A Review: Saponificio Varesino Optuntia Shaving Soap
Three weeks ago Saponificio Varesino generously gave me a free Special Edition Opuntia Shaving Soap to test. Here’s my review.
I have used a few Saponificio Varesino shaving soaps, balms and bath soaps before so I was expecting nothing other than excellent results from Optuntia, I wasn’t disappointed.
Opuntia Shaving Soap comes in a fancy aluminium tin in which you lather the soap up in, so no need for a bowl. The tin looks fabulous when displayed in my bathroom, real old school Italian branding.
When lathering hard soaps I tend to pour some warm water into the tin, put the lid back on then have my shower. By the time I’m ready to shave the surface of the soap has softened making lathering up quick, easy and less stressful for my shaving brush.
The water on the top of the soap I use as a pre-shave, it really softens the bristles leading to a comfortable shave.
The lather I paint into my beard bristles, Opuntia delivers a rich, creamy lather that has the most sensational scent. Saponificio Varesino describes the scent as being rich and warm on a base of chamomile with fresh notes of lavender and eucalyptus. I don’t detect eucalyptus but I do get lavender and musk with hints of woodiness. The scent is subjective but whatever you get from it'll be to your liking I’m sure of that.
If you suffer from razor burn you really should try this soap, it is exceptionally protective, lots of razor glide due to the inclusion of glycerin and Parkii Butter and plenty cushioning too. Unusually it also contains Prickly Pear Extract known for being moisturising and having powers of skin protection.
I have used Opuntia at least 15 times and the surface of the soap seems barely touched, like other Saponificio Varesino I reckon you’ll easily get 6 months shaving from one puck.
I didn’t think they could beat their Felce (Fern) shaving soap for all-around excellence but Opuntia is right up there with Felce.
For maximum benefits use the matching Opuntia Bath Soap and Aftershave Balm as part of your daily grooming routine. Cost: £32.00.
Rating 10/10.
Written by Brian Mulreany
Sales Director
The Executive Shaving Company
T: 0141 880 3040
E: info@executive-shaving.co.uk