Allergic Nightmare: My Experience With Acqua Di Parma Shaving Soap 💥

I had a shocking and quite severe 'whole body' allergic reaction to an ingredient in the Acqua di Parma shaving cream/soap. I am talking about that a little in this short video.
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[@leehaseley2164]

Oh, bloody well NO! I am so very sorry that you had such an adverse reaction to a soap you(and I) were so excited about. That sounds a truly horrific and horrifying experience.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Oh thank you! I was really excited to try it, although I'm just glad I got through it. Obviously posh stuff is not for me 😂 Improving every day, now thankfully. I might never find out exactly what it was, that caused such a reaction. Very strange and hopefully never to be repeated. Thank, Lee.

[@blainehoopes2153]

Wow! Sounds like a nightmare. Glad you are better now. I'm pretty lucky that my skin doesn't seem to be sensitive to soaps/fragrances -- but I have a very keen sense of smell and most soaps are way, way, way too strongly scented for me. I've come to enjoy many exotic scented soaps but I honestly prefer a very simple soap like the old Tallow MWF or Tabac. I think my favorite is to use Rose Water to lather up my tallow MWF.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Using rose water to lather MWF sounds very interesting! I think a lot of A&E soaps are quite strongly scented; I wonder if this is why quite a few seem to have allergy issues with it. The fashion for strong scents seems quite prevalent these days. I was watching an advert for a strongly scented fabric conditioner - I can't think of anything I would like less. Imagine matching that with your shower gel, shaving soap and edt!

[@WolfRanger2008]

I am very sorry to learn of the acute allergic reaction that you suffered. This is doubly unfortunate given the circumstances by which acquired the soap. I am glad that you escaped critically severe medical emergency. The only irritation , from a shaving soap , that I have experienced is the slightest burning sensation with gunpowder and Cuban cigar scented items. This said, I developed a tolerance and typically have no reaction at present. Consequently, I have never had to retire a soap.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you, Keith. I think I was lucky, although it was a shame; I had so looking forward to shaving with AdP. I was quite excited. You are a lucky fellow to have such a good tolerance to scented products, that must be very nice. I am going to have to write down the soaps that affect me!

[@steveboyd3455]

Ouch! Sorry to hear this news Mark. That is a shocker. I once had a blind buy of an Ariana and Evans soap, and the first time I used it, I had a red rash on my face. I should have PIF'd it but in a fit of pique I scraped all the soap from the container and put the plastic tub in the recycle bin. You look like you are through the worst of it and recovering so that is good to hear. Take care and have a restful weekend.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Steve. I seem to have had a skin reaction to a quite lot of the Ariana and Evans soaps that I've tried. Reading up on this, it seems to be quite common. I'm all good, it's only really my chest that is slightly bothering me. It'll go soon enough. Thanks mate. All the best.

[@RonnieYates]

Yea. This is one of the brands that react with me as well. Great scents but many don’t agree.

[@justinremple7986]

Wow that’s a terrible experience Mark so sorry to hear this but I was happy to see another video from you sharing this experience, I had a terrible reaction to an aftershave that was supposed to be all natural and alcohol free now I DO test new stuff on just a very small spot on my arm before trying it on my face to make sure it’s not gonna irritate me, getting old is still a learning curve!!! 😂😂

[@FriendshipShaving]

Good advice! I just said, while recording next Friday's video, people don't seem to be allergic to edt/edp's etc. How wrong am I? Getting old is definitely a learning curve - every day, man!😂

[@garrylockett]

A great shame of your allergic reaction, good to hear you are ok. Glad you have decided to PIF the soap to someone rather than dispose of it.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you! It was very unfortunate, and I hope it never happens again, to any of us.👍

[@dragosv2573]

Oh, Mark... Very sorry to hear you had bad allergic reactions, hope you are on a good track of recovering. I have a strange skin sometime but I didn`t had this kind of rections with the soaps that i use, like proraso (red, green and white), TUBS for sensitive skin. All the best !

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Dragos. I hope you are keeping well, my friend. I have recovered, but it put me off shaving for a few days. I hope you never have thiis type of reaction; I think it is very rare. I am one of the lucky ones😂

[@steveboyd3455]

Funny you mentioned MDC. I have MDC Naturel which is their unscented shave soap. I think it is 4 ingredients and it works fabulously. The nice thing about simple unscented soap like that is that you can then pick whatever aftershave or scented balm you like without thinking about matching things.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Yes, that is a very good reason to buy unscented soaps; it might mean I have quite an uneventful channel though. Although, I do like the idea of trying that and focusing a little bit on aftershaves/scented balms. Nice one! Four ingredients is so simple, and I do like MdC.

[@ChristiansWetShavingWorld]

Hi! I just had this Thursday a horrible reaction to the shaving stick from Speick - got a razorburn like feeling and wet bumps/spots - Still spots there. Hope you are doing better. Greetings from Germany 👋🏻 Christian

[@FriendshipShaving]

Sorry to read that you had a bad reaction to Speick. If it's is made with alpine flowers, I vaguely remember that I might have had a small reaction to it.

[@ChristiansWetShavingWorld]

@@FriendshipShaving yes it is the red shaving stick with the Speick flower extract - with the Speick men soap and the Speick shaving cream I have no troubles.

[@jensebu78]

I have problems with some soaps as well. Mitchells Woolfat was the worst. I did a lather testing with it and had it in my face a longer time. I had burning and redness. I mixed it with Tabac Original, because the Tabac-Original scent is too strong for me. I get a tingle from it, why i don't use it very much. Hope you won't get a reaction like that never again! All the best to you my friend!

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you Jens, for demonstrating that many, including myself, tend to think of Mitchell's Woolfat as a fairly safe soap, but it is lightly scented and either the scent compounds or the lanolin, obviously can cause a reaction. I hope no-one gets a reaction like mine - it ruined a perfectly nice shave 😂 Be well, my friend.

[@jensebu78]

@@FriendshipShaving I think it's the Woolfat. I had another soap which I had problems with. Although with Woolfat. On the other hand I used soaps with Woolfat without problems too. I guess it's the amount?🤷🏻 Yes, nobody needs such allergic reactions like yours! So, normally we really should try it in a small area first... All the best, Jens

[@nthdegree1269]

Wow! That is quite a reaction. The only things I've reacted to so far are Proraso Green and a little bit of the White sometimes... It kind of burns my skin. The Blue is great for me. Taylor old Bond Street been pretty good for me... It might be a good idea to do a patch test before using new products... Starting with a very small amount on your skin and seeing what happens after time. Talk to your doctor about some of those symptoms and what's the best way forward when trying new products.

[@FriendshipShaving]

I think it is unusual for the white Prorasso to cause a slight reaction; it just goes to show that one can never be totally sure unless one tries it and then works out what the allergen is. A patch test is a very good idea!

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Mark- So very sorry to hear about the allergic reaction to the soap. It sounded very worrisome, indeed. I am glad to hear you are feeling better and on the mend. Take it easy and rest for the weekend. Take good care, Mark, and sending best regards, as always, my friend!

[@FriendshipShaving]

I'm much better, thank you Mike. Much improved. It was not the kind of thing one expects to happen when going for a shave!😀 I hope it doesn't happen, to any of us. I hope you are enjoying your weekend mate. It's nice and bright here. Take care.

[@robertmacmoneagle6917]

So very sorry to hear that you were unwell Mark. I did say that i have been concerned about your coughing and now this. Please do see your doctor as has been suggested and have allergy tests conducted because what you went through needs looking into. Now do as you're told or I'll tell your Mam. ❤

[@FriendshipShaving]

😂 I love that, Rob. Please don't tell my Mam! 😂 That was so good.

[@HAKIMEOVER9000]

That's a nightmare, I'm so glad you are better now. Did you buy the soap used, because if so I would be asking the seller so question.

[@FriendshipShaving]

No, it was kind and thoughtful gift. It was just unfortunate, and a shame as it really was a lovely scent. Cheers.

[@ivermec-tin666]

This is why I am so picky about my soap bases, and favor tallow bases. For those in the USA with such sensitivities or concerns about developing them I recommend Mike's Natural Soaps. He makes an unscented shaving croap which contains: Distilled Water, Saponified tallow and stearic acid, saponified kokum butter, avocado oil, shea butter, lanolin, saponified coconut oil, kaolin clay, and vitamin E. It makes a foolproof lather with good cushion, glide, and slickness. I also recommend bar soap for general use from Old Whippersnapper. His tallow soap is top tier and the ingredients list is very short. I do like scents, but have taken to using edt or edp after the shave instead of during it. I have, in the past, had coworkers with multiple chemical sensitivity, and discontinued the use of all scented products at that time, years ago.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you for your recommendation of Mike's unscented soap. I've never heard of Old Whippersnapper, in this country, but it's a great name. It is a good idea to use a fragrance after shaving. On that note, I have never had a reaction to an edt/edp. How strange.

[@ivermec-tin666]

@@FriendshipShaving That you have never had a reaction to an EDT or EDP is something to be grateful for. Legislation in the EU has forced perfumers to reduce or even eliminate many ingredients that are provocative over the years. The downside is that these reformulated scents tend not to be as persistent. The upside is that they provoke reaction in far fewer users and their neighbors. If you look around, I am sure you can find a local artisan who makes old fashioned lye and tallow based soap, just like our great grandparents used. This is the tradition that Old Whippersnapper honors. I am leery of a perfumer who ventures into making wet shaving products. I would much prefer a soap maker who partners with a perfumer to scent their tried and true base. Soap makers are more closely connected to this hobby, and to the qualities that wet shaver's prize. Perfumers are chemists and alchemists. Different skillsets/priorities/concerns. I recall seeing a UK artisan soap very much like MWF (tallow based with lanolin), but without the scary list of ingredients. She sells on Etsy and at local farmer's markets. I just don't recall her handle at the moment.

[@FWild-eb1rd]

Sad to hear that you hat such a Bad experience

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you, we live and learn. Well, hopefully😀 All the best.

[@thomasa.243]

Certain fragrance components (like Geraniol, Citronellol, etc.) need to be added to the ingredients list. Actually, a lot of people are allergic to natural citrus oils (included orange, bergamot, grapefruit, lemons, etc.). Edit: I just recently got a reaction to Ariana & Evan’s Pedro Fiasco Barbershop. All the other soaps, no problem. But that one gave me a very bad skin rash. Probably also some fragrance component…

[@FriendshipShaving]

This is interesting information, thank you. I don't think I am allergic to citrus oils, but it may be that citrus soaps tend to affect me the most. I'll have to watch out, and start making notes about the ones that cause me issues because I can't remember all of them that have!

[@davidcrowe3486]

Oh my, what a reaction. Glad you've recovered without going to the hospital. I guess that's the chance we take when trying new soaps.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thanks David. I never realised the risk could be so real. But, I suppose people have this with shellfish; peanuts and all sorts of things. It's part of our human condition, I suppose. I live to shave again 😀 Take care buddy.

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you.

[@FriendshipShaving]

You're welcome! Take care.

[@mattsmartialartsmadness5285]

Glad you are feeling better. Allergic reactions can be scary because you never initially know if it will keep getting worse or lighten up.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Exactly that, Matt. That was well written. One is waiting to see what will happen, hoping it will not get any worse and, at the same time, being concerned in case you leave it too long to call for help!

[@andyc3943]

Wow thats a nasty reaction Mark, glad you are getting back to normal now. The comparison list will be good if you can identify the ingredient which has caused this. You try so many soaps this must have somthing a bit out of the ordinary to do that to you! Take care Mark and have a restful weekend! Best wishes Andy

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thanks Andy, that is very kind. There are a few ingredients that are not in my normal soaps because the AdP is much more like a cream; it is a very soft soap. I will keep checking!😀

[@michaelfinn3366]

Hi Mark, so sorry about your experience with the shave cream. Hope you’re ok now. I actually used it this morning with no problem. Having said that only this week got my money back from an Ariana &Evans soap because it did the same to me. That is the second A and e soap that has done that to me so needless to say I will never buy an Ariana and evans soap again. Take care Mark. Mike Finn.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Michael. I hope you are keeping well. It was just one of those things; I am actually quite disappointed, as I had looked forward to using it very much. It was a lovely gift. On the up side, all of the MdC soaps are brilliant! Someone else mentioned having a reaction against Ariana and Evans' shaving soap, and of the ones I have tried, a few of them have irritated me. It seems quite common. My chest is still irritating me a little, but it will pass. I'm alive. well and still shaving😀 All the very best, my friend.

[@martinpatterson3417]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds horrific. If you haven't done so already then maybe ask your GP for an allergy test to see what it is that you react to.

[@FriendshipShaving]

That's good advice, Martin. Thank you. Mind you if it is a fragrance compound, it isn't listed but it's still a good idea. Thanks👍

[@RichardE62]

That's ashamed. It's such a good product.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Don't write that Richard, I'm jealous! The scent was lovely! The balm was good and the post shave feel was superb! I can't deny it😀

[@dapperdave2865]

Hi Mark, I had a similar issue and was tested to see what I am allergic to. A pine resin called Tolophony(also called Rosen). When the test result arrives the doc says he’d never seen that before. Hope this helps, Dave

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Dave. This is interesting! You did this through your doctor, obviously. I did have a pin prick test, years ago, when I was little, that identified milk and a few other things, like aspirin and penicillin etc. I may look into this further. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@royhadley686]

Blimey that's some reaction. Take care Mark

[@FriendshipShaving]

I'm not one to do things by half 😂 Thank you, Roy👍

[@davidanderson3425]

Hi Mark, that sounds like a terrible experience for you. Not wishing to worry you but this is not a trivial matter and should not be dismissed. Some of the symptoms you describe: difficulty in breathing and skin rash are often found in cases of anaphylactic shock. To prevent the possibility of using the same chemical components again in another soap it might be worth discussing with your doctor who may decide to refer you to immunology for tests. I experienced a rash the other day (not soap related) and luckily had an antihistamine tablet in my bag that I take for hay fever. It was amazing how quickly the tablet made the rash go away. We're talking 10 or 15 minutes only. It's worth having something like that in the house, just in case. Anyway, take it easy over the weekend and make sure all the Acqua Di Parma is fully washed off your shaving brush.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi David. Thank you for your thoughts. There are a couple of ingredients that are suspect, in terms of my reaction. I cannot use products that contain salicylic acid - derived from willow bark as it affects my asthma - I found out that sodium silicate is a sodium salt of salicylic acid and benzl salicitate is an ester of salicylic acid. I'm not sure if that still means it affects my asthma but it seems likely.

[@leehaseley2164]

The only alleric reaction I have had that was so severe was due to something I ate here in Thailand; naam bpoo, which is a concentration of cooked paddy crabs, shells and all.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Ooh, that reads like it may have really nasty! I honestly write that I would fancy trying that.

[@leehaseley2164]

@@FriendshipShaving it is commonly accepted here that at least 30% of people who try it will not fare well. Some people even go into shock.

[@shavingfox7914]

Jesus, that is really bad mate. I think you have had a lucky escape there Mark. TOBS too, stick to the ones you know. Have a good weekend Atb Paul

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hey Paul. I think I was lucky - I must be allergic to those 'posh' ingredients 😂 All good now, thank you. Take care.

[@RonnieYates]

Oh my - terrible. This is the worst reaction I’ve heard. Glad u are better. The worst I’ve had is red burning face and burning for a few hours after. I won’t be trying this one. I think we had reactions to some of the same products in the past. I have to be careful with A&E, RazoRock that has citrus, good fellas smile, things that have spices such as cinnamon or clove I believe. I try to get samples before buying a full tub since my collection is pretty solid at this point for me. Take care. Looking forward to the muhle STF knot review. It is a 25mm? I think That one is the best.

[@FriendshipShaving]

I have never heard of a reaction this bad, thank goodness it doesn't seem to happen very often. Do you know, I've been in for a shave twice since then, and come straight back out again! It's really played with my head, even though I know i won't have an issue with any of the other used soaps I have in the den. Yes, 25mm. It is really nice!👍

[@RonnieYates]

@@FriendshipShaving hang in there buddy. Yea just use the stuff you know works like Mitchell’s or Palmolive. That reaction sounds crazy. Worst I’ve heard of.

[@pauledmonds4141]

Sounds like a really horrible experience. Hope you’re feeling better now.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you, Paul. I am much better, now.

[@paulspeller968]

oh mate that is bad luck . least your ok now my friend 👍

[@FriendshipShaving]

Oh mate - I think I'm allergic to posh stuff!😀 I hope it never happens again! Obviously

[@drunkn711]

Your reaction to the soap is the worst I've heard of. You should tell your doctor about it, maybe they can give you something for emergencies like you were experiencing. Definitely was a severe reaction. All that being said, the thumbnail for this video is great! 😀👍 Have a good one! Steve

[@degsyuk]

Unfortunately, without knowing what the fragrance compounds are the list of ingredients (and its associated disclaimer) are worthless. I have sensitivity problems with many shaving soaps, shower gels and moisturisers. My painful (sometimes incredibly painful taking 10 days or more for the welts and scabbing to heal) experience has taught me to be very cautious. I now discard products at the first tingle or sign of discomfort. That being said, a small number of manufacturers do include a more complete list of ingredients and this has enabled me to identify a compound used to imitate jasmine as something to avoid at all costs. Good luck with your endeavours.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hell Derrick. Yes, I thought that without knowing the complete list of suspects that the disclaimer was pretty useless. I'm sorry to read that you have to be very careful indeed, with the products you use! Your experience of welts and scabbing is horrible. Good job, on finding, and avoiding, the jasmine compound. I will certainly endeavour to be more careful and hope to find the culprit responsible for my discomfort. All the best👍

[@leehaseley2164]

The factvthat this soap has such a warning is somewhat disconcerting, and tells us that not only have a great many people had such reactions, but also that they have decided to keep on making and selling it anyway.

[@FriendshipShaving]

That's a really good point, Lee. Quite thought provoking; I wonder if you are right. My TOBS video, although not such a mature, or informed, video as this got an awful lot of comments from others who were allergic to it, too.

[@unclelshaves]

Wow that's a terrible reaction to that soap👎🥴

[@speedcrusader3779]

taylor of old bond was bothersome to my skin

[@FriendshipShaving]

Oh, that was some terrible stuff. Loads of folk react to TOBS.

[@speedcrusader3779]

@@FriendshipShaving burned pretty bad and Clubman aftershave to was bad to

[@user-ey3bv3yt7o]

i love acqua di parma, would you like to sell it?

[@FriendshipShaving]

I'm afraid it has already been moved on. Sorry about that.

[@user-ey3bv3yt7o]

@@FriendshipShaving no problem, thank you for replying

[@peterbudd44]

Are you sure the problem has not come from drinking ink ? Haha .. all the best .

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thanks Peter. You can't beat a nice cool glass of black ink.

[@whoaskedforthis]

Croaptonite

[@FriendshipShaving]

Oh yes! 😀 That was a clever pun.

[@whoaskedforthis]

a gripping episode in the adventures of super friendship shaving

[@MMGP_ASGAARD]

What a shocker !! It sounds like you've experienced anaphylaxis. Hope you had some antihistamines to hand !!! They're supposed to declare the allergens. They're typically the last items listed. So if they're not listed perhaps the vintage of the soap predates the change in the legislation ? Awful experience !!!

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Graham, I actually didn't know that antihistamines would help! I have some for hay-fever, so I could have taken one of those, I guess. They may have declared the allergen but there are quite a lot of ingredients in this soap that aren't in my normal soaps. All okay now though, thanks mate. I did put me off shaving for a week!