How best to modify VdH Deluxe shaving soap with essential oil(s)

[KTGumby]

I have had real good results briefly microwaving VdH Deluxe and adding a few drops of glycerin and a few drops of lavender EO. However, my wife always complains that anything lavender smells like "old lady." Can anyone suggest any other EO fragrance(s) or mod. recipes they have had good luck with and like to recommend?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[oldbluelight]

Try this thread:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/118150-List-all-your-VDH-experiments-here

 

[chilliman64]

try these essential oils, either individually or blended together (if it's ok for Proraso then why not try Menthol and Eucalypt - I have and it works!):
Lime
Orange
Menthol
Vanilla
Eucalyptus
I've got all these with my shaving gear and either add a few drops to my lather bowl or I will mix with my ASB which is 50/50 aloe vera gel and witch hazel, they all smell great!!

 

[Cynomys]

I use Peppermint E.O. Technique is to add a drop or two to the lather bowl. In this way, one could try different types of E.O. from one shave to the next, whereas if you add to the puck itself, you're pretty much stuck with that until the entire puck is used up.

 

[eth]

I considered oil cleansing a while back, and read up on EOs to add some scent to it. Mandarin EO apparently softens skin and makes it more elastic - my theory is that it would help the blade glide over the skin, but I haven't tested this thoroughly. Beware of phototoxic EOs.

I want VdH soap in Norwegian stores. No cheap stuff to mess around with here.

 

[KTGumby]

Try this thread:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/118150-List-all-your-VDH-experiments-here

Thanks. Looks like a lot of information to digest. I'll spend some more time reviewing that post. BTW, very nice brown trout in the gallery. Reminds me I need to get back to the White River...

 

[KTGumby]

try these essential oils, either individually or blended together (if it's ok for Proraso then why not try Menthol and Eucalypt - I have and it works!):
Lime
Orange
Menthol
Vanilla
Eucalyptus
I've got all these with my shaving gear and either add a few drops to my lather bowl or I will mix with my ASB which is 50/50 aloe vera gel and witch hazel, they all smell great!!

Excellent. That should give me a good start. Appreciate the input very much.

 

[KTGumby]

I use Peppermint E.O. Technique is to add a drop or two to the lather bowl. In this way, one could try different types of E.O. from one shave to the next, whereas if you add to the puck itself, you're pretty much stuck with that until the entire puck is used up.

Thanks, I take your point. My personal goal, however, is to find something I like, melt it in, and keep things simple from there on out. For me, one less decision each day (even a small one) is a plus. Nonetheless, the technique you suggest sounds like an excellent way to experiment with different EO's until I find something I want to stick with for awhile. I love peppermint and will give it a shot.

 

[KTGumby]

I considered oil cleansing a while back, and read up on EOs to add some scent to it. Mandarin EO apparently softens skin and makes it more elastic - my theory is that it would help the blade glide over the skin, but I haven't tested this thoroughly. Beware of phototoxic EOs.

I want VdH soap in Norwegian stores. No cheap stuff to mess around with here.

Phototoxic EOs? Don't know what shipping from Texas to Norway would run, but I'm here in Texas where VdH is made and could send you some to experiment with if shipping wouldn't end up eating up any savings.

 

[eth]

Explanation of phototoxicity. Basically, some plants amplify sunlight energy to make photosynthesis more efficient, and these properties can carry over to essential oils. When you wash after a shave scent will sometimes linger, EO remnants can remain in the same way, and make the sun more harmful to your skin than usual.

Shipping is expensive enough that it isn't worth the trouble. I just paid $25 in shipping for 250 g of soap and three empty 2 fl.oz. plastic tubes from the US. I think I can get Mama Bears unscented for less, all costs considered. But thanks for the offer.

 

[KTGumby]

Explanation of phototoxicity. Basically, some plants amplify sunlight energy to make photosynthesis more efficient, and these properties can carry over to essential oils. When you wash after a shave scent will sometimes linger, EO remnants can remain in the same way, and make the sun more harmful to your skin than usual.

Shipping is expensive enough that it isn't worth the trouble. I just paid $25 in shipping for 250 g of soap and three empty 2 fl.oz. plastic tubes from the US. I think I can get Mama Bears unscented for less, all costs considered. But thanks for the offer.

Oh well, maybe they will get an European distributor deal someday soon. Thanks for the information on phototoxicity. I was considering bergamot but may reconsider now. I wasn't aware of the issue and with fair skin need to be careful.