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Bittersweet limes by Godrej

While at my local Indian grocery here in Streamwood, IL, which I frequent far more often than I should, I noticed tucked away in a corner, next to some indecipherable Indian soft drinks a small stash of shaving goods (I swear that based on the graphics of one, I think it may have been cheese flavored! :blink:). Amongst the lot, a variety of cheap disposable razors (skip it), some interesting looking tubes of Godrej cream, and a couple of tatty looking brushes.

At less than $2US for a tube, I snatched one up in the hopes that I have befallen a gold mine of cheap shaving bliss. I picked up the VERY cheap looking synthetic brush for $2.49 as well. The brush sits awkwardly next to my fine badger brush, yet to be put to use.

On to the cream. This stuff smells amazing! The fragrance reminds me of my mojito recipe before I add the mint. VERY limey. The lather is also VERY impressive. Very moist, thick, slick, and cushy. Just what I like in a cream. Dare I say this stuff lathered better than my beloved Proraso...

Anyway... I go about my 3 pass routine. First pass, not bad, VERY slick, smooth passes with no pulling. Relather, second pass - I can really "feel" the lime, it's giving me a stingy tingle. Interesting. Relather again, third pass. Is this stuff suppose to burn like this?

The results were VERY smooth, akin to what I get from Proraso, however it left me with what I can only describe as a chemical burn to my skin. I splashed on cold water like mad, and hopped into the shower, as usual. Thinking that perhaps the steam from the shower would help things out. I hopped out, more cold water, and then my AS. I have NEVER EVER in my life experienced a sting like that. It was akin to hopping into a hot shower with a sunburn. It was BAD. My face was all red an on fire for a good 30 mins or so. For the remainder of the day I was raw and tender.

I didn't learn my lesson.

Having just this week introduced the act of basting my face with EVOO as a preshave addition, I decided to give the Godrej another try today. Apply a LIBERAL coating of oil, and proceed the same as before. Well, this time the burn wasn't nearly as bad, but it was still VERY evident. The application of aftershave didn't result in my being driven to tears, or producing sounds one should NEVER produce, let alone in a bathroom.

It would almost seem that the layer of oil prevented whatever foul substance from sinking into my skin, and cooking me. Perhaps I should have applied a new coat of oil before each pass, who knows! In either case, I'm really saddened by this as I LOVE the scent, and I still feel as though it gives a GREAT shave. It's ridiculous considering how cheap the stuff is!

I've read the reviews, and it would seem that this stuff is universally loved. I'm not getting what I would describe as razor burn, rather it's as mentioned, a literal chemical burn. It even extended onto my chest a bit from where some happened to land with ZERO razor contact. It left a bit of a red splotch. No bur, just a red mark.

In looking at the ingredients, very high up in the list is seratic acid. I'm wondering if this could be my nemesis. It's got me baffled.

Could it be the lime, perhaps it's the fact that I DIDN'T use the goofy little Indian synthetic brush that I picked up the same day. I dunno. I'm sad, and stumped.

If you haven't been burned (pardon the pun) by this stuff, you're a lucky S.O.B. as I think that you can't get a better lather for the money, let alone something that smells this nice.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Godrej or any other product?

Pinkishly,

Aaron :blushing:
 
I just realized I posted this under soaps rather than creams... Is there a way to move this over?

D'oh!

Aaron
 
Godrej also contains lanolin, some people have bad reactions to it. Maybe test a spot of your leg with the cream before going in for another shave.
 
Godrej also contains lanolin, some people have bad reactions to it. Maybe test a spot of your leg with the cream before going in for another shave.
+1. My guess would be either the lanolin or the fragrance causing the burn. I get a similar burn with Godrej lime and Godrej Rich Foam, but not Menthol Mist. You could also be allergic to some other ingredient in the cream.

In the past I've had burning sensations from D.R. Harris Arlington soap, TOBS Jermyn Street, TOBS St. James, Musgo Real, and the new Coates Rosemary & Tea Tree cream.
 
I'd say you're allergic to something in it. It could be an old tube I guess, too, but I'm not sure why that would necessarily cause a problem. Check the package for a date, if I remember correctly the cream should be good for 18 months after the date.
 
Very good feedback from everyone... I'm a Proraso/Bigelow guy for my daily standard. I just looked, and neither the Bigelow tube, or Proraso tub have lanolin listed, so I'm putting my money on that. Actually, this explains ALOT as I tend to be VERY sensitive to lotions, etc. Actually, I hate the greasy feel on my hands, but they tend not to react well with me.

I've only tried one lavender that gave me proper razor burn due to it's insufferable ability to lather or lubricate my skin. Other than that, it MUST be the lanolin.

Is the Godrej menthol heavy on the lanolin as well?

Looks like I'll be giving the Godrej lime to the Mrs...

Thanks again for all the input! Much obliged!

Aaron
 
Very good feedback from everyone... I'm a Proraso/Bigelow guy for my daily standard. I just looked, and neither the Bigelow tube, or Proraso tub have lanolin listed, so I'm putting my money on that. Actually, this explains ALOT as I tend to be VERY sensitive to lotions, etc. Actually, I hate the greasy feel on my hands, but they tend not to react well with me.

I've only tried one lavender that gave me proper razor burn due to it's insufferable ability to lather or lubricate my skin. Other than that, it MUST be the lanolin.

Is the Godrej menthol heavy on the lanolin as well?

Looks like I'll be giving the Godrej lime to the Mrs...

Thanks again for all the input! Much obliged!

Aaron

I had a look for the ingredients, and couldn't find a complete list. LOOKS like the different scents have the same "key ingredients":
PEG-30, Lanolin, Glycerin
 
I've had the same issue, though for me the worst was Proraso. I've also had less severe reaction using Erasmic and Derby Lavender.

In the future just be aware that you're sensitive to something common in cosmetics. Be aware of that sting, and get the stuff off ASAP when you notice it.
 
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