Is my "vintage" Yardley soap safe to use?

[DamnFineBob]

I am now the proud possessor of an unopened wooden bowl of Yardley shaving soap, manufactured at some indeterminate date in time.

While I bought it just because of its neat bowl, I do wonder if its safe to use.

Its quite old, and the celophane wrapper around the bowl had yellowed and turned brittle. Likewise, the protective sheet over the soap itself had shrunk. The soap, however, still smells soapy and only appears to have developed a dried crust after all these years.

How old could it be? Is this safe to use?

 

[BlackBard]

I am now the proud possessor of an unopened wooden bowl of Yardley shaving soap, manufactured at some indeterminate date in time.

While I bought it just because of its neat bowl, I do wonder if its safe to use.

Its quite old, and the celophane wrapper around the bowl had yellowed and turned brittle. Likewise, the protective sheet over the soap itself had shrunk. The soap, however, still smells soapy and only appears to have developed a dried crust after all these years.

How old could it be? Is this safe to use?

Go ahead. Dust it off and give it a go. I'm anxiously awaiting you report.

As for age, I wouldn't know how to tell, or even if there is a way to tell.

Good luck.

 

[beginish]

Mine was in a similar condition when I acquired it, and I just gave it a rinse and a couple of test lathers, let it dry in the sun, and then put it to work. You have what many consider a "grail" soap, and the gold standard to which all aspire. Enjoy it!

 

[_MementoMori_]

It's absolutely fit for use. Whip yourself up a lather and see what so many of us rave about. I have my second bowl of it on the way in the mail as we speak!

 

[DamnFineBob]

Thanks guys. I knew of the Yardley name from the chatter here on B & B, but wasn't so sure I wanted to put it on my face rather than just displaying it. I'll put it in rotation and give it a go sometime.

 

[ovrmnjake]

No, it shouldn't be used. It'll ruin your skin and you'll have horrible shaves! Let me dispose of it properly for you.

 

[ovrmnjake]

As a matter of fact, the bowl is probably toxic too! You should send it with the soap.

 

[Vlad]

As a matter of fact, the bowl is probably toxic too! You should send it with the soap.

Causes impotence, right?

 

[Goodknightbri]

I have a really old green label and it works fine. If it's an older one that may have some build-up on the top you can always wash it away. It's soap though and what's under it is surely excellent for shaving!

 

[damooshki]

Causes impotence, right?

That's what I heard.

 

[rosborne]

It's not safe! Send it to ME!

 

[Evbo]

How old could it be? Is this safe to use?

YES! ​

 

[malocchio]

let your nose guide you ! if it smells rancid,dump it..if not,enjoy it !!

 

[bythbook]

good heavens, yes, use it -

...if it smells rancid, send it to me for rehabilitation.

 

[michiganlover]

Just adding another "Heck Yeah Use It!!" to the thread.

Vintage Yardley is one of the most highly prized, highly sought after soaps, and can fetch a pretty penny on Ebay ($50-$80 is typically the going rate).

 

[Swampfox]

No, it shouldn't be used. It'll ruin your skin and you'll have horrible shaves! Let me dispose of it properly for you.

Dang! You beat me to it!

 

[_MementoMori_]

I bought a bowl from Harry (Mr. Scruffy) with about 45% left a month or so ago. Today, I bought another bowl with about 35% left. I think I'm going to remove both of them and mill them together into whichever bowl is in the best shape. It'll almost be like having a brand new puck!

 

[DSB]

You have just purchased the best soap I have found. Use it, love it, honor it.

 

[SliceOfLife]

It's a decent soap. Hugely over-rated, but only because of... well... what you see above. Tabac, Moos and a good number of vintages work better. Put it this way. If I ever find an unopened puck in a flea market, it's going home with me and getting put on eBay without so much as a second glance until I'm packing it up to ship. I'd say eBay the sucker.

Don't worry about it being old. As others said, if you plan to use it, a couple test lather/washes and a drying and it's back to fighting shape.

 

[TLetums]

So far I've seen pictures of three different types of Yardley shaving soap: one with greenish label on the wooden bowl, then three golden "Y"s on the red label and and one with big black and red "Y".
Are they all the same formulation, scent, quality? (Sometimes it appears that only "green label" is referred to here as Vintage Yardley.)