The Sensitive Subject of Allergens



It is often seen on the label of cosmetic products "If irritation occurs discontinue usage". One may ask, why would a cosmetic company produce a product that would cause the consumer irritation? Causing the consumer irritation is not done intentionally. However because of the numerous chemical components that are found in cosmetic products and the broad spectrum of skin types and sensitivity of the consumers, there is a chance that a percentage of those purchasing the product will have an adverse reaction due to its usage. This adverse reaction can possibly be traced to a group of compounds collectively known as "Allergens".

Allergens are compounds that are capable of producing undesirable reactions through the normal immune system in people that are predisposed to respond to their presence. This predisposition is known as hyp...
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Have Synthetic Brushes Come of Age?



When I took up wet shaving seriously several years ago, I gave little thought to acquiring a synthetic brush. Based on the reviews I read of them at the time, they were easy to dismiss. They seemed to be at the low-end of desirability, but adequate for shavers with allergies to animal hair or shavers who objected to using animal products. They also had notable drawbacks that were well-documented in reviews at the time.

I built a small collection of badgers and boars over the next year or so while I looked for a razor that would suit my needs. In 2011, I found the razor I wanted, and discovered a German company called Mühle. Their catalog described a synthetic brush with Silvertip Fibres® that were claimed to closely imitate badger. I bought one o...
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