I’m looking for a cream that has a similar scent to TOBS sandalwood (musky but clean with a hint of sweetness…to my nose at least) and also performance like TOBS (rich, creamy easy-to-build larger that is slick). I’m moving away from TOBS due to their inclusion of TEA but want something similar.
Similar to TOBS sandalwood in scent and lather quality/performance?
- Thread starter atomheartmother
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Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood. I love it for scent and lather. Not much needed for a 3 pass shave. I get mine from Connaught Shaving in UK. If you like TOBS, you will like this too.
What’s TEA?
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- #4
It’s triethanolamine. It’s been implicated by some organizations as a carcinogen and causing hormone disruption. There is also MEA and DEA. Those are banned in Europe. I’m not a chemist, so I’m not sure how chemically similar those are to TEA. I suppose di- and mono- instead of tri-, which could be a small or huge difference.
The reality is that it may be totally safe. Or not. But with being spoiled for options, why risk it?
The reality is that it may be totally safe. Or not. But with being spoiled for options, why risk it?
Once I tried Art of Shaving Sandalwood I never went back to TOBS Sandalwood. The performance is outstanding.
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- #6
Thanks. Unfortunately, it has TEA, too. Yowzas on the price too. Almost triple the price of TOBS (on US Amazon at least).
I suspect I’ll have to look toward creams produced in the EU to avoid TEA. For example, Spieck and Proraso do not contain TEA.
TOBS Sandalwood smells like old Grandma perfume at the intensity of AXE Body Spray. It a horrible scent and my wife hates the smell.
Ditto on AOS sandalwood; it's great.
As for TEA, concentration as applied is really low.
I could not find any reference to it as a carcinogen or hormone whatever.
Here is one top-of-google general reference...
"Is triethanolamine safe to use?
Triethanolamine is safe for the skin and does not have any side effects, as most products keep its concentration between 1% and 3%. At this concentration, triethanolamine is safe for skin application and does not lead to irritation of the skin or any other side effects.Nov 1, 2023
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles...ne is safe for the,or any other side effects.
As for TEA, concentration as applied is really low.
I could not find any reference to it as a carcinogen or hormone whatever.
Here is one top-of-google general reference...
"Is triethanolamine safe to use?
Triethanolamine is safe for the skin and does not have any side effects, as most products keep its concentration between 1% and 3%. At this concentration, triethanolamine is safe for skin application and does not lead to irritation of the skin or any other side effects.Nov 1, 2023
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles...ne is safe for the,or any other side effects.
Triethanolamine: Benefits, Uses, And Safety Concerns - StyleCraze"
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- #9
I didn’t like it at first either. But it really grew on me after a few shaves, and now I’m craving the scent. I’ll be sad to let it go.
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- #10
It seems like that is generally the concensus amongst most sources for TEA (not for MEA and DEA, which have been more widely condemned). So, it’s probably safe. It’s also in pretty much every shaving cream outside of Proraso and Spieck. I have a Spieck I’m going to see if I can adjust to, and I’ll try the sandalwood Proraso (red). If I can’t get on with those, perhaps I’ll just get a tub a year of TOBS and use something else for the remainder of the year.
To me, TOBS Sandalwood is unique and does not smell at all like what I understand to be true sandalwood scent (Art of Shaving, Proraso). I have not yet found anything that resembles TOBS Sandalwood scent, with or without TEA.
The only other useful advice I can contribute: Speick is an excellent product. I have only used the cream, but it is a winner for performance and general all around wholesome goodness.
The only other useful advice I can contribute: Speick is an excellent product. I have only used the cream, but it is a winner for performance and general all around wholesome goodness.
Any TOBS performs great my top three are coconut, grapefruit, and tobacco leaf.
As is the smell.
TOBS Sandalwood smells like a Member's Only jacket from the 80s
My favorite sandalwood shaving cream is Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood. My favorite sandalwood shaving soap is Stirling.
They both work well for me.
Sandalwood is my favorite scent. I don’t even mind the TOBS sandalwood cream and soap, but they don’t smell like true sandalwood.
They both work well for me.
Sandalwood is my favorite scent. I don’t even mind the TOBS sandalwood cream and soap, but they don’t smell like true sandalwood.
Have you tried a little Salter on the brush then swirled in the Stirling? My newest fascination, although I use the Stirling vanilla and sandalwood. Lather to die for.
I have not, but I will.
I like it but don’t love it. My son hates it, says it smells like a candle. I would venture to say there is not one scent that everyone agrees on, some people have even commented that unscented cream has a weird smell.
Use the TOBS followed by the Proraso Red Splash
I think Proraso uses Australian Sandalwood oil. It is not so limited and expensive as the genuine Indian Sandalwood. They are related but different species.
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