Caswell Massey - Reformulations/changes afoot!

[Kevan]

Or at least it seems that way. The universally-regarded worst "branded" wetshaving products on the market have gotten an apparent makeover.

They are prepping a relaunch/rebranding of the men's shaving line. It seems from their newest catalog and website that the products have been reformulated. Right now all that they are listing in the way of ingredients is a few key ones, but it looks to me that this may be more than just slicker packaging. I really hope so, anyway. Because America's oldest apothecary needs quality shaving things, not the abject disasters that the "1752" products were in the past. And I'm pretty sure the last soap did not contain Sweet Almond and Avocado oil. Of course that means little for lathering performance, but I hold out hope that this is a complete reformulation of the soap, cream, and AS balm.

Right now all the products are listed as pre-order....with availability set for late October.

http://www.caswellmassey.com/shave-creams-and-soaps.aspx?pg=2

 

[Phog Allen]

Well this would be one instance where I would welcome a complete reformulation of the shaving line. Irregardless of whether this is new formulations or just packaging keep a weather eye out for closeout deals on the old soaps with bowls. I have never seen such quality bowls with such lousy product within. I have my tallow fifth Blenheim Bouquet in one and it makes a very attractive combination.

Cheers, Todd

 

[OldSaw]

I would love to someday say that Caswell Massey rocks.

 

[ackvil]

I would love to someday say that Caswell Massey rocks.

Many years ago they had some nice creams.

 

[cessnabird]

I have a tub of their Greenbriar cream I picked up at TJ Maxx which is "okay" in regards to latherability, but leaves my face feeling really soft and hydrated post shave. For the money it is a decent product but I do see plenty of potential for improvement.

 

[OldSaw]

I have a tub of their Greenbriar cream I picked up at TJ Maxx which is "okay" in regards to latherability, but leaves my face feeling really soft and hydrated post shave. For the money it is a decent product but I do see plenty of potential for improvement.

I would imagine that the stuff at TJ Maxx is the fairly lousy old stuff.

 

[Kevan]

Well this would be one instance where I would welcome a complete reformulation of the shaving line. Irregardless of whether this is new formulations or just packaging keep a weather eye out for closeout deals on the old soaps with bowls. I have never seen such quality bowls with such lousy product within. I have my tallow fifth Blenheim Bouquet in one and it makes a very attractive combination.

Cheers, Todd

Yeah, their bowls look great.

 

[cessnabird]

I would imagine that the stuff at TJ Maxx is the fairly lousy old stuff.

It definitely is.

 

[malocchio]

Their packaging has always exuded class ,can't say that for the shave soap...I would love a really high quality Jockey Club cream or bowl of tallow soap,or a close dupe of Houbigants fougere and Yardley lavender...but I for one will wait until one of the brave souls on this forum try it before I jump in !!

 

[djh]

One can only hope! A re-formulation that brought good news would certainly be something to write home about.

 

[Kevan]

I'll look into emailing them to make sure this is a reformulation or just a packaging change.

 

[NCJack]

One can only hope! A re-formulation that brought good news would certainly be something to write home about.

Amen! It took me years to find a cologne I liked, Greenbriar, used it for fifteen years and then they "improved" it. Haven't found a satisfactory replacement yet, and it's been over five years. Thanks, C-M,,,,&%$#?!

 

[GreekGuy]

Their formulations certainly couldn't get any worse

 

[mikey]

OK, so who is going to be the first guinea pig?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Kevan]

I sent them an email. If they respond and confirm that it is an indeed a reformulation, I will be the guinea pig.

 

[OkieStubble]

Looking forward to your reviews.

 

[Kevan]

Got a reply back from them:

Dear Kevan,

Thank you for contacting Caswell-Massey. Our new Men's Shaving Essentials Line, will be replacing the 1752 line. The products will not only have new packaging, but it will also be paraben free, sulfate free, and phthalate free. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.


Best Wishes,
Caswell-Massey Customer Service

So, it is a reformulation, but who knows if it'll mean the new products lather worth a damn? I'll test 'em out I guess....

 

[Agravic]

Their formulations certainly couldn't get any worse

+1.
My sentiments exactly. Although I am usually wary of 'reformulations', in these case how much worse could the product get? I hope we don't get the answer to this question .

 

[Kevan]

+1.
My sentiments exactly. Although I am usually wary of 'reformulations', in these case how much worse could the product get? I hope we don't get the answer to this question .

It always confused me when companies with notoriously bad products KEPT the products. I mean...surely Caswell Massey knew that compared to 99% of other creams and soaps, that the lather theirs produced was shockingly bad?

I hope this is a completely new recipe. The US needs another "name brand" shaving line besides Crabtree & Evelyn. CM's sandalwood is so classic, clean and unique....a well-performing soap in that fragrance would be a blessing.

 

[malocchio]

Got a reply back from them:

Dear Kevan,

Thank you for contacting Caswell-Massey. Our new Men's Shaving Essentials Line, will be replacing the 1752 line. The products will not only have new packaging, but it will also be paraben free, sulfate free, and phthalate free. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.


Best Wishes,
Caswell-Massey Customer Service

So, it is a reformulation, but who knows if it'll mean the new products lather worth a damn? I'll test 'em out I guess....

Taking all this stuff out is fine, IF ,they at least have a few guys test out the new formulas with a real brush and mug.It's obvious they never tested a real life shave on their old soap,no tester could ever give it a thumbs up...