Trouble with Razorock soap

[lerenau]

Hi all,

So, I have a 4 soaps/creams sitting on my counter.
A Geo F Trumper, a PAA, a Crown King, and a Rozorock.
They all give fantastic results!... Except the Razorock (Moroccan Secret).

Every time I've used it, I've ended up with massive razor-burn and my face stings the whole day. Its been so bad that people at work have asked if I was 'OK'.

You would guess that it's just my technique (which isn't great), but I have been getting much better shaves with the other brands.

This morning I tried the Razorock for the 3rd time to see if it would be different.
The result was *better*. But, only because my technique has improved considerably over the last few weeks.
But it was still very sub-par and my face still burns. It honestly feels not much better than if I had just used a handful of conditioner.

I made sure to lather heaps this time too... getting meringue-like peaks going.
And used a pre-shave oil.
Nothin'. Nada. Zip. Except for burns and disappointment.

Has anyone else experienced this?
Did I just get a bad batch? Is this common in soaps and I've just been lucky to date?
Or should I just avoid Razorock? Maybe it's just not a right fit for me?

Here's soap in question:
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/RazoRock-Artisan-Moroccan-Secret-Shaving-Soap-150ml_p_1731.html

 

[Spencer Frankel]

I know that Cris get this result too. I've got the razorock one x and the stallion. Both are some of the best in my den, and I've got a couple soaps, they may just not like your skin. Check the ingredients lists on soaps you like and razorock products. i guess I've been lucky cause I absolutely love razorock soaps

 

[alfredus]

There might be a ton of reasons - but the simplest solution: just don't use it any more. Life is way to short for poor shaves and there are fantastic soaps out there, so why bother?

 

[lerenau]

There might be a ton of reasons - but the simplest solution: just don't use it any more. Life is way to short for poor shaves and there are fantastic soaps out there, so why bother?

Yeah. That's the conclusion I had come to. I'd rather give it away and make room for a soap that likes me.
I just wanted to be sure I gave it a fair go... And I think I did that.
Still disappointed, though.

 

[Adam]

Strange, is it some kind of allergic reaction? My first thoughts would be that it has to be technique, and nothing to do with the soap itself. I only say that as Razorock soaps are some of the best you can buy.

Once i purchased a couple of soap commander soaps and one of the scents with spices caused reaction to my skin. It was the only soap i had experienced this with.

 

[Greenpike]

I've heard a lot of similar stories with various essential oils... might be that there is something in that soap that your skin doesn't like? I wouldn't write-off all their soaps because of this one reaction to a particular scents. PM me if you'd like some samples of X, XXX and Tuscan Oud to try out. Happy to PIF you some.

 

[lerenau]

Strange, is it some kind of allergic reaction? My first thoughts would be that it has to be technique, and nothing to do with the soap itself. I only say that as Razorock soaps are some of the best you can buy.

Once i purchased a couple of soap commander soaps and one of the scents with spices caused reaction to my skin. It was the only soap i had experienced this with.

Well, I just did some checking and it seems it has Argan oil.
From a dermatological article:

When making a purchase, it is a good idea to stay away from impure argan oil because impurities can damage the skin. As you start using argan oil for face treatments, make sure to pay special attention to how your body reacts, as some people may develop an allergic reaction to the oil.
​

So, maybe I'm mildly allergic? *shrug*

I've heard a lot of similar stories with various essential oils... might be that there is something in that soap that your skin doesn't like? I wouldn't write-off all their soaps because of this one reaction to a particular scents. PM me if you'd like some samples of X, XXX and Tuscan Oud to try out. Happy to PIF you some.

Ohhh. That sounds tempting. But, I have so many new soaps coming I might just hold-off on Razorock for a while... Just to let that part of my brain chill-out a bit.
I promise I'll give (a different) Razorock a go once I've had my breather. *grin*

 

[todras]

Every time I've used it, I've ended up with massive razor-burn and my face stings the whole day. Its been so bad that people at work have asked if I was 'OK'.

This is a widely reported problem with razo rock soaps, I got rid of mine months ago as I found them very poor performing and very drying. I also experienced the redness you mention, cushion and glide was next to non existent.

 

[Snooze]

Ive used three or four Razorock soaps (XXX, Mudder Focker, Freedburg) and found them very good for the price (i.e. cheap). I do get a burning sensation from some "spice" soaps e.g. Moroccan, "Pumpkin Spice" type scents. I think many people are sensitive to the cinnamon used in these scents. There are many other great soaps out there so dont put up with the "burn" - try another soap!

 

[todras]

I think many people are sensitive to the cinnamon used in these scents.

It's possible, but I use Cinnamon in my aftershaves and get no reaction, from my reading around the traps on Razorock the redness results from excessive Coconut oil that is quite drying for some skin types.

 

[Psmith]

In my experience RazoRock soaps can be pretty good, but don't take too much water. Some can get a bit 'meringue' like, which mean that there is little in the way of cushion. There is also the scent factor. If I've ever had issues with scents it's the 'spice' type scents, where clove or other essential oils irritate my skin.

 

[RustyBlade]

Interesting enough I get some razor burn too on a particular part of my cheek when using Soap Commander's Respect and put it down to my technique and that soap commander's cushion & slickness is less to my main B&M driver. Didn't think of a possible reaction to it, so thanks @lerenau.
Will try to isolate that part of the soap to see if I should avoid certain soaps or vary my technique or pre-shave.

Is the one that @lerenau using an older razorock formula @todras? So XXX, tuscan oud (my pick from the description) maybe different @Greenpike
Other options IMO is the Crown King High butter formulas* for slickness & moisture retention though every face is different.
*disclaimer I'm new to DE and lathering so my opinions are faceless and are based from samples I acquired.

 

[nav1]

RR soaps are heavily scented with fragrance oils.

I reacted to each and every one of them and won't dare use another one.

 

[SpeedyPC]

RR soaps are heavily scented with fragrance oils.

I reacted to each and every one of them and won't dare use another one.

+1 I don't like Razorock soaps too heavily scented with fragrance oils.

 

[Adam]

I have to say I am a bit stunned at the general consensus re RR soaps.
American forums rate them so highly and the XXX soap would be one of the most popular if not the most popular soap in wet shavers den universally.
Also I have the most sensitive skin known to man kind and I have never reacted to a RR soap. All be it I only have tried 3.

 

[Monsta_AU]

I only have the RR Zi Pepino but don't get a reaction to it. There is at least one fragrance oil in it to my nose - once you smell them you can tell when they are in a mix. It's the post-shave feel that I do not enjoy - it does trigger oilyness in my skin and I have enough of that already.

The only thing that has ever given me grief is the PAA 'Strewth' soap but that took about 3 shaves to set me off. It gave @borked an immediate reaction. No issues with the AS either as I tested separately.

Anyway @lerenau I would see if you can get a swap in the trade section once it opens up to you. We hhave a few guiys in Canberra now @Mark1966 - may be local meet time for you all.