recommendations. :D

If you are open to shave creams, there is Macca Root shave cream from The Body Shop.

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

If you are open to shave creams, there is Macca Root shave cream from The Body Shop.

Bob

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It is very good

Have you tried Baume.be?

It was formulated by someone who has sensitive skin.

I think there are some reviews on Obie’s thread on top tier shaving soaps and creams.

Which soaps are causing you to itch? U.S. made soaps or European soaps (or both)?

European soaps tend to have much higher standards for allergen testing... there are several nice hard milled French brands that go for $20 or less.

That said, I'm a huge fan of Tabac, but some of the French brands have a nice scent if you want to try something different. Theophile Berthon in particular comes to mind.

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Originally Posted by HungeJ0e

Which soaps are causing you to itch? U.S. made soaps or European soaps (or both)?

European soaps tend to have much higher standards for allergen testing... there are several nice hard milled French brands that go for $20 or less.

That said, I'm a huge fan of Tabac, but some of the French brands have a nice scent if you want to try something different. Theophile Berthon in particular comes to mind.

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A bit of both. I am from Europe myself so I have tried a bit here and there. Many are OK, but Tabac is by far the mildest I have tried. It is milder on my skin than my previous favorite, which was a mix of Trumpers shaving cream plus their skin food. I think it is pretty clear that I have sensitive skin, but I don't think I'm particularly allergic. I had a rash for a good while once, perhaps because I sometimes experimented with Williams and an aggressive razor, but daily use of Aqua Velva balm took care of it. Hats off to Tabac though, I almost feel like I can keep it on my face indefinitely.

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Originally Posted by DZEC

Have you tried Baume.be?

It was formulated by someone who has sensitive skin.

I think there are some reviews on Obie’s thread on top tier shaving soaps and creams.

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Baume Be is great stuff. Taylor's of Old Bond Street Organic cream is another one that's perfect for sensitive skin as is T&H Ultimate comfort cream. T&H Authentic No 10 and MDC unscented are also great for sensitive skin.
One thing to mention, a good few of the " artisan " soaps are full of rubbish that will torch sensitive skin.

Any suggestions on a mild soap/cream that has little to no scent?

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Originally Posted by slim6596

Any suggestions on a mild soap/cream that has little to no scent?

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As I have been pointing out, I have been surprised at just how mild the Tabac soap is. It seems to beat all the others (for my skin) in this regard, and I have sensitive skin. The scent is definitely there though, although I would not rate it particularly strong. I have also found Tabac to be a bit tricky to find the right amount of water but I am getting used to it (if the brush is too dry the brush hairs tend to get stuck in the soap, and if it is too wet you will get a very soupy lather)