A quick update to report back on my first shave with V.8 vegan.
V.7 is based on the following formula:
- Stearic acid
- Coconut oil
- Castor oil
- Vegetable glycerin
- Distilled water
- Potassium hydroxide
V.8 has that same core of ingredients but, wanting to improve the cushion and post-shave I've amended it as follows:
- Stearic acid
- Coconut oil
- Castor oil
- Unrefined shea butter
- Pumpkinseed oil
- Vegetable glycerin
- Distilled water
- Potassium hydroxide
Rationale:
Shea butter is brilliant stuff. Rich in precious constituents such as unsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, vitamins E, D and pro-vitamin A. It is considered a super food for skin and regarded as one of natures best skincare products for winter and after-sun care as it provides the extra moisture, nutrients and protection needed by your skin during the cold season and summer. Effective in soothing dry itchy or flaky skin. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities and gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or clogging the pores.
Not too shabby, then and my thinking was that it had the words "post shave" written all over it
Pumpkinseed oil is similar in that it is high in linoleic acid and oleic acids. In English, then these acids lend the ingredient very good moisturising qualities. It's high in antioxidants, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and also Vitamin E. In the context of lather it isn't a game changer like castor oil but it does contribute to the creaminess / richness. I've added it to this formula to test it for its post-shave attributes.
I've just had my first shave with V8 and can report back that the post shave is certainly better. I have a nice silky sheen like feel to my skin. I'm going to have two or three more shaves and alternate between V7 and V8 in order to get a better take on V8's cushion. Early indications are that it is improved but I feel one shave isn't enough of a test for me to say that that's definitely the case.
More soon, guys.
Thanks,
Kerry.