So I tried a couple-few unscented soaps...

[Goblin]

This is a really interesting write up - thank you for doing it. I have pretty much given up on artisan soaps after finding that my skin just can't handle the strength of fragrance oils used in most of them (which caused a lot of wasted soap and wasted money). However, I could absolutely be persuaded to revisit some of these brands in an unscented format - assuming I could get them over here.

As it is, I have one local artisan whose product I think is excellent and will buy repeatedly - not only does it shave great, but the fragrances are sufficiently subtle that they don't cause me issues. Still, it would be interesting to be able to give some of the Fresh New Super Fatty Hotness from the US a fair trial!

 

[hariph creek]

This is a really interesting write up - thank you for doing it. I have pretty much given up on artisan soaps after finding that my skin just can't handle the strength of fragrance oils used in most of them (which caused a lot of wasted soap and wasted money). However, I could absolutely be persuaded to revisit some of these brands in an unscented format - assuming I could get them over here.

As it is, I have one local artisan whose product I think is excellent and will buy repeatedly - not only does it shave great, but the fragrances are sufficiently subtle that they don't cause me issues. Still, it would be interesting to be able to give some of the Fresh New Super Fatty Hotness from the US a fair trial!

While global commerce makes most things attainable in most places. The ability to access such variety with such ease is amazing.
It sure is nice to buy local when you can.
You are in the U.K. correct? Have you tried Lothur? They make an unscented variety. I think they are a Contemporary Super Fatty Maker?

It came up in a post earlier but, Mike's is just across the river from me and it may as well be on the moon. It is not sold locally and winds up in the intestate logistics chain just to get it 15 minutes away. If I could find it (actually) locally and find I like it? I would use it over many others in my teir 1& 2 list just to save the carbon footprint.

I am a truck driver. The amount of wasted resources I see on a daily basis is stunning. It is hard to imagine on a global scale.
I am not casting judgment on anyone for enjoying the benefits of global commerce. It is the world we live in and just the way things work, often for the best.

ETA:
Also, keep shipping stuff! It all eventually winds up on trucks and that is how I get paid!

 

[Goblin]

You are in the U.K. correct? Have you tried Lothur? They make an unscented variety. I think they are a Contemporary Super Fatty Maker?

Lothur is the one big gap in my experience of UK artisans. I guess I really should give it a try, but I have such a store of software at the moment it's difficult to justify. I mostly favour more traditional soaps and creams these days, and when I do buy something artisanal it tends to be from Signature because I know it's going to be worth the sticker price and the owner is a gent who makes a point of formulating soaps that won't affect allergies, so it's nice to support him.

But you have persuaded me - when I finish some stuff up, I will try the Lothur. Everyone raves about it (although Signature also has a devoted following here) so I guess I should give it a try and see if it lives up to the hype. I actually already checked UK stockists for some of the other unscented options you reviewed, but no joy - I think often they don't get imported because most people want the fragranced soaps.

 

[hariph creek]

Lothur is the one big gap in my experience of UK artisans. I guess I really should give it a try, but I have such a store of software at the moment it's difficult to justify. I mostly favour more traditional soaps and creams these days, and when I do buy something artisanal it tends to be from Signature because I know it's going to be worth the sticker price and the owner is a gent who makes a point of formulating soaps that won't affect allergies, so it's nice to support him.

But you have persuaded me - when I finish some stuff up, I will try the Lothur. Everyone raves about it (although Signature also has a devoted following here) so I guess I should give it a try and see if it lives up to the hype. I actually already checked UK stockists for some of the other unscented options you reviewed, but no joy - I think often they don't get imported because most people want the fragranced soaps.

I could not say if Lothur is worth trying it or not? I have not tried it. People seem to like it though.
There is no shame in using what already works for you. Especially if you already have it.
Many have the compulsion to keep buying more or chase the next best thing.
I figure I have only one face and can only use so much stuff on it. I have cast about and found MY soap and a couple others I quite like. I will offer up samples to a couple friends on the fence about this whole thing and gift the rest to my son.
As long as I can keep buying MY soap I am content with that.
Now I also have at least a notion of what I like in a soap.

You are right about lack of selection in stocking unscented soaps. I guess the market dictates these things though.
That lack of support is why I thought I would right this sampling up. I do not know that it is particularly helpful? I have learned quite a bit on this forum. I wanted to give back a little.
I have found The Razor Company has a really great soap selection, including unscented. Maggards is pretty decent too. I am unfamiliar with shipping overseas though?

 

[BigJ]

Excellent reviews!! THANKS!!

 

[giftofbab]

I throughly enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing! I share your sentiment towards Canada Shaving Soap. I like your description on its post shave feel and find what you described pretty accurate. I also don’t need a super moisturizing post shave. I always use a balm and/or moisturizer after every shave anyways. I just don’t want my skin to be irritated.

 

[supawabb]

Keeping in mind I do not have anywhere near the experience of most members here, but I experienced some irritation from a few of the scented soaps I have purchased. I have since purchased the following unscented soaps and thoroughly enjoy each of them equally:

Stirling Soap Co. | Naked & Smooth
Saponificio Bignoli Shaving Cream - Fragrance Free
Canada Shaving Soap

I have experienced absolutely ZERO irritation with each of these. I find they all lather up the same using the same brush and provide equal slickness.

I will also add a scented soap which for some reason does not bother my skin at all, the RazoRock Essential Oil of Lime Italian Shaving Soap. Super slick and smells like a million bucks!

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Currently offered at Mike's. Link.

Mike's Unscented needs to be left unopened in open air for a while. Just until the scent mellows out. The scent which probably won't bother you but it bothers me will mostly dissipate. Perhaps entirely.

Mike's are my current favorite soaps going by how often I use any other base or brand.

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[hariph creek]

Currently offered at Mike's. Link.


View attachment 1679238



Mike's Unscented needs to be left unopened in open air for a while. Just until the scent mellows out. The scent which probably won't bother you but it bothers me will mostly dissipate. Perhaps entirely.

Mike's are my current favorite soaps going by how often I use any other base or brand.

Happy shaves,

Jim

Well dang it! I thought I was done buying soaps for awhile.

 

[Phoenixkh]

Well dang it! I thought I was done buying soaps for awhile.

Me too... I checked Mike's site the other day.... and unscented was out of stock... so I ordered two tubs today. <eg>

 

[hariph creek]

Me too... I checked Mike's site the other day.... and unscented was out of stock... so I ordered two tubs today. <eg>

I generally like to air my soaps. Except Canada, it is good to go.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I generally like to air my soaps. Except Canada, it is good to go.

Jim / @Chan Eil Whiskers recommended the same thing. I'll make sure to let the tub I open air for a few days before I try it.... I'll give it the smell test before I lather it.... Thx for seconding the recommendation.

 

[hariph creek]

Jim / @Chan Eil Whiskers recommended the same thing. I'll make sure to let the tub I open air for a few days before I try it.... I'll give it the smell test before I lather it.... Thx for seconding the recommendation.

I have only found one unscented variety to have an unpleasant scent. That is Declaration. Airing it did not help.
I air to help the the soap firm up. I am sure there is a limit but, the firmer the better.
Mellowing the scent is a nice extra.

 

[hariph creek]

Keeping in mind I do not have anywhere near the experience of most members here, but I experienced some irritation from a few of the scented soaps I have purchased. I have since purchased the following unscented soaps and thoroughly enjoy each of them equally:

Stirling Soap Co. | Naked & Smooth
Saponificio Bignoli Shaving Cream - Fragrance Free
Canada Shaving Soap

I have experienced absolutely ZERO irritation with each of these. I find they all lather up the same using the same brush and provide equal slickness.

I will also add a scented soap which for some reason does not bother my skin at all, the RazoRock Essential Oil of Lime Italian Shaving Soap. Super slick and smells like a million bucks!

I like you have very little experience.
I have tried a few. I might have an inkling of a notion about how to quantify the attributes of a couple of them.
I am still just a monkey with a typewriter...err...ahh... cell phone? No words of genius shall issue forth from me.

The Beeswax Stirling is also brilliant! The quality to price ratio of Stirling and Canada are excellent. However, Stirling is easily available.
A person could skip the boutique fatty unobtainium soaps and just use the Beeswax, and it would not be "settling." I assume Naked and Smooth is just as good.

 

[hariph creek]

Currently offered at Mike's. Link.


View attachment 1679238



Mike's Unscented needs to be left unopened in open air for a while. Just until the scent mellows out. The scent which probably won't bother you but it bothers me will mostly dissipate. Perhaps entirely.

Mike's are my current favorite soaps going by how often I use any other base or brand.

Happy shaves,

Jim

OK, ordered even paying shipping it still comes in at less than my self imposed max of $5 per ounce.
Funny, paying shipping for it just to come across the river.
I will update this thread with a bonus Mike's review in a month or so.

 

[mkc1mjb]

Great review! I enjoyed reading all of the comments in the string. Just ordered some new soap tonight

 

[filedog]

EXCELLENT write up! I am shopping for an unscented soap, and this was very helpful.

 

[Doc Dan]

Thanks for the great write up. Ariana & Evans K2e base is definitely a top tier performer. The Stirling Unscented Beeswax is a huge surprise for me. Most of Stirling soaps are just okay with a straight razor. However, this tallow + beeswax makes huge amounts of creamy lather and is slicker than snot on a vaseline pole. It leaves my face feeling nice and hydrated. The only smell is a bit of beeswax smell, which is nice.

 

[hariph creek]

Thanks for the great write up. Ariana & Evans K2e base is definitely a top tier performer. The Stirling Unscented Beeswax is a huge surprise for me. Most of Stirling soaps are just okay with a straight razor. However, this tallow + beeswax makes huge amounts of creamy lather and is slicker than snot on a vaseline pole. It leaves my face feeling nice and hydrated. The only smell is a bit of beeswax smell, which is nice.

I agree the A&E K2e is outstanding. For me it is the best of the fatty tallow soaps I have tried. All the luxury without all the greasy, and no funny smells. Plus with their shave butter, they are doing something good over there.

Zingari Man Sego is excellent too. Like the Canada it is well balanced.

Stirling Beeswax really was a nice surprise. I am almost tempted to get there Naked and Smooth to compare. But, I am so done trying soaps...(except for that one I am trying now).
I fear I slip into the mindset that Stirling is so much soap for so little money, that it must be a happy accident for a "budget" brand to get it so right. That is wrong, he clearly knows what he is doing and there are no corners being cut with ingredients. It is absolutley a top teir soap.
I could use only the Beeswax going forward and be totally happy.
I think I said it before but, Stirling Beeswax and Canada are my picks for the most economical but still excellent unscented shave soaps I have tried thus far. Only Beeswax easier easy to find, and I suspect by most peoples taste, gives the better shave.

 

[Doc Dan]

Loading with Stirling Beeswax and then loading with an underperforming but nice smelling soap is a winner.