Before the shave itself was the prep, of course: Grooming Dept Moisturizing Pre-Shave and then a wonderful lather from Tallow + Steel’s Cognac shave soap (whose ingredients are well described on this page). The lather, easily aroused with my Simpson Persian Jar 2 Super, was thick, creamy, and slick, and the fragrance is a delight:
Cognac (38%) | Oakwood (21%) | Vanilla (18%) | Orange (8%) | Tobacco (7%) | Cocoa (6%) | Jasmine (2%) | 100% natural aromatic extracts from botanicals.
The razor today is the excellent iKon Shavecraft X3, here mounted on a RazoRock Barber Pole handle, a handle that is one of my favorites. Three passes left my face perfectly smooth.
The blade is a Astra Keramik Platinum, no longer made, but when it was made, it — like many other excellent brands — was made in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russia — aye, there’s the rub, for who knows how much longer blades will be available from that source? Sharpologist has a list of brands that come from St. Petersburg. You might want to stock up while retailers still have a supply.
And after the shave, one naturally experiences the aftershave. And this aftershave! Smells good, feels good, is good — and here’s why:
Aftershave Ingredients
Organic Witch Hazel
A liquid that is distilled from the dried leaves, bark, and twigs of the Hamamelis virginianaor witch hazel shrub. Native Americans have long appreciated the medicinal properties of witch hazel and used the boiled plant parts to treat skin irritations and tumors. This herbal remedy is recognized world-wide as a natural cleanser and toner. Our witch hazel is certified organic.
Organic Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a clear gel coming from Aloe Vera leaves. Aloe vera contains many vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent treatment for burns, wounds, and inflammatory skin conditions. Our aloe vera is GMO-free and certified organic.
Organic Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is an odorless liquid produced from plant oils. Glycerin is a great moisturizer and provides softening benefits for the skin. Our glycerin is GMO-free and certified organic.
Organic Rose Hydrosol
Also known as rose flower water, rose hydrosol is the aqueous product of rose distillation and carries the hydrophilic properties (water-soluble components) of the plant. Our rose hydrosol is certified organic.
Organic Calendula Hydrosol
Also known as calendula flower water, calendula hydrosol is the aqueous product of calendula distillation and carries the hydrophilic properties (water-soluble components) of the plant. Our calendula hydrosol is certified organic.
Alcohol
This alcohol is from the distillation of our organic witch hazel and acts a preservative for the aftershave.
Organic Quillaja Extract
Quillaja extract comes from the bark of the Quillaja Saponaria, or soap bark tree from Chile.
Organic Cucumber Extract
Cucumbers contain vitamin C, and plenty of vitamin K, both antioxidants, which fight dark circles under the eyes. This is why a couple of cucumber slices placed over tired, puffy eyes in the morning makes you look refreshed. Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is another compound found in cucumbers that helps your skin retain moisture. The vitamin A, or retinol, in cucumbers fights dark spots and freckles because it helps control your skin’s production of melanin.
Organic Licorice Root Extract
Licorice Root has been used for its health benefits as far back as ancient China. The syrupy juice from the herb’s root contains beneficial plant sterols, which promote skin elasticity and fight inflammation and wrinkle formation. Licorice root also contains glycyrrhizin, an acid that plays a role in increasing steroid hormones that naturally occur in skin.
Organic Rosemary Extract
Rosemary has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities that make it beneficial in efforts to eliminate eczema, dermatitis, oily skin, and acne. We use it also as a natural preservative to help keep our aftershaves fresh, allowing us to avoid chemical preservatives.
Organic Willow Bark Extract
Willow Bark is beneficial for the skin due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, soothing and conditioning properties.
Willow Bark contains salicylic acid which is created by the conversion of salicin to this acid compound. A 2010 study reported that salicin can help reduce the visible signs of skin aging. Researchers applied a serum product containing 0.5 percent salicin on the faces of women aged 35 to 70, every day for 12 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in wrinkles, roughness, pore size, radiance, and overall appearance after only one week, with additional improvements in hyper-pigmentation, firmness, and jawline contour after four weeks.
Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from radishes fermented with Leuconostoc kimchii, a lactic acid bacteria.
Coconut Fruit Extract + Lactobacillus
A natural preservative derived from fermenting Coconut fruit with Lactobacillus.
Natural Fragrance (Botanical Extracts)
Natural fragrance materials – those extracted from botanicals. This means aromatic extracts like essential oils (from steam distillation), absolutes and resins (from solvent extraction), CO2 extracts (from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction), or infusions.