Thread: New Prorarso comparison: Eucalyptus and Sandalwood

The purpose of this post is to solicit experiences with the NEW Proraso formulas. I have just obtained both and here are my findings.

The new Proraso formula is different in a number of ways that seem to be positive. The first is the feel. The old formula feels a little "waxy" when compared to the new formula. When you rub them between your fingers you can feel a distinctive thickness to the old formula. But that is not to say that I have ever been dissatisfied with the original. This new formula appears to be a step up in overall quality when compared to some of my higher end creams. In fact, I would say Proraso has improved the product without increasing the price.

Sandalwood is my preferred fragrance and I have tried almost every brand available. The Proraso expression of this rare and expensive fragrance is like none of them. The first thing I noticed is that the rather distinctive Proraso fragrance is dominant with just a hint of sandalwood. You would not believe this considering the fact that there is no eucalytus or menthol in the formula. Instead, the parfum, geraniol, and citronella must be providing it. This is also confirmed by the ingredients where santalum album (sandalwood) oil is the last ingredient. My favorite Muhle and Edwin Jagger sandalwood creams list it much higher on the list indicating a greater percentage and more expensive product. I am not a big fan of the Proraso fragrance and I would like to have smelt a bit less of it so the sandalwood could come through as the more dominant component.

The lather is creamier and richer whipping into uberlather within 60 seconds provided you give it a bit more water than the older version. This is especially true of the sandalwood which has some additional "buttery" ingredients.

OVERALL
These new creams from Proraso are better than the previous formulas, approaching the quality found in much more expensive creams. However, the fragrance is "original" and still a bit too strong for me in the sandalwood version. This may be the best shaving cream available at this price break point.

Check out the ingredients:

Proraso Eucalyptus/Menthol
Aqua (Water/Eau)
Stearic Acid
Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
Glycerin
Lactic Acid
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Menthol
Camphor
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Oil
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Sodium Metasilicate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Geraniol
Parfum (Fragrance)

Proraso Sandalwood
Aqua (Water/Eau)
Stearic Acid
Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Potassium Hydroxide
Glycerin
Lactic Acid
Parfum (Fragrance)
Sodium Hydroxide
Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Butter
Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Sodium Metasilicate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Citronellol
Geraniol
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Limonene
Linalool
Coumarin
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Santalum album (Sandalwood) Oil

I tried the old and new eucalyptus night to night with the same razor and really found no difference in performance, but the new has a different smell that I can't put my hands on. Works well. I got mine before it was available to the U.S.

FWIW, according to fragrance buffs, the Proraso Sandalwood is one of the very few creams available with a true sandalwood oil scent.

While I'm not a super fan of the scent myself, the performance is very good.

The sandalwood scent is authentic but there is just very little of it, plus it is fighting to get past the strong Proraso scent. However, the performance of the cream is excellent.

I pulled the trigger on a tube. Sounds like an interesting combo.

I have been pretty impressed by new Proraso products so far.

I still haven't seen the new formulas. Maybe they haven't landed in Canada yet?

Originally Posted by Jes

I still haven't seen the new formulas. Maybe they haven't landed in Canada yet?

I think I have seen the newer version of the green one in a local Shoppers Drug Mart.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I think I have seen the newer version of the green one in a local Shoppers Drug Mart.

Bob

I know the green is in Ontario Bob - over at Shoppers. Don't think the red's made it yet though.

*Edit* I think the Italian Barber out of Richmond Hill has the Red now that I think about it.

Hello to All,

I have been using the 'new Sandalwood' (Red tube) cream for a few weeks and have found it (for me) a superb performer

It lathers easily and well and provides excellent cushion and glide (for me).

The sandalwood scent persists on my badger brushes like no other soap/cream I have used - if you get within a couple of feet from the brush you can smell it, even the day after the shave

I agree the scent could be quite polarising - love it /hate it with a few neutrals - I suppose in the same vein as the scent of Tabac soap seems to be a love it/hate it thing !

I will certainly be using this cream as a mainstay in my rotation

Have fun !

regards

Russ